Honda VFR oil cooler swap.

So when I think something isn't how it should be. I do something about it. VFRs run hot and I still can't figure out why they put such a small oil cooler on a bike that runs side coolant rads. So an '00-'01 RC51 oil cooler is in order.


I'm tired of the oil and coolant cooling system on this bike so I'm gonna use my high school and some college brain to do it how the brainy acts over on the little island should have done it. I might get a raging brainer over this.


Here's the three Honda's. From top to bottom. 5th gen - 6th gen - RC51 ('00-'01)




5th gen cooler












6th gen












RC51









As you can see. The ports are a tad bigger.







GSXR 1000

Got her done.

Loosened the stock cooler and let it hang.






I was hoping I wouldn't but I had to drain the oil. I tried using an 8mm wrench, but the bolt started stripping. Had to get a socket on them.






Once the oil drains, then you can unbolt the oil lines from the engine.

Left side.





Right side.






Luckily the O-rings look brand new. Not even smashed.






Might as well wash the lines. Just tiny spot rust here and there. Maybe I'll order new ones or have them powder coated.

Time to temporary mount the RC cooler.






The mount on the cooler is more offset than the stock one. It'll be a little closer to the right rad.




Here's the fun tedious fun part. Bending the lines to fit. You'll be pulling them out and putting back multiple times. The right one I used a rubber mallet. I placed the right oil line on the ground with the cooler mount upward. I smacked it down with the mallet. No science there.






The left side you have to twist the oil cooler line where it bolts to the cooler. I used a pair of pliers and my manly strength. Of course a vise would have made it easier.




Once they're lined up as good as possible, get the engine side ready.






The middle o-ring is what I used. I also used one smaller one to fit inside that one. Double the sealing. LOL





Bolt the oil cooler lines on first, then bolt the cooler to it's brackets second, and last bolt the engine side of the oil lines.








The right side does have a slight problem. Since the line is lowered from the oil rad being taller.




The left side has no problem with hitting anything.

Your bike a 5th or 6th Gen?

I'd be all over this mod if mine wasn't running cold instead of hot

Looks like a good mod Brandon. Definitely an upgrade - just make sure you are still getting good oil flow through those lines. There was a guy on the ZRX board that just cooked his top end because he installed an aftermarket oil line with the wrong banjo bolt

1TallTXn said:

Your bike a 5th or 6th Gen?

I'd be all over this mod if mine wasn't running cold instead of hot

Click to expand...

If the RC51 cooler was basically a "bolt-in mod", he'd need to have a 5th-gen VFR.

Windsor said:

If the RC51 cooler was basically a "bolt-in mod", he'd need to have a 5th-gen VFR.

Click to expand...

thats what I was thinking looking at the coolers, but wasn't sure from the pics as some looked very 6th Gen.

5th gen. It sure has helped.

Nirto. The only thing changed is the cooler is bigger.

1TallTXn said:

Your bike a 5th or 6th Gen?

I'd be all over this mod if mine wasn't running cold instead of hot

Click to expand...

Thermostat stuck open.

Rangerscott said:

Thermostat stuck open.

Click to expand...

I wish thats what it was! I've replaced that 4x!
http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39696