10w40 for LS7 track use?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2009
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10w40 for LS7 track use?
My stock, low mile '08 C6Z has great oil pressure early in the session, 35psi at idle, mid 60's at high rpm running fresh Mobil1 5w30. Just a few laps in though, I get mid 20's at idle and 48psi at high revs in a straight line. Cool it off for half hour on pressures go right back up. Logged on phone app from OEM sensors. Can't figure out how to post it here.
Because of this I'm considering switching to Amsoil 10w40 Premium street oil (AMO). I'm out of warranty so not having the dexos 1 cert is OK. My thought is the slightly higher viscosity at 212°, higher zinc content will keep pressures in happy land for deeper into a session. The slightly higher temps I might see with the higher vis would be offset by happier mains I should think.
Question for those here with direct personal experience wrt to the C6Z on track: If you have a recommendation for something else or data I should see, please share!
I'm guessing the only reason GM strongly recommends 5w30 is for CAFE and cat life.
Because of this I'm considering switching to Amsoil 10w40 Premium street oil (AMO). I'm out of warranty so not having the dexos 1 cert is OK. My thought is the slightly higher viscosity at 212°, higher zinc content will keep pressures in happy land for deeper into a session. The slightly higher temps I might see with the higher vis would be offset by happier mains I should think.
Question for those here with direct personal experience wrt to the C6Z on track: If you have a recommendation for something else or data I should see, please share!
I'm guessing the only reason GM strongly recommends 5w30 is for CAFE and cat life.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 3,425
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Sorry, no help, but would also like to know.
Pressure drops on my Z when oil is pretty hot too. Is there a general rule to follow in regards to oil pressure? Clearly having some is good, but at what point should I be concerned?
Pressure drops on my Z when oil is pretty hot too. Is there a general rule to follow in regards to oil pressure? Clearly having some is good, but at what point should I be concerned?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
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http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-z...treet-use.html
I plan to do the LPE oil tank mod. The extra volume should help preclude starvation once I put stickier tires on it and also help keep temps a bit lower.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Most of the people who go to 40 weight oil use the Mobil 1 0W40 that is spec'd for Europe. I just use the M1 5W30. When I go to the track I will take a couple of extra quarts with me and will use either the 5W30 or the 0W40 to top off depending on what the store has on the rack when I am there. Oil temp gets up to 260 and pressure is similar to yours but you really don't need the extra pressure. Higher pressure consumes HP to generate the higher pressure so if you don't need it don't waste the HP to get it.
Bill
Bill
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2009
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Thanks for the link.
FWIW, I'm in the process of getting the LPE tank done (along with the Aviaid Tank insert & windage tray) and from what I had read, oil temps are only slightly lower, nothing I'd consider significant.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-z...k-results.html
FWIW, I'm in the process of getting the LPE tank done (along with the Aviaid Tank insert & windage tray) and from what I had read, oil temps are only slightly lower, nothing I'd consider significant.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-z...k-results.html
Summary:
* LPE Tank Oil Pressure: NO oil starvation; NO pressure drops on any laps through the entire day.
* LPE Tank Oil Temp: I’m still going through the temp data, but it appears that oil temps are similar with Stock and LPE tanks. The LPE tank may run 2-3 degrees cooler.
* LPE Tank Oil Pressure: NO oil starvation; NO pressure drops on any laps through the entire day.
* LPE Tank Oil Temp: I’m still going through the temp data, but it appears that oil temps are similar with Stock and LPE tanks. The LPE tank may run 2-3 degrees cooler.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,364
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From: King George VA
I'd suggest one of these first:
AMSOIL Dominator Synthetic 10w30 Racing Motor Oil (Product Code RD30QT)
(zinc – 1575 ppm, phosphorus 1474 ppm)
AMSOIL Z-ROD 10w30 Synthetic Motor Oil (Product Code ZRTQT)
(zinc – 1440 ppm, phosphorus 1320 ppm)
In my LS6 with an aftermarket oil cooler added, I've raced in the SCCA using everything from a 20w50 down to the Dominator 10w30 listed above and this included several seasons on the Premium Performance 10w40. I find my oil temps are lowest and my oil pressure is suitable with the 10w30. In my car at most tracks my oil temp is 245-255F and my oil pressure is ~55-60psi on the track at hot oil temps. Bearings and engine internals all stock in my car.
I'd consider the Z-ROD if the car use dual street/track use, and I'd use the Dominator if all you do is track the car.
Whatever option you chose, if you do decide to go with AMSOIL, more than happy to get AMSOIL products for forum members at dealer wholesale pricing, about 25% below retail, via the AMSOIL Preferred Customer Program. Drop me a PM if interested.
AMSOIL Dominator Synthetic 10w30 Racing Motor Oil (Product Code RD30QT)
(zinc – 1575 ppm, phosphorus 1474 ppm)
AMSOIL Z-ROD 10w30 Synthetic Motor Oil (Product Code ZRTQT)
(zinc – 1440 ppm, phosphorus 1320 ppm)
In my LS6 with an aftermarket oil cooler added, I've raced in the SCCA using everything from a 20w50 down to the Dominator 10w30 listed above and this included several seasons on the Premium Performance 10w40. I find my oil temps are lowest and my oil pressure is suitable with the 10w30. In my car at most tracks my oil temp is 245-255F and my oil pressure is ~55-60psi on the track at hot oil temps. Bearings and engine internals all stock in my car.
I'd consider the Z-ROD if the car use dual street/track use, and I'd use the Dominator if all you do is track the car.
Whatever option you chose, if you do decide to go with AMSOIL, more than happy to get AMSOIL products for forum members at dealer wholesale pricing, about 25% below retail, via the AMSOIL Preferred Customer Program. Drop me a PM if interested.
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AMSOIL Preferred Customer Program (Members buy at Wholesale - a savings of about 25%)
C66 Racing #66 NASA ST2, SCCA T2
AMSOIL Dealer (Forum Vendor)
AMSOIL Preferred Customer Program (Members buy at Wholesale - a savings of about 25%)
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,974
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From: Pinellas Park Fl
St. Jude Donor '08-'09 & '12, '14
Pressure is a result of resistance to flow
The real answer is as Subdriver suggests, use an oil designed for the application. Street oils aren't designed to go racing.
The real answer is as Subdriver suggests, use an oil designed for the application. Street oils aren't designed to go racing.
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Burning Brakes
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Of course oil pressure drops when temps heat up, that's just basic viscosity change.
But you are making a critical mistake here; high pressure does not mean protection, and lower pressure does not mean a lack of protection.
Using 10w-40 wont hurt your car, it will have better film strength at those higher temperatures, and it will probably bump your pressure back up. No reason to use 0w-40. You should look at the second number first, as that's what has to do with your car at running temps, then the first number has to do with cold oil, you're probably not regularly starting your car in freezing temperatures, so go with a higher number when you can.
But you are making a critical mistake here; high pressure does not mean protection, and lower pressure does not mean a lack of protection.
Using 10w-40 wont hurt your car, it will have better film strength at those higher temperatures, and it will probably bump your pressure back up. No reason to use 0w-40. You should look at the second number first, as that's what has to do with your car at running temps, then the first number has to do with cold oil, you're probably not regularly starting your car in freezing temperatures, so go with a higher number when you can.
Last edited by BoosterClub; Feb 24, 2013 at 10:25 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 45
From: San Jose CA
I use Mobile 1 15w50 full synthetic in my car for the track. It's what Katech who built the engine recommended that I use for track use here in CA where the temps are generally in 60 to about 100 range. No noticeable negative side effects but I do always let the car idle to warm up the oil to a minimum temperature of 100 deg before driving. The factory C6R racing car uses Mobile 1 Racing 0w50 fwiw.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
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From: oregon
I use Mobile 1 15w50 full synthetic in my car for the track. It's what Katech who built the engine recommended that I use for track use here in CA where the temps are generally in 60 to about 100 range. No noticeable negative side effects but I do always let the car idle to warm up the oil to a minimum temperature of 100 deg before driving. The factory C6R racing car uses Mobile 1 Racing 0w50 fwiw.
if anyone is really oil curious there is an oil forum at www.bobistheoilguy.com that has some extremely bright people with a lot of actual research presented
Thread Starter
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As the car is low mile and will see some track use, I'm concerned about preserving the cats. So I'm leaning to oils with zinc in the 1000-1200 range at most. That sorta rules our race oils like we use in or Miatas. Mostly just adding viscosity to preserve oil pressure a little bit further into the session. I'll definitely be careful on cold starts. Luckily it's easy to cruise around under 2000rpm for the first 10 minutes on cold morning to keep oil pressure from spiking too high.
Anybody know what a safe upper limit might be for oil pressure when cold?
Anybody know what a safe upper limit might be for oil pressure when cold?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
As the car is low mile and will see some track use, I'm concerned about preserving the cats. So I'm leaning to oils with zinc in the 1000-1200 range at most. That sorta rules our race oils like we use in or Miatas. Mostly just adding viscosity to preserve oil pressure a little bit further into the session. I'll definitely be careful on cold starts. Luckily it's easy to cruise around under 2000rpm for the first 10 minutes on cold morning to keep oil pressure from spiking too high.
Anybody know what a safe upper limit might be for oil pressure when cold?
Anybody know what a safe upper limit might be for oil pressure when cold?
5 qt jugs at walmart are $26
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2009
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Not after more zinc/phos, just viscosity. My issue is oil pressure not UoA concerns. My initial question was more to see what issues might arise from the additional viscosity other than the obvious higher OP when cold. I'm getting the impression from the replies that's like any other car. I'll try the AMO 10W40 and report back. I couldn't get the OBDII logger to upload but I should be able to get some A/B test data in the next month or so.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,687
Likes: 45
From: San Jose CA
mobil1 racing has more in common with redline oil than it does street mobil1. zinc/phos content is around 2000ppm in the racing version.
if anyone is really oil curious there is an oil forum at www.bobistheoilguy.com that has some extremely bright people with a lot of actual research presented
if anyone is really oil curious there is an oil forum at www.bobistheoilguy.com that has some extremely bright people with a lot of actual research presented