What Oil for Track

[gbgracer]

I'm going to be tracking my car and have no engine performance mods other than a Perrin exhaust.

What weight/brand of oil is best for a daily driver in Texas that will be occasionally tracked?

Also, is an oil cooler necessary?

Thanks

[YourFearlessLeader]

motul 5w30.

done.

[CSG Mike]

While our driving conditions aren't the same as yours, we've been successfully using Motul 300V 5W30. We plan on getting an oil cooler.

Overkill on oil for a daily driver? Probably. Do we believe that it's one of the best products on the market? Absolutely.

I'd venture that either our shop car or Robispec's car has more track miles than ANY other FRS/BRZ in North America. We're literally at the track almost every weekend.

[gbgracer]

Thanks for the good advice guys.

[Dezoris]

Originally Posted by CSG Mike

While our driving conditions aren't the same as yours, we've been successfully using Motul 300V 5W30. We plan on getting an oil cooler.

Overkill on oil for a daily driver? Probably. Do we believe that it's one of the best products on the market? Absolutely.

I'd venture that either our shop car or Robispec's car has more track miles than ANY other FRS/BRZ in North America. We're literally at the track almost every weekend.

The 300v is not something you would want to run on a street car with only occasional tracks days though right?

You'd be better served with something a bit less exotic.

[CSG Mike]

Originally Posted by Dezoris

The 300v is not something you would want to run on a street car with only occasional tracks days though right?

You'd be better served with something a bit less exotic.

Virgin oil analysis would indicate otherwise. I've been daily driving on 300V in my s2k for years. Almost 120k on the odo now, and still going strong

Also, you want to prepare your car for the harshest condition it will be seeing, not the average condition. You have to do a LOT of training to complete that annual marathon right?

[celica73]

Since everyone has an opinion about oil I'll contribute.

0W30 German Castrol. It's a good oil and available at Autozone, and relatively affordable. Eligible for coupons and sales. In your area (Dallas) it can easily be a year-round oil.

[Anthonytpt]

@Dezoris: I had the same line of logic, but ended up going with Motul 300V at @CSG Mike's recommendation. If you're planning to subject your vehicle to that type of driving, your engine should be equipped accordingly.

[Dezoris]

Well here is the thing, and clearly this is argued endlessly. For example, if you do 90/10 (Street/Track) most any quality synthetics will do for a random track day and autox. The expense of spending almost $10 or more a quart for some of the esoteric oils is just excess. Most UOA show that your common Castrol and Mobil 1 synthetics get the job done for most people.

I get it if you are at the track every weekend. I run Redline 0w20 mostly for the additive package and the high Moly content but certainly don't enjoy dumping $120 for a case. When I stop tracking the car I won't be blowing that kind of cash.

Just depends on your budget and priorities. I just don't want to give people the impression they NEED esoteric race oils in a daily driver that sees random track days.

And as to the question:
If you are in hot 100+ temps outside and plan to run a few hour track session and have the brakes to keep going, then yes oil cooler is important insurance.

[JoeBoxer]

Originally Posted by gbgracer

I'm going to be tracking my car and have no engine performance mods other than a Perrin exhaust.

What weight/brand of oil is best for a daily driver in Texas that will be occasionally tracked?

Also, is an oil cooler necessary?

Thanks

What is your definition of occasionally? 300v is awesome no doubt but Motul 8100 is also a good choice if you are only tracking 2-3 times a year. Either way i would change it fairly frequently on the months of the year you are going to be on the track.

[jonnyozero3]

Originally Posted by celica73

Since everyone has an opinion about oil I'll contribute.

0W30 German Castrol. It's a good oil and available at Autozone, and relatively affordable. Eligible for coupons and sales. In your area (Dallas) it can easily be a year-round oil.

My choice as well for it's high temp / high shear resistance.

[jonnyozero3]

Hmmm...just noticed the German Castrol isn't API SM or SN rated.

Is everyone just ignoring the manual's requirement for an SM or SN oil? It says you should change weights for hard use, but does not modify the SM/SN requirement...

[celica73]

Originally Posted by jonnyozero3

Hmmm...just noticed the German Castrol isn't API SM or SN rated.

Is everyone just ignoring the manual's requirement for an SM or SN oil? It says you should change weights for hard use, but does not modify the SM/SN requirement...

According to the Castrol website (German) the 0W30 is API SN/CF rated.

http://castroledge.de/motorenole/0w-30

I will try to remember to look at a bottle when I get home.

[ATL BRZ]

I plan on eventually switching to Millers CFS 0W30 NT.

They have proved it to add 6whp after just an oil change.

Here's the write up with dyno charts: http://www.millersoils.co.uk/news/20...Power-Test.asp

Nanotechnology FTW

Maximum power and ultra-low friction
• Qualifying or shorter duration events
• API SM additive pack w/ additional ZDDP


Fully Synthetic Triple Ester Nano Technology Formulation. For modern competition engines where maximum power release and ultra low friction are required. Formulated for use in qualifying or shorter duration events where the engine is designed to take advantage of this type of low drag/low friction lubricant. Intended for competition use only not recommended for road use.

APPLICATION: For competition engines where maximum power release is the preferred criteria, especially for qualifying or shorter duration events where the engine has been designed for this type of crankcase lubricant. Intended for racing and track use. Can be used for road cars where a fully synthetic 0w30 is recommended by the original manufacturer.

USER BENEFITS: Fully synthetic Triple Ester Nano Technology Oil provides:
• Significantly reduced friction
• Reduced component wear promotes longer engine life
• Reduced heat production
• Increased power output and torque
• Improved reliability
• Improved energy efficiency
• Superior anti-friction and anti-wear characteristics

PERFORMANCE PROFILE:
• Manufactured to far exceed the requirements of API SM/CF and ACEA A3/B4
• Formulated for modern high revving engines used in circuit racing, endurance and for events such as hill climbs and sprints
• Dyno proven by Zytek to add power over other racing synthetics
• Suitable for continuous operation at 260°F with peak temperatures up to 300°F

TYPICAL CHARACTERISTICS:
SAE Viscosity Grade 0w30
Specific Gravity@15°C 0.853
Kinematic Viscosity@100°C 11.1 cSt
Kinematic Viscosity@40°C 62.2 cSt
Viscosity Index 173
HTHS >2.9 cP
Pour Point °C <-40
Flashpoint °C >200
Cold Crank Viscosity@-35°C 6,200 cP Maximum