Cut and paste of a reply I've made before: I'm of the mind that you're right... dollar for dollar, getting non-NISMO parts can offer more value in actual performance. However NISMO is a brand name of sorts. Dollar for dollar, you can get a better performing PC or phone for the price you pay for an Apple... but there's a certain allure of having an Apple in certain social circles. That's the kind of effect NISMO wants to have. So the price is for somewhat better performance... but more for just having that authentic badge.


Because YOU know the difference. You're not getting your car for the average person: you're getting it for yourself. If YOU feel the extras in a 2014 outweigh getting a 2010, then get the 2014. If not, then get the 2010.


Yea, but it would be a used car. I don't like used cars. It's a personal thing, and I know there are tons of great reasons why used cars are better, but I'm not one of those people. It's my car: I want it new. Every nick, every wash, every blemish, every wax, every broken part... I want to be the one who does it. I want my car's history to be a clean canvas that I paint upon. There's just a certain feeling I get from being the person who does this: that she's my car and I know every possible detail without fail or question. If the car has some weird quirk, I know what it is, because I either broke it or fixed it that way.

The Nismo is dead to me.















Just kidding, I don't really care either way.

"surely need"? Wow, wonder how I've managed to not need one in my '09 for all these years? ;)

True, but I would imagine that almost all of the Z's with the oil burning issue have had their engines replaced under warranty.

I have neither the nav package (which is totally overpriced, IMO) nor a back up camera in my '09, and I don't feel deprived (depraved sometimes, but not deprived :))...

You feel better justifying your own purchase VCuomo.... If you live in a place like Texas an oil cooler isn't really optional.

I've got 55K miles on my DD in Austin, and she's running strong. It's a 2011 so it doesn't even have the crappy stock cooler. I've driven it over 900 miles to West Texas and back on a hot summer day before - she does great cruising at 85 mph. The car does just fine as long as you don't beat on it for too long. If you want to do that or want to autox or track your Z, you need an oil cooler. Otherwise, I'm not convinced.

my 09 has no oil cooler. and i still haven't reached anywhere near 260 near limp.

hell, ive not even reached 240 on a 95-100F day driving it pretty spiritedly...

does the 12+ oil cooler rely on coolant/radiator to cool the oil? :ugh:

yeah... it's totally worthless

I've hit pretty high temps at COTA. After two consecutive three lap sessions in the Texas sun last June, I was near 280F according to the gauge. I sat out the last session, and she got a fresh oil change a few days later. Nothing surprising except that I got a full 6 laps in at about 95% full speed before the heat shut me down. Nissan provided their own cars to drive as well, so I had plenty more track time that day.

Dumb question number 5
 

Sure it "can" be done but if you live in a hot place and you do wanna drive the car hard it's good info to know there is a stock option that certainly doesn't hurt. I was under the impression the oil temp issue's on the earlier cars were much worse so it's good to here that you guys have had no issues.

Well, no, it really isn't.

First it's also an oil heater, so it helps your oil get up to operating temp quicker.

Second, it does keep the oil temp down for some time. On my '14, spirited driving on a hot day, the car still stays pretty close to 220 and even if it gets above it (which takes some work) it comes right back down. I got my '11 up over 240 just cruising in 5th at 70 mph many times.

In terms of an actual track day though, you are right, it is absolutely not up to the task of keeping the oil cool while tracking the car for an extended period, though it will stay cool longer than no oil cooler at all.

fair 'nuff :tiphat:

I have YET to be passed / lapped by a Nismo on the track. (N/A that is)

Don't see the "value" in lap times. :driving:

Where DO you see the value then?

1 - Because of the body kit and other subtle increases in HP
2 - 09-12 look the same (they changed the front bumper in 13 I believe)
3 - I bought a used and it was way cheaper and only had 5k miles on it, so all you have to do is research...thats only if you want to do the work, if not, then go new

Depends what you're getting, i got a base with sport package for 31 out the door. the nismo was about 42 out the door, in 11k difference i can upgrade my base to be way superior to the nismo. like stated earlier, nismo is just sort of a brand name. 18hp and different style bumpers is not worth the 11k difference.

I'm not "justifying" anything (and don't really feel better either :)). Just pointing out that the OP does not necessarily "surely" need an oil cooler. And the OP is in Missouri, not Texas.

:iagree: :tup: