I am in the process of wrapping up my race engine build right now... I plan on running a fully-synthetic 20w50 weight race oil with high zinc/phosphorous concentration in the engine. I understand that there are not a lot of detergents in these race oils, so they are expected to be changed more regularly.

...Here is my question:

How frequently should the oil be changed if the oil is being used in a street car? 1,000mi? 1,500mi? 3,000mi? Or should it not be used at all, because it is not adequate enough protection for a street car?

Thanks!

 

It depends on the brand of the oil, the type of the oil from that manufacturer and what conditions the oil sees such as DD, racing, DD + a few passes at the drag strip.

For example. AMSOIL has ARO 20W-50 and Z-Rod 20W-50. I personally run the ARO 20W-50, because it has high zinc and phosphorous, it has detergents, and it's on FP's approved oil list.

AMSOIL will tell you 5,000 is fine. However, since I just put a bunch of money into my car, I will do it probably every 1,000 miles. Or if it sees a lot of racing, I'll change it more frequently. It's cheap(er) insurance.



-Bink

 

After I run my motor with regular oil for 20mins or so, I'm going to drain it an run the 20w50 Valvoline Synthetic Not Street Legal. Is that going to be a problem? If so, I'll just send it back now, before I open the case.

 

I just broke my engine in 2 months ago. I used Brad Penn 'The Green Oil', a straight 30W oil, as the break-in oil. Keep it in the engine for the first 50 miles. Use the engine to slow the car down, the rings will seat under vacuum.

After the initial break-in I used AMSOIL, Valvoline is probably fine, but AMSOIL has a very good anti-wear package.

If it were my Evo, that's what I would personally do.


-Bink

 

Amsoil does have an engine break in oil just FYI

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/brk.aspx

 

True, it's a very new oil. It wasn't available when I broke my engine in and the guys from ER recommended I use that specific oil for break-in.


-Bink

 

I was told I should break my motor in with whatever oil weight I plan on running in the car...

That is very conflicting because there is a huge difference between 0w30/20w50. :x

 

Who built the motor?

In the end, it's your car. I'm just telling you how I did it, which was based on a lot of research, and talking with the guys at English Racing.

It worked, the engines healthy and I'm making a lot of power.


-Bink

 

Run the BP 30w break-in oil like Binky is talking about. That or the new Amsoil break-in but the BP has been around for a little longer and is tried/true.

 

-Bink

 

I use VR-1 synthetic after changing to an FP turbo.

I sent a sample to Blackstone Labs@4500 mile change and they said based on that oil's contents I could easily go to 5500 on the next change.

That was with a few(30ish) track passes, a few hours of road course time, DD and quite a bit of spirited street driving.