The Nissan 370Z (body code Z34) is undoubtedly one of the purest contemporary Japanese sports cars, powered by a powerful VQ37VHR engine. It offers a phenomenal driving experience, especially at higher revs. Unfortunately, this icon of Japanese motoring suffers from a serious design flaw that can take all the fun out of dynamic driving: extreme engine oil overheating.

For track day enthusiasts and lovers of dynamic mountain driving, this is a familiar nightmare. The factory cooling system, which is only sufficient for calm city driving, becomes completely inadequate under increased load conditions.

120 degrees – Safety Limit, Power Limit

When the oil in the VQ37VHR engine reaches and then exceeds the critical 120 degrees, a cascade of problems begins. The oil, which is the lifeblood of the engine, loses its lubricating properties, and its faster degradation leads to accelerated wear of key components, primarily the bearings.

The most frustrating and immediate effect is when the engine computer, in an effort to protect the unit from damage, goes into limp mode. Power is drastically reduced, and your entire session on the track ends after just a few fast laps. This is the silent killer of VQ engines – insufficiently cooled oil, which also takes away all the fun of dynamic driving.

120 degrees – Safety Limit, Power Limit

When the oil in the VQ37VHR engine reaches and then exceeds the critical 120 degrees, a cascade of problems begins. The oil, which is the lifeblood of the engine, loses its lubricating properties, and its faster degradation leads to accelerated wear of key components, primarily the bearings.

The most frustrating and immediate effect is when the engine computer, in an effort to protect the unit from damage, goes into limp mode. Power is drastically reduced, and your entire session on the track ends after just a few fast laps. This is the silent killer of VQ engines – insufficiently cooled oil, which also takes away all the fun of dynamic driving.

The RestoMotive oil cooler kit works in two ways, solving both problems simultaneously:

1. Increases Heat Exchange Surface Area: By introducing a large, 19-row FMIC.Pro radiator, we dramatically increase the system’s heat dissipation capacity.
2. Increases Total System Volume: The additional lines and the radiator itself naturally increase the total oil volume in the system. This extra oil reserve acts as a crucial thermal buffer, slowing down heating and helping to maintain the oil’s quality and lubricating properties for longer.

With this combination of efficient cooling and increased thermal reserve, our kit provides stable, reduced operating temperatures of up to 25-30 degrees, allowing 370Z drivers to enjoy uninterrupted, dynamic driving.

Design Challenges: Precision in a Cramped Engine Bay

When deciding to design this dedicated solution, we set ourselves the goal of creating a bolt-on kit that would not require any modifications or cutting of factory components. However, the engine bay of the Nissan 370Z is extremely cramped and full of obstacles.

The key engineering challenges we had to overcome were:

• Perfect Radiator Positioning: The radiator must be located in a place with maximum airflow (usually behind the front bumper) and must be securely mounted. Our team designed special radiator mounts and the radiator itself to fit the original front belt mounts. The use of precise 3D scans of the engine compartment and CAD design was absolutely crucial here.
• The issue of the reaction rod and cable routing: This was one of the most difficult moments. Routing the oil cables in a special braid (necessary due to pressure and temperature) required a precise path to be determined. The space around the oil pan and reaction rod is extremely limited. We had to create specialised components: RST oil line guides and mountings on the side member and oil pan. Their role is to:
  • Prevent mechanical collisions, including rubbing of the lines against moving suspension or steering components, even at full turn and load.
  • Protecting the lines from the heat emitted by the exhaust system.

Summary: Intelligent Engine Protection

Our kit is based on a highly efficient 19-row radiator and a filter base (sandwich plate) with a built-in 85-degree thermostat. This allows the engine to quickly reach its optimum operating temperature, and when the oil starts to heat up dangerously, the system automatically takes control, directing it to a large external radiator.

The result? A guaranteed real reduction in oil temperature and the ability to drive the car very dynamically with minimal risk of oil overheating.

If you own a Nissan 370Z (Z34) and care about the safe and uninterrupted, dynamic use of your car, this kit is a must-have upgrade for you. Say goodbye to the stress of rising temperatures and ‘limp mode’ – choose performance and engine protection.