Hey guys, not sure if this will help, prior to the start of this thread I have read several other related oil cooler threads and combined several discussions into one post here:
fall weather. the Z is staying at 190 degrees with,
I have re-posted it here. If its of no help and only boggles this discussion I will delete it. Let me know. Btw this is a great thread, subscribed.
Re-post:
Something to add to this thread (even if it's only for my own reference later when my memory has gone) since I have been reading through a lot forum threads lately on
oil coolers, low oil temps, mocal thermostatic sandwich plates opening temp, the general oil temp we want to see coming OUT of the engine block, and block off plates. There a numbers of good threads on the topics. I have compiled the posts pertaining to the above mentioned topics and included the links to the threads for reference and further reading.
Here are some comments by Dustin from Z1 Motorsports who sells oil cooler kits.
Nissan Motorsports Oil Cooler vs. Stillen Oil Cooler
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Originally Posted by flashburn
........... here is what Dustin@Z1 had to say about it when I asked him about the 160-ish temperatures I was seeing:
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No worries. This is perfectly normal. There is a slight flaw in the VQ37VHR's design that we have discovered. Like I have mentioned in the past, over cooling the engine oil is just as detrimental as over heating it. The general oil temp range you want to see on a properly installed oil temp gauge is between 190 ~ 210 ideally.
This engine oil temp is what you want to see COMING OUT from the motor. In the case of the 370z and any add-on oil cooler, you are actually getting a false reading. Since the factory temp gauge reads engine oil as it exits the Oil Filter, you are actually reading the oil temp coming directly from the oil cooler. The flow pattern for engine oil on a 370z is as follows:
Pick Up Tube --> Oil Pump --> Oil Filter IN --> Oil Filter Out --> Oil Cooler --> Engine Block (Temp and Pressure gauges are located in this galley)
The temp you are reading is actually what is going back INTO the engine (which is perfect). By the time it cycles thru the engine, you can expect to see engine temps in 200 degree range.
As for the thermostatic sandwich plate, it will bypass roughly 80% of the oil back into the engine when too cold. It will still flow ~ 20% thru the oil cooler (preventing air pockets from forming).
To get a TRUE Oil Temp reading, you would need to install an inline oil temp gauge coming out from the Thermostatic Sandwich plate before the oil cooler.
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Nissan Motorsports Oil Cooler vs. Stillen Oil Cooler
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Originally Posted by christian370z
How far off is the factory oil temperature gauge? Is it reading low by roughly 20 degrees then?
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Originally Posted by daisuke149
from what i understand, theres no set difference. depends on the ambient air and the size of the cooler/speeds etc.
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Originally Posted by flashburn
Yeah, that's my understanding as well, but 20 degrees might be a decent assumption. You can really tell in the case of "low temps", because if you have a thermostatic plate, you will see it get up to around 160-ish easily, and then usually stick around there unless you get stuck in traffic or are driving aggressively. Since it makes it up to around that temperature and sticks there, it seems like the thermostatic plate must be completely opened so it should be actually around 180 degrees. Or at least that's my logic behind it.
Maybe Dustin can chime in and give us a better idea. We really should make it a separate thread and sticky it.
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Z1 Motorsports 370Z Oil Cooler Kit
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Originally Posted by Dustin@Z1
CRWallace,
I appreciate your input on this, but keep in mind. The factory temp sensor that displays on the dash board is post-cooler. You are reading the oil cooler at its coolest temp where the oil re-enters the block. The oil is MUCH hotter once it cycles thru the engine and returns back out to the core.
I do agree with you and we have suggested this in the past to many of our customers and forum members here on the370z. Owners of Z/G's living in cooler climates or in the winter with ANY oil cooler should consider blocking off the front of the core during the cooler times of the year. This method is used widely by racing teams to further regulate oil temps.
Race teams will block off individual rows of the oil coolers during test and tune to "fine tune" oil temps depending on the track conditions, humidity and driving style.  |
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Originally Posted by adampetrasek
Is there a thermostatic plate that opens around 200 or 210? That seams like it might make a bit of difference for the temps entering the block?
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Originally Posted by Dustin@Z1
Mocal does make a higher temp thermostat, but it is a remote mount style. This is a completely different setup when compared to the standard thermostatic sandwich plate that we currently use.
The current opening temp of the thermostatic sandwich plate we sell is 180* degrees F. This means, at 180* the bypass valve fully closes and directs 100% of the oil into the oil cooler core.
To build a custom Remote mount thermostatic sandwich plate with a higher temp. thermostat, it would increase the base kit price atelast $100 if not more. This is due to the fact that there would be double the total amount of fittings, 4 lines instead of 2, the requirement of a custom mounting bracket for the thermostat and a slight revision to the instruction manual.
I have had customer's express interest in the kit before, and would be willing develop it. We simply did not go this route due to to the added complexity and cost, which would have priced well out of the range of comparable kits. We wanted to make sure that we are competitive in every aspect....inlcuding price.
If you are a DIY type person, I can source the parts necessary to convert your existing -10 AN lines to accept the Remote Mount Thermostat. The catch will be the fact that you will need to cut your existing lines into two pieces, install new fittings and mount the thermostat. The sounds somewhat easy in writing, but assembling SS lines can be a pain in the neck!
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Originally Posted by ZForce
Does Z1 sell a core block off plate? If not then are there any photos floating around of a mock up block off plate on how to fab one?
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Originally Posted by John@Z1
We don't have one just yet but I'm sure there is a DIY somewhere on this forum.
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Originally Posted by ZForce
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Another good thread on the complete explanation on how the Mocal Thermostatic Sandwich Plate Operates:
Introducing the Z1 Motorsports 370Z Oil Cooler Kit *Customizable*
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