How often do you get an OIL change when tracking weekly?
 

Hi all,


I am new to track driving (I have a stock BRZ).



How often should I get an oil change if I am tracking once a week? (with little to no driving in between/during the week).



Some people I met said every 3 track days. Does that make sense?


Thanks.

Get an oil analysis and determine based off of that. Are you running an oil cooler and keeping your oil temps in check?

I typically only do 2 or 3 hot laps and then cool off for 15-20 minutes (thats what I was told). I also check the oil before each track day for volume and color - but I don't know of any other special sort of analysis. I don't think I have an oil cooler since the car is stock - or could it have come with an oil cooler?

@ThaDonJsuan

Based on experience, I've been able to go 2-3 track days plus full mileage interval confirmed with oil analysis.

However, it will depend on the tracks and your local conditions. Best bet is to do 2 track days and get an oil analysis (where you send an oil sample to a lab for longevity/lubrication analysis & results). From there, adjust how much more you're comfortable with.

FRS/BRZ/86 don't come with an oil cooler from factory. It is recommended you install an aftermarket one. Oil thinning due to high oil temperature is a key concern on this car when driven on the track; has led to many-a blown engines. This doesn't have to do with cooling-off post session. It happens in the middle of your session, when you're running hard and load/revs/temperatures are at peak. If you're approaching 260F/126C, it's time for a cool-down lap MID SESSION.

I have to say after my first oil change: Damn that's easy. ;)



I have ramps and tools, and it was so nice to just spike the oil filter with a screw driver and twist it off while standing there.

Thanks for this info - that's new to me. I'll look into getting an after-market oil cooler as I certainly don't want to blow my engine!

For another data point - I have Blackstone analysis after 6 track weekends (so 12 days of 4 ~20 min sessions each) and about 4000 mi total. They saw no reason I couldn't go to a longer oil change interval.

Just wondering - do you have an oil cooler? can you suggest any brands?

@ThaDonJsuan

For my first ~6 track days, I didn't have one, though I was diligent about watching my oil temperature on track.

Now, I have an oil cooler. I went with the Blitz Racing Oil Cooler RD.

There are others out there that will do the job. Depends on your budget and what design/style/features you're looking for. Brands that come to mind: Blitz, Greddy, HKS, JDL, Jackson Racing, Perrin. Mishimoto is okay on a budget, but I would personally spend a little more based on leaks and failures I've seen on theirs.

For kits similar to Jackson Racing and Perrin, you can likely source all the pieces yourself (like the radiator core, hoses, fittings, thermostatic adapter plate) and assemble them yourself for a little cheaper. There are threads on this forum describing that.

I change mine every 3 track weekends, which is usually about 2,700 miles.

I change mine every 3rd track day. I get Mobil1 on sale for $30 CDN for 4.78L In total I spend about $35. I change the filter twice annually for $12-15 on sale.

The test is $30 USD...

I do have an oil cooler. Got the Jackson racing radiator/oil cooler because I was convinced when I got the car that I'd probably get a supercharger and that one integrated well with and intercooler.

I never did get a supercharger - waaaaaay too many track acquaintances blew their engines with FI. Staying NA ones seem /more/ reliable and it's fun driving a slow(er) car fast.

The JR dual radiator/oil cooler kept my oil temps below 238F on track even when it was in the high 90s ambient. Seemed to work well, but it's not the most budget friendly option out there.

I change oil after 2 events, 4 track days (~4x 15-minute stints per day).
I don't run an oil cooler, and I run 5w30 synth.
Oil temp stabilizes at ~272F indicated on the factory gauge, I've never seen it go up from there no matter what the ambient temp.