I'd like to close this thread with the OFFICIAL response from Nissan that I received few months ago.
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Nissan USA
The 370Z has an engine protection system that reduces peak engine speeds when the oil temperature exceeds recommended levels in order to protect against possible engine damage. Aggressive driving of the 370Z on a race track at sustained high engine speeds can cause increases in oil temperature and may activate this engine protection system. To avoid activation of this engine protection system and these reduced peak engine speeds, Nissan recommends an oil cooler be fitted to the 370Z before driving it on a race track. A Nissan Motorsports accessory oil cooler kit is available for customer purchase through authorized Nissan dealerships for race track use. The part number is 21300-SS370.
An oil cooler is not necessary for normal operation of the vehicle on public roads. The addition of an oil cooler would have raised the price of the car and potentially moved it out of the reach of some customers. Value has been a core principle of the Z car since the original 240Z and we choose to uphold this core principle by not adding additional costs that are unnecessary for normal use. For those individuals who choose to drive their vehicle on a race track, the oil cooler is available as an aftersales item.
The oil cooler is a Nissan Motorsports item and as such is sold without warranty, express or implied, unless expressly prohibited by law in which case the warranty provided is the minimum required by law. The installation of the Nissan Motorsports oil cooler does not, by itself, “void” the vehicle warranty. However any damage caused by the installation or use of this part is expressly excluded under the terms of the Nissan New Vehicle Limited warranty.
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I currently have 12,500 miles on my Z and they are street driven miles. From cold 30 degrees weather to intense summer temperature of 110+ degrees Fahrenheit -- I could never bring my temp up over 240 (my highest oil temp in the hottest weather). Basically, if you're going to drive your 370z in the street or do quick AUTOX (30 seconds to <5 min) or drag race, you
WILL NOT need an oil cooler. If you plan on tracking the Z(long road course), you will need an oil cooler. Also, putting some good synthetic motor oil (i.e. REDLINE, AMSOIL, Royal Purple etc) will keep the oil temp cool as well.
Thanks
AK