I am swapping an engine from a 2002 P38 into my 2003 D2. The P38 has an oil cooler and the D2 does not. My plans are not to bring over the oil cooler and use the bolts from he D2 to put in place of the lines from the donor engine.

I don't plan on having any issues with this. Just wanted to ask and see if I would have issues and see if there was any experience anyone has had from the same situation.

Thanks,

 

I think you should be able to retain it if you want to. The 4.0 D2s had both oil and transmission coolers. They dropped the oil cooler for the 4.6s. Same block either way.

Some people have also added an oil cooler from a 4.0 D2 to their 4.6 - it just bolts on.

But alternately yes you can just plug the oil cooler holes in the block with o-rings and you can skip it. If you already have the parts why not retain it though?

 

Consider keeping the oil cooler. I added an oil cooler on my '04, because without it the oil gets 20 degrees hotter (measured up to 250F without, but 230F with under the very same condition), which puts more wear on the engine, because of degraded viscosity and the oil itself degrades faster.
Of course, it all depends on climate and type of driving. I am using my D2 mostly for trips with the whole family and the steep roads in the mountains bring the temps to the max, even in Winter.

 

I may in the future put it in. I don't have the cooler or lines to fit my D2 right now. With all the other things to do with the engine swap I figure just plugging them is just simpler for engine swapping day.

 

When you are at it, put at least the cooler in (used ones are cheap on ebay $50-$60). Plugging the lines can be done without moving the radiator later. Since you use a P38 engine, it comes with the internal relief valve, so you can use the factory ports.