Engine Oil Temp and Summer Vacation - Opinions Sought!

Robert_Nash · 05-15-2009, 01:57 PM

Hi guys…I need some opinions.

I am tentatively planning on making a trip along the second half* of Route 66 this summer (late June/early July) which will be approximately from Amarillo, TX to Santa Monica Pier, CA. For those of you familiar with the part of country you probably know that Route 66 passes through some mountain crossing as well as some high desert crossing (the Mojave toe be exact). Temps along a lot of the route could easily be in the high 90s up through into the 110s.

This part of the Mother Road passes through cities like Santa Fe and Gallup (New Mexico), Winslow and Kingman (Arizona), and Needles and Barstow (California) before stopping at Santa Monica Pier.

Keeping in mind that I’ll be moving fairly slowly (45-55 MPH) along the old two-lane blacktop of Route 66; should I be concerned about doing this in my 370 given the concerns raised about the engine oil temperatures...should I use my other vehicle (see next paragraph)?

I do have the option of using my other vehicle (an ’08 Infiniti M45) which would be both more comfortable overall and I don’t think at all subject to overheating…however, it also certainly isn’t as much fun as my Z either.

Now, as I’ve said before in other threads, I haven’t really had any significant problems with my oil temps (certainly nothing approaching “limp” mode) but given the conditions I’ll be facing, it is a concern.

Opinions; especially from those familiar with this part of the U.S.would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your input!

RELATED THREADS:
http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-g...mp-issues.html

Oil Overheat IMPORTANT UPDATE

* Route 66 runs from Chicago to LA; Amarillo is approximately the half-way point; I did the "first half" of the route in 2007

joentown · 05-15-2009, 02:44 PM

I think you will be OK with the 370. Afterall it is new and you won't be taxing the engine 955 of the time. Seems like a great drive for the Z, especially since it is much more "ride friendly" than the 350.

Go for it! When's the next time you'll ever get another chance?

SoCal 370Z · 05-15-2009, 02:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert_Nash

...Needles and Barstow...

These two will put it to the test...that's for sure.

Maybe Nissan will have acted by then with a resolution to our overheating issue.

ChrisSlicks · 05-15-2009, 02:55 PM

Given the sedate speeds I think you will likely be fine. On the other hand it would be cool to have a telemetry logging system installed to record the information on the trip.

Robert_Nash · 05-15-2009, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SoCal 370Z

These two will put it to the test...that's for sure.

Maybe Nissan will have acted by then with a resolution to our overheating issue.

Well; I'll be starting the trip on June 26th which is only six weeks away so I'd say it's somewhat doubtful that they will have researched the issue, devised an action plan (whatever it might be) and have put in into place all within that somewhat short time-frame.

CBRich · 05-16-2009, 02:59 PM

If you want to take it then take it. Don't let nissan's poor engineering stop you. If something breaks you won't be paying a penny.

molamann · 05-16-2009, 03:27 PM

Though a lot shorter than from Amarillo to Santa Monica, I went from Oklahoma City to San Antonio not too long ago and my Z was fine, that was with going way above speed limit at times.

SoCal 370Z · 05-16-2009, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert_Nash

Well; I'll be starting the trip on June 26th which is only six weeks away so I'd say it's somewhat doubtful that they will have researched the issue, devised an action plan (whatever it might be) and have put in into place all within that somewhat short time-frame.

Go through those two areas either at dusk or dawn.

05-15-2009, 01:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
Robert_Nash Track Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Middle TN/Savannah GA Posts: 762 Drives: '14 Q60IPL/'14Armada Rep Power: 18	Engine Oil Temp and Summer Vacation - Opinions Sought! Hi guys…I need some opinions. I am tentatively planning on making a trip along the second half* of Route 66 this summer (late June/early July) which will be approximately from Amarillo, TX to Santa Monica Pier, CA. For those of you familiar with the part of country you probably know that Route 66 passes through some mountain crossing as well as some high desert crossing (the Mojave toe be exact). Temps along a lot of the route could easily be in the high 90s up through into the 110s. This part of the Mother Road passes through cities like Santa Fe and Gallup (New Mexico), Winslow and Kingman (Arizona), and Needles and Barstow (California) before stopping at Santa Monica Pier. Keeping in mind that I’ll be moving fairly slowly (45-55 MPH) along the old two-lane blacktop of Route 66; should I be concerned about doing this in my 370 given the concerns raised about the engine oil temperatures...should I use my other vehicle (see next paragraph)? I do have the option of using my other vehicle (an ’08 Infiniti M45) which would be both more comfortable overall and I don’t think at all subject to overheating…however, it also certainly isn’t as much fun as my Z either. Now, as I’ve said before in other threads, I haven’t really had any significant problems with my oil temps (certainly nothing approaching “limp” mode) but given the conditions I’ll be facing, it is a concern. Opinions; especially from those familiar with this part of the U.S.would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your input! RELATED THREADS: http://www.the370z.com/nissan-370z-g...mp-issues.html Oil Overheat IMPORTANT UPDATE * Route 66 runs from Chicago to LA; Amarillo is approximately the half-way point; I did the "first half" of the route in 2007 __________________ Robert -My Basset Hound Is Smarter Than Your Honor Student and Barack Obama - Last edited by Robert_Nash; 05-15-2009 at 02:00 PM.

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05-15-2009, 02:44 PM	#2 (permalink)
joentown Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Philly, PA Posts: 70 Drives: 370Z '10 Tour Sport Rep Power: 17	I think you will be OK with the 370. Afterall it is new and you won't be taxing the engine 955 of the time. Seems like a great drive for the Z, especially since it is much more "ride friendly" than the 350. Go for it! When's the next time you'll ever get another chance?

05-15-2009, 02:55 PM	#4 (permalink)
ChrisSlicks A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North East Posts: 6,203 Drives: 09 370Z Sport M6 Rep Power: 653	Given the sedate speeds I think you will likely be fine. On the other hand it would be cool to have a telemetry logging system installed to record the information on the trip.

05-16-2009, 02:59 PM	#6 (permalink)
CBRich A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: SC Posts: 2,464 Drives: 370Z Rep Power: 544	If you want to take it then take it. Don't let nissan's poor engineering stop you. If something breaks you won't be paying a penny.

05-16-2009, 03:27 PM	#7 (permalink)
molamann A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,666 Drives: 370Z with NAVVVVV Rep Power: 285	Though a lot shorter than from Amarillo to Santa Monica, I went from Oklahoma City to San Antonio not too long ago and my Z was fine, that was with going way above speed limit at times.