Nissan 370Z Forum - View Single Post - Alternate solution to the oil cooler block off plate?

N8GTOL · 05-19-2013, 11:39 AM

Tracked my Z a while back at Big Willow when it was stock. Of course the oil temps got too hot and I had to pit early each session. Of course I knew this would happen before I went, I just wanted to get a stock baseline reference point and I still had a blast. I know I will get an oil cooler before I go back (likely a Z1 25R); however, since a lot of my regular trips are over short distances I do not want to over cool the oil on a daily basis. My non-spirited driving temps currently are right on the money around 210-220F and I don't want to change that significantly.

The obvious solution is a thermostatic sandwhich and a block off plate in conjuction with the oil cooler. The plate is a great idea but requires too much foresight for my whimsicle needs. Meaning, I have to know that I am going for a longer more aggressive drive before I get in the car and I would have to take the time to remove the plate in advanced and remember to put it back when I'm done.

My idea is to make a more permanent solution that could be controlled from inside the car. Everyone should be familiar with how adjustable louvers look and function. You could attach a small DC motor with limit switches to a worm screw with a carriage that would link up to the louver adjuster arm and it could be controlled from inside the car. You could bolt this cover directly to the oil cooler without fear of it coming loose and ending up elsewhere. When the oil temps climb too high under spirited driving, flip a switch to open the louvers. If ambient temps are too cold or the trips are short, flip the switch to close the louvers.

Sure it's not the cheap and easy option like the standard block off plate but I'm wondering if anyone sees a reason this wouldn't be possible? Mechanically I know it is doable as long as I can source parts for the right price. My biggest concern is packaging. It looks like there is enough clearance in the bumper for the louver vents to swing open but hopefully someone who has actually removed the bumper and installed an oil cooler can provide me more insight before I start down this road.

05-19-2013, 11:39 AM	#1 (permalink)
N8GTOL Base Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: San Diego Posts: 228 Drives: and flies Rep Power: 22	Alternate solution to the oil cooler block off plate? Tracked my Z a while back at Big Willow when it was stock. Of course the oil temps got too hot and I had to pit early each session. Of course I knew this would happen before I went, I just wanted to get a stock baseline reference point and I still had a blast. I know I will get an oil cooler before I go back (likely a Z1 25R); however, since a lot of my regular trips are over short distances I do not want to over cool the oil on a daily basis. My non-spirited driving temps currently are right on the money around 210-220F and I don't want to change that significantly. The obvious solution is a thermostatic sandwhich and a block off plate in conjuction with the oil cooler. The plate is a great idea but requires too much foresight for my whimsicle needs. Meaning, I have to know that I am going for a longer more aggressive drive before I get in the car and I would have to take the time to remove the plate in advanced and remember to put it back when I'm done. My idea is to make a more permanent solution that could be controlled from inside the car. Everyone should be familiar with how adjustable louvers look and function. You could attach a small DC motor with limit switches to a worm screw with a carriage that would link up to the louver adjuster arm and it could be controlled from inside the car. You could bolt this cover directly to the oil cooler without fear of it coming loose and ending up elsewhere. When the oil temps climb too high under spirited driving, flip a switch to open the louvers. If ambient temps are too cold or the trips are short, flip the switch to close the louvers. Sure it's not the cheap and easy option like the standard block off plate but I'm wondering if anyone sees a reason this wouldn't be possible? Mechanically I know it is doable as long as I can source parts for the right price. My biggest concern is packaging. It looks like there is enough clearance in the bumper for the louver vents to swing open but hopefully someone who has actually removed the bumper and installed an oil cooler can provide me more insight before I start down this road.