Oil Cooler testament for the fence post sittas
 

After my first track day was sullied by excessive oil temps and rev limiting moments I put on a Z1 25 row oil cooler. Here's some feedback that 2 or 3 of you might find useful.

After a 1500 mile road trip here's some rough numbers:

3000-7000 foot altitude, 64-82 degree weather and 70 to 80mph cruising you will sit at sub 180 degree temps with needle swings just above and significantly below 180 (often around 160). A plate is recommended for daily driven Z's during cold weather.

Track day (5000ft), 80-85 degree weather I was pushing the car and hit 250, maybe 260 for a short stint. No cut-off. It was sweet.

Get one if you plan on tracking your car at all, it's going to allow you to focus on other weaknesses of the car, like brakes.

The temps you saw on the road trip are exactly what I see with the Z1 25 row cooler and thermo plate. Best investment yet! No need for any oil related problems for not alot of money. Im betting many would be just fine with a 19 row cooler if at all in doubt!

I have the utmost respect and admiration for the 370z is spite of the brake and oil cooler issues...my buddy owns one and Ive driven it. Since I dont track or plan to track it's not a big deal to me. The Z is a very nice ride, and very good looking! I'd love a dark blue one if they made it in that color. I drive a 2011 EVO GSR, I kinda need 4 doors/4 passenger seating and the AWD will allow me to drive it in any weather...Im a traveling nurse so that is important to me. Wish I could have one of each!

What track were you running at? HPR, PPIR, Pueblo? I had my first trackday on my R6 at HPR on Labor day. I'd like to take the Z down at some point. I will probably do an oil cooler this winter. I was thinking the Z1 25 or 34 row with the thermostatic plate. Do you think the 25 row was a good choice or do you wish you had bumped it up? I ask because vehicles tend to run hot here in CO due to the air density and lack of humidity I assume. I worry that the 34 row might keep the oil temps too low in the winter but I don't really drive it when its cold out anyway.

This October issue of Car & Driver magazine tested best handling cars under 40K. The 370Z pulled a 99g skid pad but for track time could only do one hot lap before the oil temp went to 290 and it went in limp mode. An oil cooler should be standard at least for the Sport package. The writers complained about the brakes also.

I disagree as a standard part. An oil cooler should be optional (oh wait...it IS optional :D )

Why put that unnecessary cost on all consumers when a very, *very* small percentage of them track their cars?

Yes the Z runs warm on a track. So do other cars. A friend of mine tracks his 100K Z06: guess what? Needs a radiator upgrade for days over 90deg. That same article showed the Evo's tranny running warm on one lap. It happens: they are not built to be track stars.

- b

another one?

:ughdance: