I currently have mobil 1 synthetic 5W-30 in the engine right now. i am going down to VIR in 2 weeks for the track event. should i step up to some 10W-30 for the event or do you think i'll be okay with what i have in right now? the oil really dosen't need changed, i just changed it about 1k miles ago.

 

Stick with the 5W-30. That is the factory recommended weight.

 

10W is just thicker in extreme cold conditions. Both are 30 weight when hot.

 

Thanks for pointing that out, what do you think about M1 15w50 in our motors for track. Useless, powerzapper??

 

why dont you just run 30 or 50
no 5-30 no 15-50
as long as it doesnt get cold then it works fine.

 

Isn't thicker worse for cold conditions? For example if you lived in freezing weather all the time it would be wise to use something like 0w-30 rather than 10w30 because the car would have a tough time running that thick oil through the car.

 

that is correct, though 5 is plenty unless it goes way below -20F

 

Like sgT said, you are correct. I only pointing that out because he was wondering if he should change it to 10w-30 for track use

 

50 is useless IMO..

 

It's true that 5w and 10w are the same weight when hot, but the 10w may still be the better oil. I don't remember exactly how it works, but I read or heard somewhere that the larger the range between cold and hot temperatures the more bad chemical shizznit they have to add to the oil. Something like that. So a 0W30 would be dirty not-so-good and a straight weight 30 would be relatively clean and ultimately work better. I don't remember much about it though.

 

Use what the factory tells you to use for the operating temperature range in your area, unless you have specific reasons to do otherwise.

ITR 01 PY 1091
Mobil 1 5W30

 

Just make sure you allow the car to cool down a lot between sessions. i.e. hood open.

Put your heater on full blast when you're out on the track - it will help the motor bleed off extra heat.

Do a full cool down lap after your session - and if they don't let you drive your car around the parking lot - or go outside of the track area and get a Coke. This will also allow time for your brakes to cool too.

no need to change the oil you have - it's fine

 

I use 10W40 for road course for extra protection, though I possibly loss HP.

 

Yeah, I've read something about that, something to do with the extra polymers which are added reduce the oils lubricating properties. Wish I could find the article.

Sam

 

Unless you have a 36 year old car that needs a new engine.

 

Yeah, to make oil multi-weight, most companies add polymers to the oil to prevent thinning (shearing) at higher temps. The larger the range, the more polymers are usually needed, which means less actual "oil" for what you're buying and it's the oil that lubricates, not the polymers. However, I've read that mobil1 doesn't use polymers in their 5w-30 oils, so they should be fine.

 

Viscosity modifiers. A 10w-50 has more than 10w-30 and 30 has none. It's just more crap that can build up engine deposits over time.

Read all about it below.
http://www.micapeak.com/info/oiled.html

 

Don't go to a 50 weight oil... 5W-30 or 10W-30 is good. I switched to 10W-30. Either will work fine, but I prefer 10W-30(Mobil 1) for track... seems to burn less.. don't ask me why.


[Modified by XR4racer, 7:33 PM 2/12/2002]