5w50-ouch

[Toby]

Originally Posted by Crimson600+HP If you heavy road track your car is it recommended to run 5w-50? Just curious, anything to help my overheating problems on the track. Currently run 5w-30.

If you are having that big of an issue with heat which would not surprise me with the large intercooler in front of the radiator. I would suggest going with a larger radiator along with doing a remote mounted oil filter and adding a large air to air oil cooler. That should remedy your heat issues.

We can get you the components needed for this modification if you are interested.

Oh and yes run a thicker oil when you track it. It may not affect cooling but it will definately help to protect the bearings will the huge amount of stress you are putting them under with the power and extended runs at the track.

[Disturbed]

I wanted to jump in and give some useful advice on this thread regarding the 5w50 motorcraft.

Ford is obviously going to recommend their own brand. But this is an "intended use" package on this car, and therefore Ford assumes at least one of us will actually do extreme track work and doesnt want the motor seizing up. Currently, if your a worry wort about your warranty, you can only use Motorcraft 5w50 or you can use the Castrol Syntec 5w50. These as far as I know are the only two Ford will recognize as being covered under warranty due to the specific certifications.

However, UOA's have already shown that 10w30 Amsoil, and even Royal Purple are superior, at least on the analysis sheet. Ford's engineers are not stupid, but what their not telling you, is about the quality of their oil. Under street racing conditions or light tracking, the 5w50 Motorcraft is shearing to a light 5w40 at running tempurature. Under extreme conditions, its even shearing down to a heavy 5w30.

By this, I would rather run a quality oil thats ALWAYS a 30w oil with minimal shearing. Amsoil 10w30 is my choice. And the 10w is soley because we live in Texas.

With a quality 30w, your going to have the same if not better protection, and slightly improved fuel mileage. If your worried about warranty, you can use the cheaper Motorcraft. The same engine runs 5w20 in non track pack AND non boss cars. They assume its your daily driver (the base model), not a race car.

Pick the oil for your intended use, and pick a quality one.

Edited for JDMLOL's reading pleasure

[JDMLOL]

Originally Posted by Disturbed The same engine runs 5w20 in non track pack / boss cars

They don't expect boss cars to be on a track???

[Disturbed]

Originally Posted by JDMLOL They don't expect boss cars to be on a track???

You misunderstand

The same engine is in all three trims. The oil changes to 5w50 in their higher trims because they expect them to be driven hard.
I think you know what I meant.

[JDMLOL]

Originally Posted by Disturbed You misunderstand The same engine is in all three trims. The oil changes to 5w50 in their higher trims because they expect them to be driven hard. I think you know what I meant.

I do understand fully. I just expected the boss to be the most track-oriented of the bunch...

[re-rx7]

Originally Posted by Disturbed However, UOA's have already shown that 10w30 Amsoil, and even Royal Purple are superior, at least on the analysis sheet. Ford's engineers are not stupid, but what their not telling you, is about the quality of their oil. Under street racing conditions or light tracking, the 5w50 Motorcraft is shearing to a light 5w40 at running tempurature. Under extreme conditions, its even shearing down to a heavy 5w30. By this, I would rather run a quality oil thats ALWAYS a 30w oil with minimal shearing. Amsoil 10w30 is my choice. And the 10w is soley because we live in Texas. With a quality 30w, your going to have the same if not better protection, and slightly improved fuel mileage. If your worried about warranty, you can use the cheaper Motorcraft. The same engine runs 5w20 in non track pack AND non boss cars. They assume its your daily driver (the base model), not a race car. Pick the oil for your intended use, and pick a quality one.

Let me ask you this. WHat kinf od wear does that 50 put on an engine at startup?

[Disturbed]

Originally Posted by re-rx7 Let me ask you this. WHat kinf od wear does that 50 put on an engine at startup?

At startup? The 50 isnt as relevant for startup protection as the the first Winter grade number is, and what your particular climate is. Startup engine protection relies heavily on the cold viscosity of your winter grade. Not sure if your attempting to troll or what, because you have yet to actually tell me where the flaw is in said knowledge. If the next response is anything but, I will probably move on to other, more important threads.

Not trying to be offensive at all. But when someone shares knowledge of something they have looked deeply into to help those with questions, theres usually better and / or more detailed responses then "You guys are all very off on your understanding of motor oils." How about you share your knowledge, instead of making a generalized browbeat of others, and leave some details as to how you came to that conclusion.

[re-rx7]

Originally Posted by Disturbed At startup? The 50 isnt as relevant for startup protection as the the first Winter grade number is, and what your particular climate is. Startup engine protection relies heavily on the cold viscosity of your winter grade. Not sure if your attempting to troll or what, because you have yet to actually tell me where the flaw is in said knowledge. If the next response is anything but, I will probably move on to other, more important threads. Not trying to be offensive at all. But when someone shares knowledge of something they have looked deeply into to help those with questions, theres usually better and / or more detailed responses then "You guys are all very off on your understanding of motor oils." How about you share your knowledge, instead of making a generalized browbeat of others, and leave some details as to how you came to that conclusion.

My point is simple. YOu dont always have to have a thicker oil if your going to be racing. Conditions are the biggest consideration and a thicker oil can do more harm then good in some situations. In my mind there is no need for a 50 in the stang. Wouldnt you agree?

I use a Penn ultra and it is better then entry level AMsoil in alot of test at a far cheaper price.

[Disturbed]

Originally Posted by re-rx7 My point is simple. YOu dont always have to have a thicker oil if your going to be racing. Conditions are the biggest consideration and a thicker oil can do more harm then good in some situations. In my mind there is no need for a 50 in the stang. Wouldnt you agree? I use a Penn ultra and it is better then entry level AMsoil in alot of test at a far cheaper price.

Yes I understand your point. This is exactly why I chose a non-shearing 30w for my own car. What you dont realize is why ford suggests the 50 weight. Its because that garbage shears down to a 30 if your actually going hard on the track in the summer time.

They dont expect it to be a 50 at running temp at the track. 50 would be overkill IF it stayed at 50. But it doesnt.

And, thicker oil like 50w doesnt mean shit for startup. 0w50 in harsh winter cold start = fine.
If you run 15w20 in the winter, its just as bad as 15w50. First number is the key for startup. Again, its the winter grade number that determines its cold start viscosity. If Ford's oil didnt shear 1/3 of its viscosity under tracking then they would be suggesting lighter oil. Period.

[re-rx7]

Originally Posted by Disturbed Yes I understand your point. This is exactly why I chose a non-shearing 30w for my own car. What you dont realize is why ford suggests the 50 weight. Its because that garbage shears down to a 30 if your actually going hard on the track in the summer time. They dont expect it to be a 50 at running temp at the track. 50 would be overkill IF it stayed at 50. But it doesnt. And, thicker oil like 50w doesnt mean shit for startup. 0w50 in harsh winter cold start = fine. If you run 15w20 in the winter, its just as bad as 15w50. First number is the key for startup. Again, its the winter grade number that determines its cold start viscosity. If Ford's oil didnt shear 1/3 of its viscosity under tracking then they would be suggesting lighter oil. Period.

Obviously. I do believe amsoil to be overpriced.