Should I get an oil cooler?

mtiker

I am a newb and dont know much about cars in general. I have an 11 Z and live in the hot desert. Car is running just over 220 right now in daily driving. I dont race or drive too aggressively.

Should I put an oil cooler in the car?

If yes, what are the options and what would you recommend?

What option will not void the warranty?

Who can I have install it, and what should installation cost be?

Any help appreciated, thanks.

DR_

In your shoes I wouldn't get one. As long as you don't track the car you will be fine.

IDZRVIT

Save your money and spend it on other mods.

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Compdoc777

Get one 25 row Setrab there is a do it yourself thread on here should cost you about $480

You need -10 fittings, 10' of -10 braided oil line, thermostatic plate 180 degree, and the Setrab oil cooler and the mounting bracket. Follow the DYI and it is easy.

I know mine in Houston stayed around 220 when I was taking it easy if I got on it would shoot up to 260-270 real quick. With the cooler normal driving keeps me at 180-200 degrees, driving crazy 210-220 tops.

Now that I have the Nismo it seems to run hotter than my 370z at 230 under normal driving with the oil cooler back to the same as my 370 and fuel mileage is better i am getting 19 mpg my 370 I could only maintain 17 mpg.

Dustin@Z1

I agree with this if you have the ability to assemble the kits yourself and source the pieces. Since you do not have any plans on agressive driving or tracking the car yet, I would not recommend one at this time either. In future, if you find yourself driving aggressive enough or thinking about doing an occasional track day, then I would look into a 25 row oil cooler kit.

As far as your warranty is concerned, an aftermarket oil cooler WILL NOT void your warranty as long as an engine failure does not occur as a result of having the oil cooler installed. This is the risk of installing any aftermarket part. If you are concerned about this, speak to your local dealership. The "Little Grey Book" that comes with your Z regarding warranty will help to answer some questions. In short, if the dealership can attribute a failure or issue with your car to an aftermarket part that has been installed, then they will either deny the warranty claim (leaving you to foot the bill) or MAY void the entire vehicles warranty (but this is very extreme and would take installing a turbo kit, racing the car, etc).

Congrats on the purchase and enjoy the car. Since you are a noob, be sure to hook up with any local Z car clubs in your area.

KaienZ34

Best thing to do with a super common and ubber discussed question is to use the search/advanced search.

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KaienZ34

Good place to start... http://www.the370z.com/diy-section-d...ttsa-pics.html

Short answer, for the street nope you won't need it as limp mode is way up at the 280* mark, for the track yes you will most likely need it.

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whoady4shoady

Only if you intend on tracking or doing autox. Other than that you would have to be doing some serious canyon runs.

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seymore4

It will only help if you do get one, I would personally do it for the added insurance towards the longevity of my engine. VHR's run hot to begin with... Also if you get an Uprev tune make sure they lower the fan engagement temp--makes the fans kick on sooner, helps a lot in traffic and such

Mt Tam I am

RE: I dont race or drive too aggressively. My favorite modification and you do not need one.

I had dealership install the Nismo oil cooler.

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Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

houkouonchi

If your running 220 in hot weather then you are probably fine. My Z was 220 in *cold* weather and would hit 240 in the summer. During traffic + summer it would do 250.

I got up to 260 (and would have hit limp mode) when I did spirited driving on glendora mountain road (when it was like 60s F out).

Once I got an oil cooler normal temps are more like 180-190ish and in the heat around 200-210. Had no problems even tracking the car once I go the oil cooler but probably got up to 240-245 when tracking (even with cooler).

Another one here with the Nismo/nissan oil cooler.

Mt Tam I am

We may be the only two. They certainly work and have never regretted it.

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Nissan Motorsports 34R Oil Cooler. Stillen CBE. Hotchkis Sport Sway Bars. KW Variant 3 Coilover System. Stillen Gen3 CAI. Michelin Pilot Super Sport. Stillen Brake Ducts. Carbotech™ XP10/XP8 Pads. Z1 Front Rotors. Z1 Stainless Brake Lines. Two degrees of camber

houkouonchi

I know my 370z runs hotter than most from what I have read on these forums. I also like to drive hard and like the option to track now and then so oil cooler was a must for me. Interesting enough even though mine runs a bit hotter its never burned any oil really. over 45k miles and i never have to add oil in between oil changes every 4k miles.

mtiker

Like the idea of the nissan branded version. That should not violate warranty, yes?

What did you guys pay for the nissan coolers with installation costs?

Do you have to add more oil for oil changes with the cooler?

Thanks

chops

im going to go against the grain and say yes you should. ive been hitting 220 degrees in warmer weather lately, and once i hit that "magic" 220 or so 1st and 2nd gear bogs to hell. i wish i got it sooner because after installing my 25 row performance is MUCH better.