I hate myself for even asking this, I just need y'all to know that ahead of time...oil recommendation time because I'm overthinking this. I have a lot of money in this engine and want nothing but the best possible protection for it.
I have a new Dart block 427 Windsor. It has a forged 2.75” main bearing crank, forged rods, and 4032 pistons. It is 10.8:1 compression, running 93 pump gas, and made 635hp last week on the engine dyno. RPMs will be staying under 7000 (and typically under 6500). This is a hydraulic roller cam engine. The engine builder recommended 5w-40 or 10w-40. Main bearing clearance of .0020-.0025 and rod bearings are .0025-.0028. I live in Arkansas, so not too bad with real cold temps. I don’t have any vacuum on the crankcase, but do have a filtered breather in each valve cover.
The car is track and AutoX primarily. I AutoCross one weekend a month (8 runs per day, 45 seconds or so for each run) and typically do 2 track days a year. The track days consist of around 6-8 20 minute sessions per day, 2 days in a row. They’re at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit in Oklahoma in June, so it gets to over 100* ambient while we’re running. I will occasionally take it for a drive or spirited cruise, maybe once or twice a month, but it’s fairly rare. I always let it warm up a little before taking off and I don't thrash on my engines while cold. I drive around for a bit before really getting on it.
My initial thought is to use a good quality oil like Royal Purple XPR or one of the Amsoil racing oils. But my concern is how much time the car spends sitting outside without being started. I need an oil that will prevent rust inside the engine while it’s sitting but still protect it adequately while it’s being driven hard on the track. I’m also open to using one oil for normal driving and AutoCross and changing over to something a little "racier" for good track day protection. I usually change the oil before the two track days (or before the AutoX the week before, depending on time), then change it afterward and pull the valve covers off and cut the oil filter to check things out.
What are y'alls thoughts here? Good synthetic oil for the street that can also handle some track abuse? Or good street oil and switch out for the road course? Recommendations on a specific brand/series of oil?
Sorry for the long message! This is a new engine after my old 351 cracked a piston. So I want to take very good care of it and protect my investment!
I have a new Dart block 427 Windsor. It has a forged 2.75” main bearing crank, forged rods, and 4032 pistons. It is 10.8:1 compression, running 93 pump gas, and made 635hp last week on the engine dyno. RPMs will be staying under 7000 (and typically under 6500). This is a hydraulic roller cam engine. The engine builder recommended 5w-40 or 10w-40. Main bearing clearance of .0020-.0025 and rod bearings are .0025-.0028. I live in Arkansas, so not too bad with real cold temps. I don’t have any vacuum on the crankcase, but do have a filtered breather in each valve cover.
The car is track and AutoX primarily. I AutoCross one weekend a month (8 runs per day, 45 seconds or so for each run) and typically do 2 track days a year. The track days consist of around 6-8 20 minute sessions per day, 2 days in a row. They’re at Hallett Motor Racing Circuit in Oklahoma in June, so it gets to over 100* ambient while we’re running. I will occasionally take it for a drive or spirited cruise, maybe once or twice a month, but it’s fairly rare. I always let it warm up a little before taking off and I don't thrash on my engines while cold. I drive around for a bit before really getting on it.
My initial thought is to use a good quality oil like Royal Purple XPR or one of the Amsoil racing oils. But my concern is how much time the car spends sitting outside without being started. I need an oil that will prevent rust inside the engine while it’s sitting but still protect it adequately while it’s being driven hard on the track. I’m also open to using one oil for normal driving and AutoCross and changing over to something a little "racier" for good track day protection. I usually change the oil before the two track days (or before the AutoX the week before, depending on time), then change it afterward and pull the valve covers off and cut the oil filter to check things out.
What are y'alls thoughts here? Good synthetic oil for the street that can also handle some track abuse? Or good street oil and switch out for the road course? Recommendations on a specific brand/series of oil?
Sorry for the long message! This is a new engine after my old 351 cracked a piston. So I want to take very good care of it and protect my investment!
a little cheaper means I can change it more often and not have a hurting wallet.
