I've parted out cop diplomats, and I can recall looking at the oil cooler and thinking "what the hell is this thing on it?"

It's funny how sometimes it takes years to piece things together. now I know.

You're right.

Although on a big block, I think the problem is the worst of all. There's a lot of residual heat in all that cast iron, and it takes a LONG time to cool down. So if you drive like a cop, and then immediately shut down, it just bakes. And like I said, with a bigger, heavier engine, the problem is worse.

My 78 cop car (400) wasn't too dirty when I took it down. I have a 77 cop car (also 400), that looked like the canadian oil sands under the valve-covers. Obviously that car was beat hard and probably never allowed to cool before shut down. Needless to say, they both had the factory oil coolers.

Turbocharged cars also have this problem, although the better ones will continue to pump oil after shut down - sometimes by means of a turbo timer.

That's also a good observation about the orifice size. If I'm not mistaken, the return hole through the fuel pump bolt is rather small, maybe a 1/16" or 3/32" by memory. It gets the job done for factory HP levels though, and something bigger would start to compromise pressure, I'm sure.

Personally I need to figure out something for my 500" stroker, and I'd like to keep it looking as stock as possible. I plan to route upper head oiling through the rear of the block to save main and cam oiling, so I will already be back there with plumbing. Also want a thermostatic control so it doesn't keep the oil too cool. An engineering challenge

I will say,I have been racing round track for over 12yrs with a remote oil filter mounted on the firewall above the valve covers. Without a drain back valve and have had no issues. When I start the engine I fast idle @ 2000rpm for one minute. High oil temp on round track engine's or any engine for that matter is because of low oil flow. Most racers use too heavy oil which will increase there oil preasure but decreases the flow to the bearings. Suction side of oil pump is way to small and to far away from the pump. Dont fool yourself when taking oil temp, if you are not taking it at the bottom of the pan were the sending unit is fully submerged at all times you are getting the wrong temp reading. If you have 30 psi oil preasure at idle when your oil is 215deg use a liter oil you will get more flow and better cooling.