In the end, you can always get more performance through aftermarket. Since M and AMG models were brought up, you could easily get a 335i to outperform a M3 for less money, but if you follow those threads on the BMW boards, the overall sentiment is like "who cares and that's not really the whole point."

Oh and I would hope that a Nismo 370 outperforms it's 350 variant. Doesn't a regular 370Z come close to or exceed the performance of the Nismo 350Z on the track already?

Wow - honestly who cares about the oil cooler - its a 500$ expense on a 35K car... stop whining about it and go get one if you really are that worried. Seriously those who track their cars will be spending a LOT more than the cost of an oil cooler to keep their car running well - ie tires / brakes / oil changes and what not... Seriously - the nismo isnt as different as it used to be w/ the 350z but so what? its still the nismo and it still will be worth it if you like the look / handling of the car... you get weight loss and exhaust / intake w/ a warranty...

But you are missing the point, it is not about price but warranty.
By not having the oil cooler stock, Nissan is showing/stating they do not really want this car on the track, and if you add the oil cooler you void part of your warranty if a problem occurs from it.

I'm still trying to figure out what makes people think the Nissan (or any other mas-manufacturer) "wants" their cars on the track and/or that the manufacturer's vehicle warranty should cover that sort of use. :driving:

There are laws in place which say that unless the dealer can prove that your oil cooler is the reason your car broke down - they will have to cover the warranty work... this is seriously a non-issue. Are you seriously telling me that you plan on leaving your track car stock?

Yes, I know the law, we have had long debates on this forum already about it.
But it is not just the oil issue of the warranty, Nissan clearly does not want the car on the track even as stock, now Robert makes a good point in who says that is what Nissan intends. But I would feel that marketing of the product towards "competition suspension" and other parts makes one wonder who they are hoping buys this.

Now would I leave my car stock? Wrong person to ask because this is my first sports car and the power currently is more than I need so I would leave it completely stock without a question.

I prefer the Nismo 350Z > Nismo 370Z. Can be had for cheaper, and then very little is needed to have boatloads of fun with it.

That "law" is a bit of a red hearing and has already been significantly discussed here.

It's all well and good to say the law is on the consumer's side but if a manufacturer takes the position that an aftermarket addition, especially anything used for "off road" use (i.e. track use) precipitated or could have precipitated a failure and they refuse warranty coverage then the consumer is left with what is likely to be a real headache and may well mean heading for the court room...very few consumers have the time, inclination or financial resources to sue a manufacturer under that statute and if they did, their Z would likely have become a "classic" by the time the case was adjudicated even assuming it was a victory for the consumer.

If anyone says that adding aftermarket performance parts will "automatically" void your warranty that simply isn't true...by the same token, anyone claiming that resolving a dispute between the consumer and the manufacturer is simple, quick or easy is also not likely true and I'd suggest that any evidence that a vehicle was put on a race track would likely result in making a warranty claim even more difficult.

If your going to track your car nismo or not your going to probably do more than just leave it stock (and track it)..whats the big deal?
... this is more about exclusivity/novelty, some extra sales $$ and nothing to do with Nissan building the perfect track car. If you want that purchase something stock and make it into whatever your hearts content is...these and any other cars you can purchase thats street legal from the dealer is a street car plain and simple.

^ agreed - but all it will take is one or two people to set the precedent - once thats there... companies will cite the case where nissan got owned by some consumers. Its not like nissan is the only company that does this. With that said - there are plenty of dealerships who will not care about your mods etc and will still do warranty work on your car. Besides - go get your oil cooler installed at a dealer and pay the premium and have it covered ...

Keep in mind that the act does NOT apply to anything other than a written warranty; if the dealer doesn't put it in writing it didn't happen.

:drama:

Per the tests so far no.

Riddle me this then Batman, as the Warranty thing has been thrown in our face here before. Let's say a dealer decides to install your Stillen Cooler (I think Phimosis is in this category). He's feeling good because his dealer Warrantied the install and Stillen warrantied the part.

Part fails, Toasts engine. Stillen's limit of liability according to their warranty is to replace the defective part. Dealer says NOT OUR PROBLEM, it was not our part. Who pays? You do (for the whole engine)

Installation fails. Any install failure will result in the dealer pointing fingers at Stillen. They're all pre-made parts that just screw together. How "wrong" could it go? Momma Nissan will not support the dealer either way. The dealer did this on his own and the Mother ship is sure not gonna pay a $8-10K repair bill when it was the dealers (or Stillen's) fault. Dealers are independent businessmen...They are NOT Nissan.

See where this is going? Unless you have something in writing from the dealer/Nissan that will cover these circumstanses you're basically SOL no matter how warm and fuzzy you felt after being schmoozed by the service writer who took your money for the work......

Hugh...what tests are you referring to?

The tests I've read says the 370 is at equal to or better than the NISMO 350 in 0-60; 60-0 and skidpad.