370Z oil cooler necessary?

Otis · 08-10-2016, 08:50 AM

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

Thanks
Otis

Chuck33079 · 08-10-2016, 08:53 AM

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

cooltoy · 08-10-2016, 08:58 AM

Doesn't 2013 have an upgraded oil cooler?

Chuck33079 · 08-10-2016, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cooltoy

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.

madeinjapan · 08-10-2016, 09:08 AM

the 350/370s always run hot

oil cooler is needed

Jayhovah · 08-10-2016, 09:17 AM

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).

TerribleONE · 08-10-2016, 09:25 AM

Yes you need a oil cooler.

Don't buy anything from Gamma

Jayhovah · 08-10-2016, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TerribleONE

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.

forgot pw · 08-10-2016, 10:10 AM

No need for me.

ZeeBabar · 08-10-2016, 10:15 AM

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.

nis350 · 08-11-2016, 12:00 AM

It is fine around 210 - 240 as long as your coolant temp is normal. You want to run it around 210 to get rid of the moisture in the oil. Also keep in mind that the oil doesn't lubricate effectively when it is cold.

I would just use good quality full synthetic oil.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZeeBabar

If you do not race or track, there is no need for an oil cooler.

bombdefuzer · 09-06-2016, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZeeBabar

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.

Like Black Plastidip

Otis · 08-10-2016, 10:32 AM

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!

SouthArk370Z · 08-10-2016, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otis

Do many people install oil coolers?

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otis

I heard the Z's run hot (200 degrees average), but if I change my oil regularly should i need one?

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Otis

If I go to sell it, would the next guy be impressed or think the car was driven hard?

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.

Chuck33079 · 08-10-2016, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z

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.

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

08-10-2016, 08:50 AM	#1 (permalink)
Otis Base Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: NC Posts: 60 Drives: 2013 370Z Coupe Rep Power: 9	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 Thanks Otis

08-10-2016, 08:53 AM	#2 (permalink)
Chuck33079 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Houston Posts: 12,265 Drives: 2011 370ztt Rep Power: 29539	If you're routinely seeing over 220ish in spirited driving, or have any plans for track use, an oil cooler is necessary. wanker likes this. __________________ 2011 MB Touring-Sport-6sp-Nav/GTM TT/FI TT TDX/JTran/Kosmic/Eibach/Hotchkis/SPC/CSF/RPS/SoThatsWhereAllMyMoneyWent

08-10-2016, 08:58 AM	#3 (permalink)
cooltoy Elite Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Calgary Posts: 13,993 Drives: 14 PW 370Z S/T MT Rep Power: 243722	Doesn't 2013 have an upgraded oil cooler? __________________ Member of kenchan's "photoshopped mods" and "proper offsets" gang.

08-10-2016, 09:08 AM	#5 (permalink)
madeinjapan Banned Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: pistolvania Posts: 1,387 Drives: 2013 g37x 2014 370z Rep Power: 0	the 350/370s always run hot oil cooler is needed MagmaRed370z and labrador like this.

08-10-2016, 09:25 AM	#7 (permalink)
TerribleONE A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 10,203 Drives: WOT Rep Power: 5851	Yes you need a oil cooler. Don't buy anything from Gamma gomer_110 and Spooler like this. __________________ 638WHP 541WTQ @ 13.5PSI Build thread

08-10-2016, 10:10 AM	#9 (permalink)
forgot pw Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Iggyland Posts: 409 Drives: enterTrollment Rep Power: 2518	No need for me. __________________ temporary newb suit.. i hope

08-10-2016, 10:15 AM	#10 (permalink)
ZeeBabar Banned Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Missouri Posts: 423 Drives: 2006 350z Rep Power: 0	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. Streetlife, bombdefuzer, wanker and 5 others like this.

08-10-2016, 10:32 AM	#13 (permalink)
Otis Base Member Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: NC Posts: 60 Drives: 2013 370Z Coupe Rep Power: 9	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!

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