I've previously googled a bunch of UOA service providers. Any recommendations based on ease of taking sample / quality of analysis / ease of report understanding?

Simple answer is "I don't know".

Long answer is that obtaining the sample should be the same for all (but I'm guessing because I've only used 2), I don't have any info on the labs (but assume they are all pretty similar) and all the reports I've seen have been pretty straightforward.

Things I would look for:

• The ability to show trends over time and that's much easier if a couple of years worth of results are in a single table.
• TBN (Total Base Number) testing. That's really important for knowing if your used oil has much life left in it.
• All of them should do particle tests, wear metal tests, viscosity test, water/fuel dilution tests. Fuel dilution is really important if you are using E85.

I'm sure some are better than others, but ANY oil analysis is better than none. Of course if we want to co-ordinate things, we can all use the same and compare results between oils.

Sweet, testing oil is something i have been interested in doing, but never actually have done. Sounds like a plan.

I will be staying with Royal Purple for my 86 Race application.. they have a great selection of oils. I swear by it as it saved an engine when I lost oil pressure for 1000 meters of track.. no damage.

Royal Purple's relentless pursuit of excellence within the lubricant industry consistently produces a reputation associated with quality and superior performance in both automotive and industrial markets.
Racing Oil Products:


XPR 0W10 (Formerly Racing 9) is an ultra-light viscosity motor oil formulated for gasoline engines used in drag racing, motorcycle sprint racing, etc. Viscosity typical of a 0W10 oil.

XPR 5W20 (Formerly Racing 11) is a light viscosity motor oil formulated to withstand exotic fuels such as alcohol, methanol and nitrous oxide (NO2). Excellent for drag racing. Viscosity typical of a 5W20 oil.

Racing 11 Lite is an ultra-light viscosity motor oil formulated for use in high RPM and / or solid lift engines. Racing 11 Lite combats emulsification and separates from exotic fuels such as alcohol, methanol, etc. Racing 11 Lite is recommended for use in Pro Stock, Competition Eliminator, Super Stock, Jr. Dragster (methanol) and Karts (methanol). Viscosity typical of a 0W10 oil.

XPR 5W30 (Formerly Racing 21) works well in a variety of applications from oval track late models to bracket racing. It is extremely versatile and produces excellent horsepower while preventing wear. Viscosity typical of a 5W30 oil.

XPR 10W40 (Formerly Racing 41) is designed for marine, oval track and endurance car racing. Capable of withstanding long intervals of extreme heat, it works especially well with alcohol and methanol. It is extremely popular in sprint cars, late models and World of Outlaws racing. Viscosity typical of a 10W40 oil.

XPR 20W50 (Formerly Racing 51) is formulated for running extended periods under extreme pressure and heat. It is used in oval track, marine and drag racing and is very popular in sprint cars, late models, truck pullers and bracket racing. Viscosity typical of a 20W50 oil.
XPR 3.1 0W5 is our lowest viscosity engine oil designed for the most competitive classes such as Pro Stock, Pro Stock Bike, Comp Eliminator and NASCAR Cup (qualifying). The ultra low viscosity provides the most horsepower possible by keeping parasitic losses to an absolute minimum while providing unparalleled protection.

You can buy it at Autobarn.. not the cheapest oil but it is cheap engine insurance.

Eian Jones runs the Australian operation .. for more info on their stuff

http://www.royalpurple.com.au

It's not an add but it's good stuff and there is a lot of information on the site..

I was going to say that ill be using Royal Purple also.
at the moment i use Castrol Edge in my hilux.

One rally guy I know swears by Motul for his Subi's

would doing your own oil change without using the factory recommended oil void your warranty? or even doing your own maintenance? i don't know why you'd want to take the risk.

Its more that you can supply oil to the dealer to use in your car, as they often use cheap stuff

I know that the Toyota Australia dealers are getting the OW-20 oil shipped direct from Japan especially for the 86... what are they using? I heard it could be Caltex??

Uh oh pedant mode coming up :/
How do you know it was that particular oil that saved your engine? Is it possible that your engine might have survived with a different premium oil?

[/pedant]

Having just done a bit of googling about car engine oils I have come to the following conclusions:
Finding objective information is nigh on impossible. It is either forum threads ("yeah, i use extra virgin olive oil and it rulz") or it is an infomercial by an oil manufacturer ("tests have shown that using our oil will get you laid").
It has been suggest that it is more important is to change the oil regularly than the brand of oil.

I guess I don't care if you don't use it.. just my opinion. We just pulled it down for a rebuild and just needed to do the heads.. bores are fine along with bearings.. Once it was back together we went from 351rwhp to 394.. just my opinion but I am staying with the Royal purple.. there are comparitive dyno tests between different oils and it comes out very well on HP. Wear is something you would have to judge, personally I change oil regularly.. it's cheap insurance as I say.

The New 86 Race car will run on it.. Cage completed and seat mounts and under jacking points in progress :)