Novice HPDE and oil temps?
 

Hey Guys -- I'm thinking of doing a novice HPDE track day event and am wondering if you think I'll run into oil temp issues. I haven't had any on the car with occasional hard street use and I'm certainly no expert driver so I doubt I'll be pushing the thing as hard as many would at the track.

I believe Spearfish did something similar and was ok??

I would suggest you to get the cooler before hitting the track.

Get an oil cooler first.
 

+1

I agree. Everyone on this forum who has tracked their Z has had oil temp problems.

Some suggest going easy for your first time. But in reality, going easy at a HPDE is not really possible or a good idea. Even in the novice group you will be on the track with Porches and BMW's who will be really moving. Your instructor will be instructing you in the proper way to drive on a track. This means driving hard. There is just no comparison between the street and the track.

Otherwise, your whole day will be spent pointing by the long line of cars lapping you (and the embarrassment).

Get an oil cooler first.

And just as important change your Nissan brake fluid with some ATE Super Blue or comparable race fluid.

And if you can afford it, get some dedicated race pads. You know you have the right pad when they are so dirty and noisy you will do little more than drive home from the track with them.

^^^everything he said.

I just 60 second spurts up a mountain road and got the temp to 260 degrees. 20 minute HPDE sessions would put you in limp mode for sure, even if you are not driving at 10/10.

Which oil cooler kit would you guys recommend or is the bang for the buck?

I personally am waiting for Stillen to come out with a bigger core version of their current oil cooler. If you plan to keep doing HPDE's, I would do the same. Even if you get their current setup, they say you will be able to upgrade to the bigger core without issue.

Dont waste your money doing HPDE without the cooler...youre going to have to come in after a 5-10 minutes of each session...