Stillen Oil Cooler DIY Brief Review

Push370zzz · 08-29-2010, 02:44 AM

So I got the Stillen oil cooler and needless to say was rather nervous about installing it since if something went wrong I was super screwed. Long story short, all the instructions they provide seem to not make a lot of sense. Moving the PS cooler?? (I know why but it makes it such a bigger task then it needs to be)...anyways, you basically do an oil change and in between pull of the front bumper, screw on the adapter, hook up two hoses, cut a hole, plug them in, then mount the bracket. It took me about 4-5 hours to do, with a lunch break and some hanging out with my friends that were helping me, and all in all I feel like I could probably do it in about 2 hours if had to do it again. The only things missing from the kit (if you don't want to move the steering cooler) are two bolts and nuts and the right drill bit for the mounting bracket. This being said, were I to do it again I would also do the scratch built oil cooler since I basically paid about $150 for that stupid bracket, thought it did make it significantly easier I might add, plus all the hoses and things are of seemingly high quality.

I have basically no prior mechanical experience when it comes to cars, and this was probably my first major surgery. I am pretty mechanically inclined so I wasn't too scared in my ability, but my experience is not on cars directly. Anyways a pretty easy thing to tackle, and I had a lot of fun doing it. Great feeling too when I saw it working!!

spearfish25 · 08-29-2010, 08:54 AM

I don't really understand why Stillen puts so much time into putting the products together and then fizzles out when it comes to instructions. Taking the photos and typing a detailed instruction list for this install would take about an hour in total work. That 'labor' cost would be made up when one apprehensive buyer decides to get the kit after reading the excellent instructions rather than pass up the purchase while thinking it's too difficult.

Q8y_drifter · 08-29-2010, 11:38 AM

You should read the trans oil cooler instructions. It just tells you where to mount the cooler and drill the holes, then kthxbye!

Holliday · 08-29-2010, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Q8y_drifter

You should read the trans oil cooler instructions. It just tells you where to mount the cooler and drill the holes, then kthxbye!

I see this happen a lot

Nubz · 09-04-2010, 07:50 AM

I installed mine yesterday and it took me about the same amount of time....and with a lunch break. If I had to do it again, it would probably take me only 2 hours to install it. I put six quarts of oil in and it looks like thats all it needs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by smashwebs

So I got the Stillen oil cooler and needless to say was rather nervous about installing it since if something went wrong I was super screwed. Long story short, all the instructions they provide seem to not make a lot of sense. Moving the PS cooler?? (I know why but it makes it such a bigger task then it needs to be)...anyways, you basically do an oil change and in between pull of the front bumper, screw on the adapter, hook up two hoses, cut a hole, plug them in, then mount the bracket. It took me about 4-5 hours to do, with a lunch break and some hanging out with my friends that were helping me, and all in all I feel like I could probably do it in about 2 hours if had to do it again. The only things missing from the kit (if you don't want to move the steering cooler) are two bolts and nuts and the right drill bit for the mounting bracket. This being said, were I to do it again I would also do the scratch built oil cooler since I basically paid about $150 for that stupid bracket, thought it did make it significantly easier I might add, plus all the hoses and things are of seemingly high quality.

I have basically no prior mechanical experience when it comes to cars, and this was probably my first major surgery. I am pretty mechanically inclined so I wasn't too scared in my ability, but my experience is not on cars directly. Anyways a pretty easy thing to tackle, and I had a lot of fun doing it. Great feeling too when I saw it working!!

GTLAW · 09-06-2010, 01:00 PM

They always do that, every Stillen mod I have order the install guide is pure ****!

Push370zzz · 09-07-2010, 11:22 AM

Well after first track day, couldn't have gone better. I ran in my first session and saw temps hit about 255~260, but never more than that. Later in the day I did two 20 minute sessions right in a row and it never went above 265. If I let it cool down for 5 minutes it dropped back under 200 though, so I basically have no worries about limp mode. Very happy nothing broke at the track that I installed though lol

Kenny · 01-17-2011, 12:43 AM

Quote:

IMPORTANT!: This kit contains a Thermostatic Plate - A Fram Oil Filter #PH3950 or equivalent MUST be used to insure proper seal!

I was on the Stillen website and I think I would like to install a 19 row oil cooler on my Z. I was just wondering, could I still use an OEM Nissan oil filter or do I have to use an aftermarket one?

Push370zzz · 01-17-2011, 01:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenny

I was on the Stillen website and I think I would like to install a 19 row oil cooler on my Z. I was just wondering, could I still use an OEM Nissan oil filter or do I have to use an aftermarket one?

No, at least with the adapter I had it required a substantially larger filter. It's $5 though, shouldn't be a big deal.

younter · 01-17-2011, 01:40 AM

Well,after reading it.I am considering get a Stillen one or other brand? Any reconmandation?

SPOHN · 01-17-2011, 06:32 AM

GTM and Z1 are great ones. I'm ordering a GTM myself being I have to order several more things from there.

christian370z · 01-17-2011, 11:30 AM

This is the link that shows all the oil filters that will work with the sandwich Stillen supplies with their oil coolers: Cross Reference for K&N Filter Part Number HP-1005

Kenny · 01-17-2011, 06:02 PM

What exactly is the optimal engine oil temp anyway? According to the owner's manual, >280 is not ideal.

Also, is anyone having any issues w/ an aftermarket oil cooler voiding the warranty?

08-29-2010, 02:44 AM	#1 (permalink)
Push370zzz Track Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NE Age: 39 Posts: 649 Drives: cars Rep Power: 16	Stillen Oil Cooler DIY Brief Review So I got the Stillen oil cooler and needless to say was rather nervous about installing it since if something went wrong I was super screwed. Long story short, all the instructions they provide seem to not make a lot of sense. Moving the PS cooler?? (I know why but it makes it such a bigger task then it needs to be)...anyways, you basically do an oil change and in between pull of the front bumper, screw on the adapter, hook up two hoses, cut a hole, plug them in, then mount the bracket. It took me about 4-5 hours to do, with a lunch break and some hanging out with my friends that were helping me, and all in all I feel like I could probably do it in about 2 hours if had to do it again. The only things missing from the kit (if you don't want to move the steering cooler) are two bolts and nuts and the right drill bit for the mounting bracket. This being said, were I to do it again I would also do the scratch built oil cooler since I basically paid about $150 for that stupid bracket, thought it did make it significantly easier I might add, plus all the hoses and things are of seemingly high quality. I have basically no prior mechanical experience when it comes to cars, and this was probably my first major surgery. I am pretty mechanically inclined so I wasn't too scared in my ability, but my experience is not on cars directly. Anyways a pretty easy thing to tackle, and I had a lot of fun doing it. Great feeling too when I saw it working!! __________________ Range Rover Sport Supercharged Nissan 370z Touring + Sport

08-29-2010, 08:54 AM	#2 (permalink)
spearfish25 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 4,117 Drives: to work Rep Power: 1856	I don't really understand why Stillen puts so much time into putting the products together and then fizzles out when it comes to instructions. Taking the photos and typing a detailed instruction list for this install would take about an hour in total work. That 'labor' cost would be made up when one apprehensive buyer decides to get the kit after reading the excellent instructions rather than pass up the purchase while thinking it's too difficult. __________________ 2013 Cadillac V-Wagon, RIP Z

08-29-2010, 11:38 AM	#3 (permalink)
Q8y_drifter Enthusiast Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Kuwait Posts: 306 Drives: 08 Infiniti G35 5AT Rep Power: 15	You should read the trans oil cooler instructions. It just tells you where to mount the cooler and drill the holes, then kthxbye! __________________ 08 G35 5AT Sedan \| Stillen CBE \| Invidia HFC \| Injen CAI \| Uprev Tune \| Akebono BBK \| Tanabe Coilovers \| Hotchkis Sway Bars \| GTSpec FSB \| Black Headlights & Grille \| Volk GT-F Wheels \| Hankook V12 Evo Tires

09-06-2010, 01:00 PM	#6 (permalink)
GTLAW Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Columbia MD Posts: 373 Drives: Black ??? Rep Power: 14	They always do that, every Stillen mod I have order the install guide is pure ****! __________________ 2013 6MT IPL GrSh\|V-Leds\|OSRAM \| SWIFT \| H&R \| CUSCO \| HKS \| 3M \|

09-07-2010, 11:22 AM	#7 (permalink)
Push370zzz Track Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NE Age: 39 Posts: 649 Drives: cars Rep Power: 16	Well after first track day, couldn't have gone better. I ran in my first session and saw temps hit about 255~260, but never more than that. Later in the day I did two 20 minute sessions right in a row and it never went above 265. If I let it cool down for 5 minutes it dropped back under 200 though, so I basically have no worries about limp mode. Very happy nothing broke at the track that I installed though lol __________________ Range Rover Sport Supercharged Nissan 370z Touring + Sport

01-17-2011, 01:40 AM	#10 (permalink)
younter Enthusiast Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Canada Posts: 479 Drives: 10 370Z 40th SOLD Rep Power: 14	Well,after reading it.I am considering get a Stillen one or other brand? Any reconmandation?

01-17-2011, 06:32 AM	#11 (permalink)
SPOHN A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Covington, GA Age: 45 Posts: 14,844 Drives: Waiting on next Z Rep Power: 221	GTM and Z1 are great ones. I'm ordering a GTM myself being I have to order several more things from there. __________________

01-17-2011, 11:30 AM	#12 (permalink)
christian370z A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Newport Beach Posts: 3,900 Drives: 2010 370Z/Saab 900se Rep Power: 431	This is the link that shows all the oil filters that will work with the sandwich Stillen supplies with their oil coolers: Cross Reference for K&N Filter Part Number HP-1005 __________________ -320whp / 259wftlbs- SP Rays -- RE-11s -- SpecialtyZ Tune -- Swift Springs -- Stillen 25R Oil Cooler -- Stillen G3 Intakes -- Berk HFCs -- F.I. 12" CBE -- Stillen Sway Bars -- Es14 Spring -- INGS+1 lip -- CF Spoiler -- GTR Start Button -- VLED Parking Lights -- PWJDM V2 shift knob

01-17-2011, 06:02 PM	#13 (permalink)
Kenny Enthusiast Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 330 Drives: 2011 Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 14	What exactly is the optimal engine oil temp anyway? According to the owner's manual, >280 is not ideal. Also, is anyone having any issues w/ an aftermarket oil cooler voiding the warranty? __________________

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