I noticed some straight-weight oil sitting on the shelf the other day. Since changing your oil before and after a track day is recommended, what about some 30 or 50 weight? Would this provide any extra protection? I know it will not lubricate the engine as quickly on a cold start. I'd just like some feedback on this idea.

For reference, I have a basically stock 98 Integra RS.

 

i have never run anything other than 5w-30 in my honda racecars. never had an oil related failure, ever.

now, in my Super Seven, i run straight 50 racing oil in extremely hot weather. all other times, i run 20w-50 racing. thats an older engine with big clearances, tho.

for your honda, stick with the recommended oil. just my opinion, though!

 

good advice...could go to 10w30 in the heat...but don't have to as long as you are using a good synthetic

 

OK, cool. Thanks for the advice.

 

Although it's common practice, I have a hard time understanding the "science" behind the 10w-30 rather than 5w-30 in hot weather argument. The only difference in viscosity is at very low temperatures - way below operating temps.

K

 

conventional 5w-30 will generally start to break down at lower oil temperatures than conventional 10w-30, assuming an otherwise identical formulation. Even though they're both 30 weight at their operating temperatures, the 5w-30 will break down more quickly above operating temperatures because of the extra additives necessary to get the wider viscosity spread.

It's not much of an issue with synthetic oils, though. BMW specs 10w-60 synthetic for their M cars.

 

all the newer M cars are using 5-30 again

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by antone &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">all the newer M cars are using 5-30 again
</TD></TR></TABLE>

It seems like most new cars are using 5w-20 now. Even the E-250 and F-150 we have at work use it. So what is it about my car that makes 5w-30 better for it?

 

5w-20 is only for better emmisions, and fuel economy.. read here:
http://www.guarding-our-earth....shtml

 

Good info, thanks!