AutoX Prep Is oil cooler needed?
 

Sorry for posting this, Im sure the answer is in this forum 100 times over.
I've skimmed through some of the official autox post, but I'm not seeing the answer.

I know for HPDEs due to various things overheating.
A big oil cooler, maybe a racing radiator, brake cooling ducts, racing brake pads, clutch insulaton, racing fuel pump, racing fluid in you clutch and brakes, etc.

But how about just for an AutoX?

Is it safe to autocross a stock 370Z sport?
Or should I really get an oil cooler or something else?

I'll be autocrossing in the heart of summer, 100 degree days I'm sure.

Plenty of people have autox'ed a 370z without an oil cooler and nothing bad happens. Go for it.

Thanks :tup:

What year do you have? You may already have the factory oil stabilizer and for sure you won't need it.

An oil cooler is not necessary for autox.

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While an oil cooler may not be necessary, the 370Z does tend to run hot. Personally, I think an oil cooler is a good idea for even spirited DDing. YMMV

Off-topic: If you are running with 100 F ambient temps, IAT may become a problem. The ECM starts limiting engine output somewhere around 85 F.

I did a practice autocross in 95F temps and got in 20+ runs. I would turn the AC on the lowest fan setting in between runs to get the engine fans to come on and that would drop the oil temps from 235 to 210.

Depends on the course layout, most auto-x runs are less than a minute, then you're back at the pits waiting for everyone else to run. I'd imagine it'd be okay.

For 6-8 runs of 45-60 seconds each over a full day, you'll be okay without an oil cooler.

If you end up doing a ton of untimed runs at the end, or have a small group that day where you get tons of runs in, you might start wanting a cooler.

I agree it depends on what road course you are trying to run? There are some people I know that have got away with no oil cooler kit on their Z. Installing a aftermarket oil cooler kit is always a good idea if your Z see’s track time a specially auto x it will give you extra peace of mind anyway. Definitely make sure you have done all your general maintenance and inspect your Z before you go run auto x events. I was not able to get away with the stock Nissan oil cooler as my oil temperatures were running 240+ after beating on my Z with multiple runs in the summer humid heat.

Not necessary and technically it throws you into Street Prepared.