As I understand it, the 4V cars utilize an oil cooler because double the overhead camshafts doubles the surfaces requiring lubrication, and significantly increases thermal load placed on the oil vs. the SOHC motors. Can you safely run the car without the oil cooler? Sure. Im pretty sure most turbo setups require the removal of the oil cooler. Just know that deleting it means your oil temps are going to run higher and that your oil life will be reduced. If your build calls for removal of the oil cooler, consider your intended use for the car and plan accordingly, whether that means deleting the system or utilizing an alternative set up. However, I dont think deleting the stock oil cooler just because the fitting is leaking is a good idea. Getting rid of a component that helps your motor stay healthy just because you dont feel like fixing it properly seems completely bass ackwards to me.
