Oil weight for track only car with a lot of cooling?

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by RT-BRZ

At least that's how I've understood it.

Correct.

[GrandSport]

Originally Posted by RT-BRZ

It has always been my understanding that tighter clearances were the result of higher precision machining and manufacturing. It seems logical to me that the tighter clearances allowed for less drag by having the ability to use lower viscosity lubrication. When clearances were bigger, higher viscosity lubrication was needed to "fill the space" to reduce wear. All in the name of efficiency.

At least that's how I've understood it.

Taking tolerance/precision out- wouldn't you want a thicker layer of thicker oil there rather than a thin layer of thinner oil for durability though?

[RT-BRZ]

Originally Posted by GrandSport

Taking tolerance/precision out- wouldn't you want a thicker layer of thicker oil there rather than a thin layer of thinner oil for durability though?

Well, I think it's a story of tradeoffs. The lower viscosity oils are more "slippery" apparently which gives the appropriate amount of lubrication. A thicker oil may offer more "cushion" and may better maintain it's heat resistance but it may also increase parasitic drag and lower efficiency (mileage, power, etc.).

Honestly, I'm not the design engineer for these engines and I'm definitely not qualified to determine what's better. All I am is a caveman trying to understand the wheel.