Spun rod bearing while road racing...
While the experts are already aware of the oil starvation phenomena in the LS1s while road racing, I'm posting for the benefit of novices like me. Keep that oil topped off! In the future, I'll probably make absolutely sure I have 7 qts upon starting, and check every 15 laps (~28 miles).
I use Mobil-1 15W-50 in my LS1 for track days, and go 1qt over full at the start of each day. I'd been using their 5W-40 Truck & SUV stuff, but availability became a problem.
Oil analysis shows single-digit wear metals so it's definitely not causing problems, and it holds up well to hard use. It has a lot of zinc in it, so a PCV catch can is a must-have if you're running cats.
http://www.improvedracing.com/produc...a24e6bfba92f7e
i have one
I use Mobil-1 15W-50 in my LS1 for track days, and go 1qt over full at the start of each day. I'd been using their 5W-40 Truck & SUV stuff, but availability became a problem.
Oil analysis shows single-digit wear metals so it's definitely not causing problems, and it holds up well to hard use. It has a lot of zinc in it, so a PCV catch can is a must-have if you're running cats.
I'm still relatively new to the road race thing, and obviously I have more to learn if I'm going to continue. This snafu is going to hurt the wallet.
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http://www.improvedracing.com/produc...a24e6bfba92f7e
i have one
I used to auto-x my 91 RS with Philly region all the time. I used to not suck at driving. lol
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Though 4th gens aren't too heavy, especially if you dedicate them to the track. There is a ton of weight to be removed. Upgraded shocks and springs and a good driver and you can give fits to lots of people on the track. If you go dedicated track car think about trying some higher spring rates than strano's.
You ever considered going wheel to wheel? Mitch has a car ready to race for sale that is CMC/CMC2 legal.
Give me some comparisons between the M3 and the Camaro please. Interesting that it is faster than on the track.
And both of Mobil-1 5 and 10W-30 oils show up on the low end of the 30wt viscosity range at 100degC, great for street use and fuel mileage but not what you want under road course conditions.
Consider either Mobil-1 15W-50 or RedLine 10W-40 for track use, both have proven up to the task.
Though 4th gens aren't too heavy, especially if you dedicate them to the track. There is a ton of weight to be removed. Upgraded shocks and springs and a good driver and you can give fits to lots of people on the track. If you go dedicated track car think about trying some higher spring rates than strano's.
You ever considered going wheel to wheel? Mitch has a car ready to race for sale that is CMC/CMC2 legal.
Give me some comparisons between the M3 and the Camaro please. Interesting that it is faster than on the track.
Keep in mind I'm still relatively new at this road racing thing.
Stock for stock the M3 would absolutely annihilate the camaro. Its only close because of the fairly extensive mods that the camaro runs better.
And both of Mobil-1 5 and 10W-30 oils show up on the low end of the 30wt viscosity range at 100degC, great for street use and fuel mileage but not what you want under road course conditions.
Consider either Mobil-1 15W-50 or RedLine 10W-40 for track use, both have proven up to the task.
So do you feel that with 7qts of Mobile 1 15w-50 that risk of this happening again would be substantially mitigated?
I have moved everything I own, including motorcycle and race car to AmsOil 20W50 Series 2000 racing oil. I am currently waiting on Blackstone analysis after 3 race weekends on an oil change.
An M3 doesn't have to be "muscled" like an F-car. It just lacks the torque of the V8 to pull hard off the corners. Have to keep the revs up.
When I got into a track only car, my expenses went WAY down.
I no longer had to maintain 2 sets of brakes, wheels/tires, the interior didn't get beat up, the paint stayed nice and I didn't have to spend a boat load of cash to get a heavy, heavy street car to accelerate.
There is a reason why a spec Miata or a Mini Cooper can run similar lap times to a production Camaro ... weight. I would have never thought that 300lbs would equate to 150hp and 2" of brake rotor.
Their fleet (at the time, no current info) of LS1 cars was all running M1 15W-50 and had put nearly two years on them with zero engine failures.
But I'll fully agree on Amsoil, great stuff and signing on for their Preferred Customer program brings the price down nicely if you're running your whole stable on Amsoil products.
I have been running Motul 15/50 in my LS1 this year. I am sending a sample to Blackstone this week that has 5 track days and around 25 dyno pulls. Will compare it with Mitch's Amsoil.







