You can probably get by without one...but its a good idea to add it (hence why Nissan added one). Your oil will last longer, and your motor will stay healthier.
Some folks remove their OEM water cooler when they add an aftermarket air cooler - if I were in your position I would probably consider buying someone's take-off and just figuring an easy way to route coolant through it. Doing a full OEM equivalent install is probably not feasible because your coolant hardlines won't include the necessary ports.
The air cooler will get the temperature lower, but there are benefits to the water cooler as well - oil will come up to temp faster, you will not need to cover/uncover for seasonal changes, and you won't risk your engine oil being pumped out in the event of a minor fender bender.
I am far from stock and my OEM water cooler handles it just fine for DD and spirted driving purposes.
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