--Important read-- Engine Oil Tech - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Anthony @ LG Motorsports · 10-23-2012, 12:07 PM

This is something that everyone needs to read, if you are racing your car or just taking it to car shows your engine oil is the life blood that keeps your car running.

The more aggressive your setup, or the harder you drive your car, the oil you use becomes even more important.

Over the last 10 years, We have recorded approximately 10 failed lifters from customers in the US with our cam kits. We sell on average 150-200 cam kits per year, and more cams by themselves. 6 of these have been in the last 12 months.

Doing testing and research with oil companies, Comp Cams, and also with some of our partners in the turbo production the newer 'EPA approved' oils are reducing the anti wear additive packages more so every year and are increasing the amount of detergents in the oil. While this might sound good to keep the inside of your engine clean it is not helping on keeping the oil protecting like it should.

That is why it is more important now more so than ever for those of you tracking your car, installing bigger cams, turbo's and superchargers that you run an oil that will hold up and protect your investment.

With any of our cam kits we highly suggest the use of a quality oil with a high content of Zinc and Phosphorus. For those racing the car, a racing oil should be used. Do keep in mind most racing oils are 100% detergent free and will need to be changed frequently.

Some oils to use would be RedLine, Amsoil, Joe Gibb, Brad Penn, Valvoline VR1 series.

Further Reading...
http://www.joegibbsdriven.com/trainingcenter/tech/streetoils.htm

http://www.redlineoil.com/techinfo.aspx

http://store.forcedperformance.net/m...otor%20Oil.pdf

Rangore · 10-23-2012, 12:09 PM

I noticed Mobil 1 synthetic wasn't on your list?

I don't have the SS, but I care about keeping my car running for a lot of miles.

Louis @ LG Motorsports · 10-23-2012, 12:16 PM

Mobil 1 is junk now. 5 years ago, it wasnt.

PLEASE READ

http://store.forcedperformance.net/m...otor%20Oil.pdf

Oxtar41 · 10-23-2012, 12:59 PM

Mines filled up with amsoil now that I did a cam and have FI. Used mobil 1 prior to the heavy mods.

blazzin1 · 10-23-2012, 01:22 PM

So, from what I'm reading here, these "racing" oils are detrimental (as one article put it) to catalytic converters. So....what about those of us who plan on running high-flow cats AND and big cam package. What are we supposed to use? Any suggestions?

caverman · 10-23-2012, 01:30 PM

Good read.....thanks for posting.

For me, looks like I'm okay with the Mobil 1 because my LS3 is stock and I only go drag racing maybe 3-4 times a year. However, if I ever step up to a bigger cam I better be prepared to up my grade (cost) of oil as well.

Just another reason I'll be putting off upgrading my cam for a long time.

Anthony @ LG Motorsports · 10-23-2012, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blazzin1

So, from what I'm reading here, these "racing" oils are detrimental (as one article put it) to catalytic converters. So....what about those of us who plan on running high-flow cats AND and big cam package. What are we supposed to use? Any suggestions?

Any of the street oils from Amsoil, RedLine, Joe Gibb would be perfectly fine.

Anthony @ LG Motorsports · 10-23-2012, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caverman

Good read.....thanks for posting.

For me, looks like I'm okay with the Mobil 1 because my LS3 is stock and I only go drag racing maybe 3-4 times a year. However, if I ever step up to a bigger cam I better be prepared to up my grade (cost) of oil as well.

Just another reason I'll be putting off upgrading my cam for a long time.

Even our friends at the dealers are seeing issues with stock cars having lifter issues.

While it is very important for those upgrading the cars, it is still important for the average joe as well....at least if you plan on keeping the car for a long time.

Indy Bumble Bee · 10-23-2012, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Louis @ LG Motorsports

Mobil 1 is junk now. 5 years ago, it wasnt.

PLEASE READ

http://store.forcedperformance.net/m...otor%20Oil.pdf

I wouldn't go so far as saying it is junk.

dekan513 · 10-23-2012, 02:44 PM

ya , its not like it use to be. i acually found a old bottle in my garage and it feels nothing like the new. it dont have the film ware it seems to me as it use to have.

Louis @ LG Motorsports · 10-23-2012, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indy Bumble Bee

I wouldn't go so far as saying it is junk.

OK, so the company isnt junk, but the standard street oil you buy now, you may as well never change the oil, because its doing the same damage.

2SSCAMARO · 10-23-2012, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Louis @ LG Motorsports

Mobil 1 is junk now. 5 years ago, it wasnt.

PLEASE READ

http://store.forcedperformance.net/m...otor%20Oil.pdf

This "story" MAY have some validity regarding a turbo'd ricer thrust bearing but I don't subscribe to the premise that the alleged results of the described "test" has any relevance to using Mobile 1 in a built LS engine.

Louis @ LG Motorsports · 10-23-2012, 03:59 PM

You dont have to believe it. You just keep using Mobil 1 street oil in your engine. Until then, my customers that heed our warnings from what us, and other industry experts do best, and do it for a living, will use a proper oil that has zero downside, other than its not readily available.

For the record, there is nothing "ricer" about a 500-600whp 4G63. There is more tech in that engine than you can shake a stick at. Give respect where respect is due.

I dont expect everyone to understand this. I dont expect everyone to understand the dynamics of a cam either.

But calling a legitimate test done by one of the best turbo engineering company in the world only "some what valid" is asinine.

Louis

YelloSS · 10-23-2012, 04:17 PM

I am not seeing where a 500-600whp 4G63 engine's oil requirements translates directly to what an LS engine at 400-500whp requires.

I read through the articles posted and the one that talks specifically about that engine says that a "race engine" is one that makes over 100bhp per piston. My LS3 makes 416whp which equals a little over 50hp per piston. Even if I was cammed and made 500whp, that would be 62.5 hp per piston. This seems a far cry from the "race engine" they describe in the article.

I am not disagreeing with you that all oils are not created equal, but I wonder if the difference these oils would make on my engine for example would be 200,000 miles versus 190,000 miles

At this point you could claim that the oil you mention is better for the engine and you would be correct, but the gain would most likely be minimal in all but the most extreme cases (longevity, or the engine's hp).

Again, not arguing with you on any of these points. I like the discussion.

10-23-2012, 12:07 PM	#1
Anthony @ LG Motorsports Drives: 1994 1LE / 2006 Z51 Corvette Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 2,829	--Important read-- Engine Oil Tech This is something that everyone needs to read, if you are racing your car or just taking it to car shows your engine oil is the life blood that keeps your car running. The more aggressive your setup, or the harder you drive your car, the oil you use becomes even more important. Over the last 10 years, We have recorded approximately 10 failed lifters from customers in the US with our cam kits. We sell on average 150-200 cam kits per year, and more cams by themselves. 6 of these have been in the last 12 months. Doing testing and research with oil companies, Comp Cams, and also with some of our partners in the turbo production the newer 'EPA approved' oils are reducing the anti wear additive packages more so every year and are increasing the amount of detergents in the oil. While this might sound good to keep the inside of your engine clean it is not helping on keeping the oil protecting like it should. That is why it is more important now more so than ever for those of you tracking your car, installing bigger cams, turbo's and superchargers that you run an oil that will hold up and protect your investment. With any of our cam kits we highly suggest the use of a quality oil with a high content of Zinc and Phosphorus. For those racing the car, a racing oil should be used. Do keep in mind most racing oils are 100% detergent free and will need to be changed frequently. Some oils to use would be RedLine, Amsoil, Joe Gibb, Brad Penn, Valvoline VR1 series. Further Reading... http://www.joegibbsdriven.com/trainingcenter/tech/streetoils.htm http://www.redlineoil.com/techinfo.aspx http://store.forcedperformance.net/m...otor%20Oil.pdf Last edited by Anthony @ LG Motorsports; 10-23-2012 at 12:21 PM.

10-23-2012, 12:09 PM	#2
Rangore Drives: 2012 Camaro 2SS 45th Anniversary Ed Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,220	I noticed Mobil 1 synthetic wasn't on your list? I don't have the SS, but I care about keeping my car running for a lot of miles. __________________ 2012 Camaro 2SS 45th Anniversary Edition - No longer owned: 2010 Camaro 2LT, 1993 Camaro Z-28

10-23-2012, 12:59 PM	#4
Oxtar41 Drives: 700 rwhp 2010 SS Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Garage.. Posts: 803	Mines filled up with amsoil now that I did a cam and have FI. Used mobil 1 prior to the heavy mods. __________________

10-23-2012, 01:30 PM	#6
caverman Drives: '69 SS Convertible Join Date: May 2009 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 7,111	Good read.....thanks for posting. For me, looks like I'm okay with the Mobil 1 because my LS3 is stock and I only go drag racing maybe 3-4 times a year. However, if I ever step up to a bigger cam I better be prepared to up my grade (cost) of oil as well. Just another reason I'll be putting off upgrading my cam for a long time. __________________ *-2010 Camaro* 2SS \| M6 \| VR w/White Stripes \| 1 3/4" KOOKS - 3" Magnaflow \| LPE 3.91 gears \| ADM tuned \| Halltech w/ADM Scoop \| Spohn/BMR Trailing Arm/Toe Rod \| BC Coilovers\| Pedders FE4 ZL1 swaybars \| Cradle/Diff/Radius Rod bushings \| VMax TB \| Morimoto Projectors \| MGW shifter \| Red Calipers Build Journal

10-23-2012, 02:44 PM	#10
dekan513 chevy pride Drives: 2ss/rs Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: pikeville ky Posts: 2,141 View My Garage	ya , its not like it use to be. i acually found a old bottle in my garage and it feels nothing like the new. it dont have the film ware it seems to me as it use to have. __________________ check out ky speeds fb page https://www.facebook.com/kyspeed

10-23-2012, 12:16 PM	#3
Louis @ LG Motorsports Drives: 2010 SS/RS 2009 CG Z06 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Dallas Tx Posts: 122	Mobil 1 is junk now. 5 years ago, it wasnt. PLEASE READ http://store.forcedperformance.net/m...otor%20Oil.pdf

10-23-2012, 01:22 PM	#5
blazzin1 Drives: 2010 2SS/RS R6P Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: St. Cloud, FL Posts: 4,845 View My Garage	So, from what I'm reading here, these "racing" oils are detrimental (as one article put it) to catalytic converters. So....what about those of us who plan on running high-flow cats AND and big cam package. What are we supposed to use? Any suggestions?

10-23-2012, 03:59 PM	#13
Louis @ LG Motorsports Drives: 2010 SS/RS 2009 CG Z06 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Dallas Tx Posts: 122	You dont have to believe it. You just keep using Mobil 1 street oil in your engine. Until then, my customers that heed our warnings from what us, and other industry experts do best, and do it for a living, will use a proper oil that has zero downside, other than its not readily available. For the record, there is nothing "ricer" about a 500-600whp 4G63. There is more tech in that engine than you can shake a stick at. Give respect where respect is due. I dont expect everyone to understand this. I dont expect everyone to understand the dynamics of a cam either. But calling a legitimate test done by one of the best turbo engineering company in the world only "some what valid" is asinine. Louis

10-23-2012, 04:17 PM	#14
YelloSS Drives: 2011 GT500 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 28	I am not seeing where a 500-600whp 4G63 engine's oil requirements translates directly to what an LS engine at 400-500whp requires. I read through the articles posted and the one that talks specifically about that engine says that a "race engine" is one that makes over 100bhp per piston. My LS3 makes 416whp which equals a little over 50hp per piston. Even if I was cammed and made 500whp, that would be 62.5 hp per piston. This seems a far cry from the "race engine" they describe in the article. I am not disagreeing with you that all oils are not created equal, but I wonder if the difference these oils would make on my engine for example would be 200,000 miles versus 190,000 miles At this point you could claim that the oil you mention is better for the engine and you would be correct, but the gain would most likely be minimal in all but the most extreme cases (longevity, or the engine's hp). Again, not arguing with you on any of these points. I like the discussion.