Mike Kojima posted on January 02, 2009 06:01
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| The area after the Y pipe is also small. The piping could be 3-3.5 inches here. |
When checking out a pre-production 370, we noted that it had a racing style oil cooler. This is probably in place for an anticipated press event when the car may be continually flogged for long periods of time on a racetrack. We don't feel that this indicates that the car has an oil temperature problem, its just sound prep work for such events.
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| This oil cooler adaptor doesn't look like it could be stock! |
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| A nice bar and plate cooler lives behind the fender liner feed air from the front of the car. |
We also noted that the 370Z we checked out had a generous power steering cooler. This looked like a factory part which is great because the 350Z had a problem with overheating the power steering, enough so that Nismo developed a power steering cooler kit.
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| This power steering cooler is stock equipment! The 370Z probably really needs this as the 350Z had a problem with overheating power steering fluid. |
In all the VQ37VHR is a state of the art very technically sophisticated engine, perhaps one of the most sophisticated naturally aspirated V6's ever massed produced. As far as performance potential for modifications, there is defiantly a lot to be had, the engines bottom end is exceedingly strong, the bore stroke ratio, stroke to rod length ratio, oiling system and cylinder head flow capability can all support more power. Only the valvetrain is the one area of difficulty. We will see what the aftermarket can come up with to develop this engine to new levels. On the other hand, it's a damn fine motor just to leave alone and drive!