Originally Posted By: ChrisBitner
Noob here, did some searching but couldn't find the help I need. I have a 1990 Honda Civic Si with 208k miles that needs some help. It's prepped for autocrossing and is raced/driven to races only. Compression test was even but low I think (155?) although I do live at altitude. Owner X prepped the car for autocross and raced it for 4 yrs using synthetic oil, was seen to blow some smoke occasionally on course under decelleration. Owner Y raced it for 1 yr, synthetic + some sort of Lucas additive (Lucas has stabilizers and stop leak products, not sure what he used). I've been running it this season with straight Mobil 1 and lately it has been coughing up fairly large amounts of soot on some start ups, which it wasn't doing when I bought it, but no noticeable smoking. Recently changed to MaxLife to see if that helps the valve seals any. It will probably get a valve job over the winter. Any suggestions from the oil experts on how I might nurse it through this summer?
TIA
Chris in CO
Spend your money in tires and on the driver. Make sure it passes tech inspection and is safe. Don't worry about oil consumption on a car that is used for such a limited purpose.
Maybe buy some more spark plugs.
The only effort I'd put into this is the cost of a set of new plugs and a 32oz bottle of MMO.
Pull the plugs on a cold engine, put 4 oz of MMO in each cylinder and let that sit for 24 hours. With the plugs still out put a towel over the plug holes, remove power to the ignition system so you don't get any stray sparks, and run the engine over for about 30 seconds to blow most/all of the MMO still in there out.
Put the rest of that bottle in the oil filler, replace the OLD plugs and run the engine at idle for about 20-30 minutes and then change the oil. Maybe drive it gently, but I'm not as comfortable with that solution.
After the oil change, put the NEW plugs in (after it's cooled again) and take the car for a good drive.
Spend any real money on better tires, struts and most importantly seat time training the driver.