i heard horror stories about newer Z drivers. :ugh:

When I was in Texas I was hitting 250f in stop go traffic on a regular basis.. Even if I wasn't going into limp mode, I still don't want a car to run that hot oil temp. Not only are you losing hp at those higher temps, but I'm assuming the oil is going to break down alot faster. Once I installed an oil cooler, 180-200 was the norm.

I also live in texas and with 15 minutes of spirited driving I see temps over 240. I ordered the FI new oil cooler so my baby will stay coool no matter what type of driving.

I have a 34 row cooler on my 2010, on the highway i see temps at or around 180 depending on outside temps (50+) and the block off plate off.

Sure. But that's not a problem. Anything North of 250 and I start getting worried. Below that shouldn't be an issue.

I've read different articles stating that ideal oil temperature is between 220-240 degrees, depending on your application. Some people say even higher. Some say lower. As long as I don't go into limp home mode, I don't worry about it. I change my oil frequently and use a good quality oil.

That's probably too cool as you want to get the oil above 212 degrees to get all the water out of it.

220 is a healthy temp and that's where my Z is on a hot summer day motoring her pretty hard. no cooler needed for my driving at least. ive not seen it go over 230F

Same here for my '09 (although the temps stay at 200 on the fwy).

Never seen temps over 230. And it only got there from sustained illegal speeds between Dallas and Houston or Texas to Arkansas. 220 is usually where it holds to and that's no oil cooler and still quick driving.
I wouldn't mine having one for drag strip days that way I can be closer to 200 deg. So not a bad idea but remember you will probably have more maintenance issues to look for with one, like leaking lines etc.

My temp sits between 180 and 220 depending. But what about an August drive to Vegas? Or driving for 20 hours? Maybe it is not critical but it would help at least a little?

will you have an August drive to Vegas....???

will you have a drive for 20 hours...???

I go to Vegas every August. And I want to drive to Tampa, and back, so yes.

If you don't track it you don't need it, limp mode doesn't happen till 260*+. Limp mode doesn't mean you broke something it's just the car's fail safe so you don't break it.

180*-220* is normal operating oil temps, if there was no gauge most people would never even think about oil temps or see any problems. The 350z ran really close to the same temps, no gauge no issues go figure.