Tuning tips: Engine oil change schedules for performance cars.

[obi_waynne]

You spent a lot of time and effort tuning and enhancing the performance of your car. You want to keep the car in peak condition and dread a visit from Mr Breakdown! How important is a maintenance schedule for your tuned car? We shall look at the importance of oil changes in this first of [...]
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What do you think of this tip then, read the article and post your comments in here.

 

[HDi fun]

Completely disagree with the concept of using thicker (more correctly, higher viscosity) oils with older engines.

 

[obi_waynne]

Why is that then? Should it specify higher mileage old engines? Does the specified oil type when manufactured really still apply 10 years 130,000 miles down the line?

 

[HDi fun]

If the car is correctly maintained then yes, stick with the recommended grade. Over viscous oil causes excessive crankcase pressure. This in turn forces oil past the rings or the valve stem seals.

So now you have a car which smokes a bit because it's burning oil.

And because of this you use an even thicker oil.

And so on, ad infinitum.

I used to use 0w/30 in my Nissan at 170,000 miles with no problems at all.

 

[obi_waynne]

Interesting. I hadn't taken that into account really.

 

[HDi fun]

It can become a self fulfilling prophecy as well.

The reduced circulation will ultimately increase the rate of engine wear.

Yet this is exactly what you're trying to guard against with a thicker oil!!

My Dad destroyed a perfectly servicable Ford Sierra in this way.