That's good info. I understand that. My question wasn't really clear. I get that vvel is a massive source of heat, and it's very sensitive to lubrication issues. My point was that we were discussing at what temperature does oil experience a significant loss of viscosity. I find it hard to believe that 220 degrees is a problem when we need the oil to be 212+ just to burn off any condensation in it. That's a very narrow window.

Not my intention. It alludes to the issues surrounding the lubrication aspect of VVEL for Chuck's post.

I understand the VQ motors have lubrication needs that a standard pushrod or even standard o/h cam motor may not have, but until we can get a specific centistroke minimum threshold established (Nissan factory oil at operating temps??), who's to say that any high performance oil, in a reasonable weight range, wouldn't work under "normal" conditions? I just switched to M1 0w-40 yesterday from factory fill, mainly because I liked the results I got back from Blackstone when running it in my LS7. Apples to oranges, yes, but I have no hard data to say it shouldn't work fine in the VQ, especially with a 25 row cooler.

BTW, I realize Nissan recommends (at least that's what I've heard) ester oil, but the previous owner of my car showed me that every time he went in for an oil change in the first year, they used a non-ester oil. No warranty voided, so I'm wondering how critical the whole "ester" thing is anyway.

I know, I know, here we go again with another oil thread. I apologize, but it seems we inevitably end up there.

I agree and for street use 220 is not going to affect the motor in a negative way. Nissan placed the limp mode much higher to begin with.

The OP is not hitting that limit in any way. Hopefully he will chime in with a report from his dealer. My guess is the car is fine unless he has pulled some specific codes that are affecting performance.

I can tell you that my '09 hits some sort of wall (significant loss of power and acceleration) sometimes when I've been driving "briskly" at 65+ speeds for about 45-60 minutes on Houston freeways in the summer. That's the only condition where I've experienced it -- feels like a fuel line restriction; kind of like someone suddenly transplanted the engine from a Dodge Neon into my Z.

My temp gauge indicates about 220 when this happens, BUT it goes away after a few minutes of idling after exiting the freeway; except that the temp gauge usually stays at 220 for longer than that (it happened yesterday, and fixed itself once I hit stop and go streets -- oil temps never fell below 220 until I got home). This makes me think it's not _directly_ related to oil temperature, whatever it is.

I do think it's temperature related, though, because it never happens below 215-220 -- except it doesn't happen every time oil temps hit 220.

I've seen the oil gauge indicate as high as 230-240 in heavy traffic without noticing the power loss.

That's not normal at all.

The funny thing is if Nissan hadn't installed a stock oil temp gage you guys wouldn't be worrying about this at all most likely!! I have a stock 2010 370 and 220 is normal operating temp. Any aggressive driving combined with hot weather will easily push it into the 240-260 range.

I think most of the sluggishness under 240-260 degrees is more likely IAT related than oil temp related.

The dealership said that on my 2011 they did NOT recomend ester oil anymore. Since that is where I get all of my oil changes on the Z I go with what they say is RECOMENDED for my car. I would gladly pay for ester oil it was needed. You can find out real fast by reading your owners manual if you have one of the years where ester oil is recomended.

I still think its the way Z's run with the AC on....................I hate using the AC in my for that reason alone. It puts a pretty good drag on the car. You turn it off and its like a totally different car. I have a feeling that is what the OP is refering to.

Elvee, Did you find a solution to this problem?. Should I be worried as well?. Factory defect? I have a new 370z and within only 245 miles I saw my Oil temp hit 220degrees. California 70-80 degree weather Traffic.

Nothing has changed in the motor. What does your owner's manual say???

The AC is a huge drag, but I seem to remember that the compressor clutch lets go at WOT on these cars. It would contribute to part-throttle lagginess though. And since you're more likely to use AC when it's hotter out, that could very well be the issue. On other cars I've seen dynoed up to a 15whp difference between AC off and AC on.

You shouldn't be worried. 220 is normal operating temp for a lot of us. And you're in traffic, so there's very little airflow. It's not a defect. That said, an oil cooler would be a wise purchase long term. Wait a little while to make sure you don't have any issues with the car before you change anything though.

Not to discount a potential issue, but could it be possible be that you're getting used to the car now and thus it feels slower -- Unless the change is that significant.