Oil cooler thoughts
 

Hey guys, I know there are like a million-and-a-half threads on oil coolers, but I'm hoping for some more specific information on which cooler to go with.

The options I had narrowed it down to based on what is popular and seems to make sense were:

1: Stillen
2: GTM
3: Z1
4: Modshack DIY cooler

I unfortunately don't have the tools or the time to put together the Modshack cooler right now, so I'm looking at options 1-3. I was hoping for some thoughts and opinions from people that have used the kits about what they like or don't like about the kits they got, and whatever else you might feel is pertinent, like ease of installation or flexibility with the kit.


I'd also been planning on going with the 19 row kits, since I've not run into any temp issues on the street, and I just want something that will get me through some HPDE's this summer. I think that should be sufficient for me in the Virginia area (probably going to run VIR and Summit Point).

I have the Stillen 25 row oil cooler and have been running it for a while now and have nothing but good things to say about it. I saw an easy 40 degree reduction in oil temps in all driving conditions, never cresting 220 degrees even pushing the car as hard as I could. One of my reservations for the Stillen kit was relocating the power steering cooler but the lines supplied with the cooler are so long that you can mount it on the driver's side by drilling a couple new holes in the mounting bracket. This means that you leave the P/S cooler in its original location with no air flow obstructions.

Waiting for ARC to complete their solution that I believe will be three parts: supplemental radiator, oil cooler, increased oil pan area.

You'll be happy with any of those options. Just close your eyes, point, and do the one that lands under your fingertip. Or choose the least expensive.

Can't lose with any of those brands.

I'm going with the Stillen 'race' version. The car (2011 370Z Coupe) currently has the Stillen G3 intake, Stillen exhaust, Stillen brake lines wit AP600 fluid. I track day a couple times a year and race at Silver State (Homepage Main Menu: Flat Out On A Public Highway! (home.htm)) twice a year although May will be the first for this Z, my previous one was a 2007 Roadster. FYI - Stillen apparently builds roll cages too - and I will be getting one fab'd probably before the September race - Stillen Rocks!

I'd say the most important thing is to spring for a thermostat.

Based on all the threads I've read, I'd get one with a 200 F or 205 F temp (rather than 180), especially if you also see cold winters in your area.

Also, I saw a thread recently on the direction the oil fittings face being important (can't recall exactly why) so that might be worth checking out.

And about $4000 lol

Very true looks good. Mostly for show. And you won't be able to get it ARC closed down.

as with the people who have the stillens, i have the z1 oil cooler and zero complaints.
I have the 34 row and at a hot track day didnt see above 220.

The fittings also have a good bend in them so you can turn them up and away from the ground (if pointed down, they become the lowest point of your car, something i didnt want).

But if you do some HPDE's, get at least the 25 row perhaps.

I have Z1 25 row installed. I have not had any problems out of it. Also with the thermostatic installed the temp hit 40F last week and still with no cover plate my temps still got out to 160 degree in the few minutes on the drive home from work.

we've got the Z1 34 row oil cooler kit w/thermostatic plate (180 deg), also sprung for the optional rubber coated lines for some extra protection against potential rubbing.

Like stated above, any of the kits will work and really, you probably won't see a performance/real world difference between any of them (assuming the core size is the same).

Wife and I went with Z1 becasue they're a big supporter of the forum and also ZdayZ. They had/have great customer service in our experience and they took the customer feedback on this site to heart and made small running changes to their kits based on that (ie the coated line option).

I would spring for at least a 25 row oil cooler though just in case you do ever decide to track the car, it'll at least hold up better than a 19 row to the heat.

I'm curious about whether it would be worth it to step up to 25. I've not really experienced oil temps over 240 or so in my driving up to this point.

Well, my mentality is better to have it and not need it vs. need it and not have it. Our car will be seeing many HPDE's in it's future so the 34row was a must for us.

In your case, my recommendation to go with the 25 row is just to give you the flexibility to not have to worry about upgrading the cooler ever.

imo, ideal oil temps are 190-210 deg so you want to get a cooler that will keep our oil as close as possible to those temps given how hard you push the car.

Go with the 25 row if you plan on ever seeing the track.