A MUST READ for Oil Temps for Tracking

[h018871]

Originally Posted by X25

I finally was able to install the oil cooler adapter upright, and it seems to be working much better now. During my highway stress tests, it stabilized at 233 degrees, and I could not exceed it. Looking forward to testing it out at the track, hopefully this Saturday.

X25, how'd you do this? Got any pics?
I was curious about that too, but after looking at the cutaway drawing if the adapter I convinced myself that it was ok.

12 Motorsport, Thx for starting this thread. I would expect the "cooled" oil temps to be very low during street driving as you reported. Keep in mind that we have no idea of the volume/quantity of the cooled oil coming from the output of the cooler. I would think that the cooler output temp would be an indicator of the thermostat position, open/closed, in the adapter. Not really the engine oil temp.

[X25]

Originally Posted by h018871

X25, how'd you do this? Got any pics?
I was curious about that too, but after looking at the cutaway drawing if the adapter I convinced myself that it was ok.

12 Motorsport, Thx for starting this thread. I would expect the "cooled" oil temps to be very low during street driving as you reported. Keep in mind that we have no idea of the volume/quantity of the cooled oil coming from the output of the cooler. I would think that the cooler output temp would be an indicator of the thermostat position, open/closed, in the adapter. Not really the engine oil temp.

Sorry I must have missed this question. It was actually easier than I thought. All I need was giving the hose fittings a little bit of angle away from the engine block, so that they could clear the sensors (knock) close by.

Installing upright made a huge difference. It was probably due to the fact that my massive engine oil cooler core was reducing temps quite a bit, prematurely closing the thermostat which was getting temps from the cooled side.

[h018871]

thx X25, I would prefer to have it right side up to use the oil temp port.
I have the cooler parts, but the engine is not ready to go in the car yet.

[Todd in Vancouver]

Great article and thanks for posting it. I will be looking at the system in my ZL1 as I also noticed my oil yemp very high after a 20 minute track session. It is curious though because if it is in fact damaging the car GM sold these cars marketing them as weekend trackday racers and full warranty. I even got extended so they will own any issues that come up from tracking this beast for the next 7 years. Haha, chackmate GM.

[L99CAMA2011]

Originally Posted by JusticePete

Arrington built engines run Mobil 1 15/50

i honestly believe Mobil 1 15/50 is a higher quality oil than Mobil 1 5w30 not just higher viscosity. Porsche dealers stock 15/50.

[White_SS/RS]

Originally Posted by L99CAMA2011

i honestly believe Mobil 1 15/50 is a higher quality oil than Mobil 1 5w30 not just higher viscosity. Porsche dealers stock 15/50.

It definately contains better anti-wear additives.

[X25]

Originally Posted by White_SS/RS

It definately contains better anti-wear additives.

+1, and so does 0W-40, but it degrades (shears) faster than 15W-50, so don't use it for a year!

[Camaro Dude]

Not sure how "today's" Mobil 15W50 is, but I can surely attest that the 15W50 during all of the 90's and 2000+ (it's all I ever used period), as per my engine builders, albeit they were BMW engines and not GM. One OEM lasted me 300000+ miles, and looked good as new when we opened it up for the stroker/turbo project.

I have fond memories of the Mobil 15W50

Too bad this LS3 application doesn't call for it if you know what I mean.

[X25]

The Z/28 track prep doc asks for using 15W-50 for track duty, but the final step in that doc calls for an engine oil replacement post the track day, which I presume means that we are asked to get back to 5W-30.

If GM can recommend using 15W-50 even if for track duty only, it would mean to me that the engine tolerances, etc. is not an issue for our cars (LS3 and LS7 are pretty similar. LS7, if anything, is actually more sensitive due to its special bearings). The disadvantage would obviously be the cold start performance, and possible fuel consumption/emissions.

FYI, I used Rotella T6 (5W-40) on my 2006 C6 Z06 for 3 years with many track days, and it performed flawlessly. I never used an 15-weight oil, though.

[Orange Crush 1LE]

I'm running Shaeffer full synthetic racing oil in 5W-50. I like this better than 15W-50 especially for cold starts and winter temperature. This was recommended by the shop at Buttonwillow Raceway.

Anyone have thoughts on this oil?

Todd

[rockrau]

Pete I'm a believer in Mobil 1. What viscosity would you recommend using in a stock(headers coming) LS3? Currently using 5w30 street & road course. Does a stock engine need an oil cooler?

[X25]

Originally Posted by Orange Crush 1LE

I'm running Shaeffer full synthetic racing oil in 5W-50. I like this better than 15W-50 especially for cold starts and winter temperature. This was recommended by the shop at Buttonwillow Raceway.

Anyone have thoughts on this oil?

Todd

I don't know about this particular brand, but one important note is that most race oils do not contain important additives that extend the life of the oil, or even the engine (like stuff that prevents deposits, etc.). In other words, even though the oil has good viscosity specs, it will need to be replaced very often. If you'll use a racing oil, you should at least make sure it has some API certification if you intend to drive your car besides the track and/or if you won't change your oil after every other event.

[JusticePete]

Originally Posted by rockrau

Pete I'm a believer in Mobil 1. What viscosity would you recommend using in a stock(headers coming) LS3? Currently using 5w30 street & road course. Does a stock engine need an oil cooler?

I am a believer in oil coolers for any LS motor that sees track time. Follow the OE recommendation for weight on the streets and 15/50 Mobil 1 for the track.

[rockrau]

Thanks Pete!