Our latest turbo convertible build is getting dual Setrab oil coolers with fan packs, along with airflow refinement to the radiator.
When you run a front mount intercooler, airflow management is no longer optional. It becomes the limiting factor in how well the entire system performs.
A proper shroud in front of the radiator and A/C condenser is critical. Without it, air takes the path of least resistance—and your cooling efficiency drops.
On this build, we are not using thermostats for the oil coolers.
The rotary engine is an oil-flow-driven system. Consistent oil movement is more important than restricting flow to accelerate warm-up.
Yes, it takes a few extra minutes to reach operating temperature. For a car that’s driven intentionally—top down, on proper driving days—that tradeoff is acceptable.
Airflow stack-up is the real issue.
You’re asking air to move through:
That’s a significant demand.
Even when airflow is present, the temperature differential becomes too small. When incoming air is already heated, cooling efficiency drops off quickly.
Adding a second oil cooler addresses this in three ways:
More volume and more surface area stabilize temperatures under load.
OEM cooling systems with a front mount intercooler can work at sea level.
Colorado is different.
At altitude, you’re dealing with:
That combination leads to elevated oil and coolant temps—and accelerated engine wear.
Cooling systems need to be built for the environment the car actually operates in.
We discussed it.
A V-mount can be effective when paired with a vented hood. That creates a low-pressure zone to pull air through the system.
But it changes the car.
Many owners want a clean, OEM+ look—not something aggressive or overbuilt visually.
Like everything else, it comes down to expectations and how the car is used.
We use white /black -painted RV-grade aluminum for ducting.
Reason:
Black may look cleaner, but it hides problems. And it absorbs heat.
That said, front-facing oil cooler shrouds are black for visual integration through the bumper.
The radiator shroud is bent, riveted, and structurally solid.
Foam sealing is used where the shroud meets the radiator:
This is where most builds fall short.
Airflow control—not just parts selection—is what makes the system work.
Details matter.
Proper cooling isn’t about one component.
It’s about balancing:
So the engine stays in a safe operating range when you demand power.
High altitude performance requires different decisions.
Lower air density means less effective cooling. Systems that work elsewhere struggle here.
Build the cooling system correctly, and the car performs when it matters.
Driving in the mountains is one of the best parts of owning an RX-7.
But without proper cooling, that experience is limited.
Most shops avoid this level of airflow design and fabrication. It takes time, planning, and the right equipment.
When it’s done correctly, the result is consistent, repeatable performance.
If you’re seeing elevated temps or planning a turbo build, start with a proper evaluation of your current setup.
From there, we can define what the system actually needs to perform reliably in your environment.