20 mins seems awfully long. I have a 25 row and it takes about 4-5 miles of easy driving (RPM < 3000) to get it up to 180 in 75 degree weather. What kind of driving are you doing in those 20 mins?

Same kind of driving. I don't know what the deal is, I bought the kit that came with the thermostatic sandwich plate and my installer verified it was installed. Maybe it isn't functioning properly or it was mis-installed? I'll have to call up the installer and find out whats going on.

Edit: I would like to point out that I've really only traveled about 5-6 miles in that 20 minutes.

:iagree: Seems aweful long. But then again I am more than happy to replace an engine after 10 years of romping on her out of the driveway so maybe it just seems long to me.

Maybe we're too hung up on the time when we should be looking more at distance, because your mileage is close to mine but the time is twice as long. If you're sitting in traffic not moving with the car idling, oil temp is going to take a while to come up.

And maybe the actual time was more like 10-15 minutes. I just drove from work for lunch, temp is about 92 degrees outside and it took almost 4 miles to hit 180 degree oil temp

That's not too far off then. I'm at operating temps in 4ish miles, and that's between 5-10 min depending on how many lights I hit.

Very good point.

OP if things are working correctly, and Chuck makes a great point, the cooler is a very small investment for the day you really need it. It is 92 here today and without a cooler my oil was 240 cruising at 85 for 15 miles. Last night I was having a bit, a BIT, of fun and it was almost 250. As a result I change my oil often even for full syn...you pay one way or the other.

Is there any easy way just to verify my thermostatic sandwich plate is operating the way it should?

that sounds like my morning commute. and for me the oil still isnt warm as i pull into work.

so i think you are fine with your oil cooler.

You might consider the 200 degree thermostatic plate from Mocal. I have one, though I haven't installed it yet. The 180 degree thermostat begins opening around 170 F and the 200 degree thermostat begins opening around 190 F according to the guys at BAT Inc. (Mocal distributers).

Part number: MOC-SP1FT-HT

Link to racepartswholesale.com

Or call BAT Inc. and place your order over the phone to save a few bucks

I have which ever thermostatic temp this kit came with, doesn't tell you in the ad so not sure?
Z1 Motorsports 370Z/G37 Oil Cooler Kit

Dial 770-838-7777 or e-mail parts@z1motorsports.com and ask 'em.

I am almost positive that the Mocal thermostatic sandwich plates are not capable of 100% bypass. Its been several years since I played with one, so I cannot remember. But I could swear that they never completely bypass the oil cooler, just some. Might want to look into that.

As for your warmup time/distance, sounds normal to me. Waiting until the oil temps hit 180 to beat on it? Not me, no way no how. I wont go full-power power-shifting drag runs until 140 degrees on the oil. But once the oil temp gauge has started to move, I pretty much drive how I drive.

are you driving on the freeway the whole time? if you're getting a lot of air flow it's possible to take that long. if i'm on the freeway at night, sometimes I can't get above 170 lol

think with thermostatic plates the oil chooses the path of least resistance so it's never fully blocked off per say.

ya thats what im saying.. so if the thermostat isnt fully closed then its not 100% bypassing. but at temp, it better not bypass at all or i wouldnt want it.