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.

Is there anything that backs up the 19 not being enough?

I say go Modshack; most cost effective and gets the job done.

Don't have the tools/time. I'm living between two apartments, and most of my tools have been lost, stolen, or given away through the moves.

Go Big! or Go HOME!!

i dont think 19 will be enough for a track.

I ran my 19 row Setrab oil cooler from AAM Competition at the track in Alabama as part of Z Nationals last September and the temps that day were easily 100+F. On the track by noon was hotter and I never saw my oil temps over 200.

I've got the modshack 24 row true cool and it handles the track just fine. If I recall, I only had to cut a couple hoses and make a bracket, but it really wasn't any more work than buying a premade kit. However, one of my fittings failed and I hit a tire wall when I crashed, so that should be a consideration too.

Other than what I have with some 4000 psi hydraulic hoses now, I would just buy the Z1 kit.

im sure it depends on the type of track, oil used, and how much power you are making, but from other comments I've seen the 19 row was still able to get into the 240's on a hot track day. Also if you are considering going FI in the future it's even more of a reason to go with a larger cooler now.

FWIW I have the 25 row Z1 kit, its a great kit but my only compliant would be using lines that are maybe a bit thicker than necessary, makes it difficult to route the lines but once it's in it's fine.

Definitely not going FI on this platform.

I wish I could say the same, I battle with this question daily :icon17:

I have this from GTM, not sure it was 19 or 25 row, but works perfectly in our weather

GTM Motorsports*::*ENGINE EXTERNALS*::*GTM HD OIL COOLER FOR VQ

Guys, you can still peg a Z at 280F with a 19 row cooler on a hot day. It all depends on how you drive. If you're conservative on track and typically upshift early (don't keep the revs at 5k+), you won't have temp issues. If you're aggressive and downshift into second in corners and really dog it, you'll still spike your temps with a 19 row cooler. A 25 row does better, but some guys just go the 34 row route (best for F/I). If you have a 19row on a 100F day and only see 200F oil temps, you're driving very conservatively.

The beauty of the oil cooler is that your temps come down much faster when you ease off the throttle for a short period. You can have 240F temps and one easy lap will have you back at your thermostat plate temp.

Hell, I saw over 225 with my 34R on a day where it only hit about 50 degrees at Sebring. And this was only my first event. I can imagine when I'm pushing it harder and on a 95+ degree day I'll easily be over 240.

The Mishimoto racing thermostat is 66C which is 151F, quite a bit colder than the suggested 200-205F?

FWIW. I had the Stillen 19 row and that was not enough to keep me comfortable on the track. Switched to a Jnaut hybrid and I haven't seen temps past 220 yet, but I haven't taken it to the track. For my next oil change I'm switching over to a GTM 34row cooler, they have the best price for the biggest core. GTM's 34 row cooler is listed as 13X2X10.25 = 266ci. The Z1 Cooler is listed as 13X1.25X10.25 = 166ci.

The question is...is GTM's core really that much bigger or is there a typo on their website. Can comment on this? GTM?

I will add one more positive for the Z1 kit... no drilling is necessary. There is an optional top bracket (which is probably a good idea) that you have to drill for but otherwise you use existing holes to mount the cooler.

The reason to mount the cooler hoses up is so that the cooler doesn't drain into the oil pan and make your dipstick inaccurate.

Yeah, true, but definitely don't skip drilling for the top bracket if you get the 34 row. They say it's optional (though recommended), but if you are going to be driving this car with any real intentions (i.e. putting that cooler to use!), then you should use that top bracket.

HKS anyone?:)

Definitely agree. I need to get a drill so I can install my top bracket for my 25 row. It wobbles quite a bit too.

GTM uses the series 6 Setrab core which are all 2" thick. Z1 uses the series 6 Setrab core as well so it should also be 2" thick, I believe that is just a typo.

I have the 72 row series 1 and if I keep the RPM's above 5k continuously with lots of full throttle then the temperature slowly climbs to 260F after 30 minutes in high ambient temps. If you back off a hair then the temperature stabilizes, if you go up a gear for a lap then the temperature does drop a bit.

Thanks! :tup:

Was this with the supercharger though?

I totally agree. If not install it would Now the bracket mounts to a middle bracing on the car. I had to grind out a notch to get the bracket to fit straight being the bracing is sort of like a half "H" design.

Nope, bolt-ons.

I just installed the Z1 25 row cooler w thermostatic adapter. It fits great and easy to follow instructions. The only mod i did was install spacers on the strut stabilizer (nismo only) bracket. Love it!