BMW Z4M Coupe --> 370Z ??

BlueR32

i am going through this same decision process. i also want a rwd track competent car that would be my daily driver.

i am leaning toward the z4mcoupe, but it worries me to get a "dead end" car-- very limited production means a fairly scant aftermarket.
the z looks awesome, and gets some really good gains from simple mods.

to be trackable, the z needs an oil cooler. oil coolers are a compromise, as it would delay the rise of oil temps to optimum, which would be an issue for me due to a very short daily commute. the z4m does not seem to have engine cooling issues at all.

the z4m also has a proper lsd. the 370z lsd is decent, but can get overwhelmed by track use, cooler or not. you can swap the lsd on the 370z, just like you could add one to a cayman.

as for brakes, the z4m brakes (csl brakes) are probably a bit better than the 370z's. of course, there are bbk options for either.

so, i see it as z4m vs. 370z with oil cooler and diff cooler. i'd guess that the two cars would be a pretty close match on the track.

FricFrac

A common misconception or a poorly designed oil cooling system. If you are concerned about warm up times a thermal switch/valve much like the one in your cooling system keeps oil out of the cooler until it comes up to temp. Oil coolers are a good idea on any modern engine as much of the cooling is done with the oil now. The 370Z will hardly break half way on the temp gauge for engine coolant yet you'll be in limp mode with the oil overheating with track use and no cooler. An oil cooling system should be thought of as an anti-oil-overheating system rather than one that keeps the oil temperature low. Its important for your oil to be running at temperature for flow/lubrication and a proper oil cooling system will do just that.


For track use a diff cooler isn't really needed.

__________________
'09 370Z - '93 300ZX Vert - '83 280ZX - '83 280ZXT -'81 280ZXT stroker - '72 240Z - Stillen CBE, HFC, G3, Grounding Kit, Sways // Swift Spring // H&R 15mm // 5% Tint // Clear Bra //

BlueR32

good point on the thermostat.

i think the use (or overuse) of the viscous diff will depend on the track, but i don't think there are many track rats that are glad that the z has a viscous lsd vs a mechanical.

ebruder

Since picking up on the oil temps issues raised here, I began digging into other threads re: oil temp and coolers.

There seems to be quite a bit of concern regarding high oil temp certainly for track and also for canyon carving. There is also a a lot in a thread about oil coolers needing to be blocked off to allow oil temp to come up properly, and that a thermostat for oil coolers is a less than perfect answer.

Is there a factory fix or dealer installed Nissan cooler available that I am missing?

Otherwise this is probably a deal killer.

Thanks,

EB