Oil usage on track LT5
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 386
Likes: 149
Oil usage on track LT5
I have tried searching threads for oil usage on track (sustained high RPM conditions) and couldn't find much. What i'm noticing is a bit of oil usage on track. I don't remember having noticed this before. The amount that i'm talking about is about 2-3mm (up to 1/8'') on the dip stick after a few 25min sessions (this is Watkins Glen track - very fast and going to redline pretty much all the time). I make sure I measure the oil level around the same oil temperature (i let the engine cool down to about 185F oil temp after the track session, then I start the engine to circulate oil and empty the sump - total of 30secs - and then i measure the oil oil after 6min of engine shut off). I also make sure the car is parked on the same spot to account for any inclines of the pavement.
Anyone who regularly tracks notices anything like that?
Anyone who regularly tracks notices anything like that?
Sr.Random input generator
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 7,802
Likes: 2,231
From: Sammamish, WA
My engine is LT4, so not the same, but I was also noticing a bit of oil consumption during track use, and had to add half a quart every few track days... Until I improved the cooling system. My coolant temps no longer easily get past 220 degrees F anymore, and it seems to have stopped the oil consumption; I can no longer notice any consumption. If I recall from the other thread, you just upgraded your cooling system, right? I have a feeling that you might see your consumption much reduced from now on...
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 1,631
Likes: 793
From: Silicon Valley
Pretty sure just about any broken in engine is going to consume a little oil under competitive driving conditions. Believe I even remember reading that in an owners manual or two. Matter of fact, this is from the 2019 Corvette owners manual...
If the vehicle is used for track events and competitive driving, the engine may use more oil than it would with normal use. Low oil levels can damage the engine. Check the oil level often and maintain the proper level. See Engine Oil.
Engine Oil
CautionIf the vehicle is used for track events and competitive driving, the engine may use more oil than it would with normal use. Low oil levels can damage the engine. Check the oil level often and maintain the proper level. See Engine Oil.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,820
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
I don't think the amount you are seeing is excessive. Both of my C5s used a quart per day. My C6Z used about a half quart per day. My C7Z usually uses somewhere around a quarter quart per 3 day weekend. With the C7Z GM indicates the oil should be filled to a half quart over full for track duty so by the time I finish a 3 day event the level is still riding above the top spot on the dip stick. I have been tracking the car for 4 seasons and have yet had to add oil while at the track.
The 2019 OM states the LT5 engine should have a half quart over fill when used on track or competitive events. Also when you are checking engine oil you don't need to wait until it drops to 185 degrees and then restart the engine and wait 5 minutes or no longer than 10 minutes to check the oil. Any temp over 175 degrees works. So check the oil level 5 minutes after shutting off the engine.
Bill
The 2019 OM states the LT5 engine should have a half quart over fill when used on track or competitive events. Also when you are checking engine oil you don't need to wait until it drops to 185 degrees and then restart the engine and wait 5 minutes or no longer than 10 minutes to check the oil. Any temp over 175 degrees works. So check the oil level 5 minutes after shutting off the engine.
Bill
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 386
Likes: 149
Thank you, Bill and others. I will make sure to keep my eye on it and document any changes in patterns.
I did take the intake off to see how much oil is in the little "catch can" outpocketing on the factory intake tube. There is probably a total of 50cc of oil in there (amount of small shot you get at the bar). Not enough oil to start getting sucked into the throttle body.
I did take the intake off to see how much oil is in the little "catch can" outpocketing on the factory intake tube. There is probably a total of 50cc of oil in there (amount of small shot you get at the bar). Not enough oil to start getting sucked into the throttle body.
