370Z oil cooler necessary?
 

Do many people install oil coolers? I heard the Z's run hot (200 degrees average), but if I change my oil regularly should i need one? If I go to sell it, would the next guy be impressed or think the car was driven hard?

FYI- I purchased mine with 14,000 miles Feb 2016 and 17,500 miles on it now

oil cooleris +/- 500-600 $$ = 12 oil changes - 36,000 miles

I'm sure some one here has an opinion :rolleyes:

Thanks
Otis

If you're routinely seeing over 220ish in spirited driving, or have any plans for track use, an oil cooler is necessary.

Doesn't 2013 have an upgraded oil cooler?

It's got the band-aid oil to water cooler. Adequate for commuting, but if you live somewhere that gets hot, a proper cooler will be a much better solution.

the 350/370s always run hot

oil cooler is needed

There is another option - GReddy or Gamma high capacity oil pan. Less plumbing than an oil cooler and less frequent oil changes with the increased capacity. I have the Gamma pan and even with the turbos and the Florida summer, I top out at 220 with spirited driving. The Gamma pan is like an enormous aluminum heat sink. It does make changing the oil filter a bit of a pain though.

It should be noted that I have a 2013, so I also have the factory oil/water "cooler"... (I think this thing does a better job of bringing my oil up to temperature after a cold start than it does keeping the temperature in check).

Yes you need a oil cooler.

Don't buy anything from Gamma

I don't want to start another GTM/Gamma thread that will be locked, but do you know of anyone that has had a bad experience since the Gamma folks bought out GTM? I had only good experiences with Gamma for my TT kit and anyone else I know that has dealt with them has had good experiences too.

I would hate to see someone's livelihood take a hit because the largest community they serve is blindly bashing them as gospel. I'm not accusing you, just asking.

No need for me.

A lot if it is bull. If you do not race or track, there is no need for an oil cooler. I don't race or track. On the highway, I do take a 500 mile week end trip almost every week, I consistently drive at 75-80 with occasional bursts up to 115 and after my trips, the average shows I drove between 70-80 mph and the oil never crosses over 220, generally remains at 200 or below.

My friend has 80k on his 2013 Z and he drives similarly.

If you are on these forums, you can get convinced you need stuff that you can really do without.

Thanks for the feedback. Yes it is easy to get excited and spend money on our toys!! Yes I stay about 180-190 degrees, but it will jump up quick from there when I play in 3rd and forth gear and my oil is new, so with all that said I will monitor and make a decision

I thank everyone for there input!

Yes. For track use, a cooler is a must-have. For most DDs, it's just something else to brag about and possibly have problems with. But if sized/installed properly, it won't do any harm.

200F is well within the operating range of most modern oils. The car will go into limp mode (260F, IIRC, FSM will have the correct figure) before the oil gets too hot. Unless you are getting to 240-250F and staying there for extended periods, I wouldn't worry about it - not because of the oil but that means the engine is running a little hot. On paper, modern synthetic motor oils are good up to 300F for extended periods.

Probably the former ... unless you and/or the car look like the latter might apply. It's a common enough mod that it shouldn't raise any red flags.

I have the Mishimoto oil cooler on my Z for about 2 years now. It makes a huge difference when I bring it to the track but it's also a piece of mind on my daily especialyl during the hot summer months when I have the spirited driver in me

Agreed, but if the oil spends a lot of time at elevated temps it needs to be changed much more often.

I live and drive a 2012 in the foothills of California. I see over 220 during spirited driving in the summer. I see 220 in stop and go traffic when it is 100+. I will be getting an oil cooler. I think your getting differing options on this forum because we live in different parts of the country.

You should drive it and watch the temps. It's really not a big deal.