Z1 Motorsports Oil Pan Spacer - worth it?

[The Max]

Hey guys,

After seeing some folks using the Z1 Motorsports trinkets on their vehicles, I did what anyone would do and browse the parts catalogue. I figure if I'm going to order stuff, I may as well grab more than just a couple of bits.

So I came across the oil pan spacer (https://www.z1motorsports.com/engine-parts/z1-motorsports/z1-vq-hr-vhr-oil-pan-spacer-p-8184.html) and many in the US claim that it's better for the fact that the oil pickup is less likely to suck in air and with the 937mL of additional oil, the oil temperature decreases to the benefit of longer engine life.

Has anyone installed one of these on their VQ37VHR motor and do you believe it to be worthwhile? If I'm going to have it up on a hoist doing engine and transmission mounts, may as well go the full hog and add this piece in as well, so all thoughts are welcome!

[Murray_Calavera]

Hey mate, 

My first thoughts are, if I want cooler oil, I'd install an oil cooler. Preferably with a thermostat unless the vehicle is track only. I don't know how comfortable I'd be extending down to pick up extra capacity, I'd rather go wider. Less chance of bottoming out on something and ripping the sump open. And finally, if there are oil surge issues from oil running away from the pick up, adding an extra liter of oil probably isn't going to help a great deal. You really want gates/baffles/one-way trap doors around the pick up that keeps oil there during hard cornering. Have a look at this as an example of what I'm talking about https://justjap.com/engine/oil-control/sumps-baffle-kits/tomei-sump-baffle-kit-nissan-rb26.html

I think your money could be better spent elsewhere. I'd recommend oil temp / oil pressure  sensors/gauges, that way you can see if you even have an issue with oil temps or oil surge. 

But having said all this, if your car never sees the track you probably don't need any of this.

[The Max]

Figured as much. I always err on the side of "I don't need this unless someone convinces me otherwise."

Can't say I've ever really been worried with our vehicles. I think the JDM ones get a little more love than the USDM variants anyway.