Quick oil question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,161
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From: Virginia
Quick oil question
I hate to even mention the word oil on this forum but... Been using Mobil 1 5w30 awhile now and was wondering what would be the next step up in thickness, 5w40? I know the M1 5w30 is a little thinner now than in the past so thats why I'm thinking about changing.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: oregon
what's your oil psi at idle with 212deg 30w oil. if it's over 25lbs you're fine for street driving
if you're tracking the car 40w will have more film at higher temps. but, if you're tracking the car you change the oil before and after the event.
if you're tracking the car 40w will have more film at higher temps. but, if you're tracking the car you change the oil before and after the event.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,161
Likes: 257
From: Virginia
Pro
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 568
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From: Fresno California
I use Pennzoil Ultra 5w30 in winter and Pennzoil Ultra 10w30 in summer. On the track or not.
That may change when I no longer use stock valve train and stock crank and cam bearings.
That's all I am willing to say without fearing for my life.
That may change when I no longer use stock valve train and stock crank and cam bearings.
That's all I am willing to say without fearing for my life.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
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From: South Western Ontario
Starting with 5W30, increase the 5 to get thicker oil when cold or increase the 30 to get thicker oil when hot. I doubt you want thicker oil when cold so 5W40 would be your choice.
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St. Jude Donor '13
Team Owner
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From: Western NY
The viscosity (thickness) has not changed it is 5-30. It is the ZDDP (wear protection additives) that has been reduced. A higher viscosity (5-40) will probably result in increased engine wear. There is a reason why GM engineers established this viscosity for these engines. Unless you have extensive research, don't mess with it.
......just find an oil with a higher ZDDP content.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2011
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From: Virginia
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Western NY
We understand your need for "peace of mind". We're all looking to protect our cars, so we're beginning to look for oils that have a higher level of ZDPP that the current oils that meet the "SN" spec....
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Redondo Beach CA
Mobil one has an 800 information line, if not on the container ask the 800 operator for the number. Of course, then you miss all the fun.
I agree with the other poster, i reading about LS design, I would not change viscosities unless I was certain I was helping the engine. IN other reading here, it seems the high milage version of Mobil 1 is about the oil that matches the stuff in the engine when the C5 was new. Only important if you run real hard, the new oils are good.
I agree with the other poster, i reading about LS design, I would not change viscosities unless I was certain I was helping the engine. IN other reading here, it seems the high milage version of Mobil 1 is about the oil that matches the stuff in the engine when the C5 was new. Only important if you run real hard, the new oils are good.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Northville Michigan
If you want the best protection, both in cold and hot weather, use an oil with a Group V base stock and higher levels of Zinc and Phosphorous.
Answer: Red Line 0W40.
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Answer: Red Line 0W40.
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Last edited by Pumba; Aug 10, 2013 at 04:10 AM.
Racer
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From: Baton Rouge LA
Team Owner
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From: Western NY
True, but I don't know if I'd want to be messing with an oil's formulation, especially a syn oil, since I'm no chemist.....But on the other hand, in the family's cars that run on dino oil, I always throw a can of STP in at every oil change. The STP cans now state it has ZDPP as part of its formulation.