Highly Modified 03 Cobra. What oil to use?!

[Rob_Roy]

Do you monitor oil temperature? I am curious how hot the oil gets under load.

Originally Posted By: DannyB
Well...Ive done my due diligence, as much as possible. Searched, called, and searched some more. So now Im asking the experts.

Being new to "understanding oil" the way most of you do, I just need a little push in the right direction.

I have read sooo many threads of: "modular motors have to tight a tolerances to take anything over 5w20" to, "I personally run a 40 weight oil and its fine."

I know Ford recommends 5w20, but the ausie versions are specked with 5w30. Pretty sure this was just for CAFE reasons.

Regardless, here is the info on my car, what is currently in it, and what Im thinking of running from the info I could find?...

2003 Ford Cobra
5.1 Stroker
2.8 Kenne Bell
36k on car
Approx. 10k miles on motor
Makes 630hp on low boost/pump gas. Conservative tune.
I do "baby" the car, but enjoy the spirited driving every so often....how can you not with that power on tap?

CURRENTLY has 15w40 Rotella T. (Recommended by unknown shop. Was told this by previous owner. Motor was not built by me)

Now, I live in Oklahoma and the temps are pretty warm. Car wont get driven alot when the temps are in the 20-40* range.
On Start-up in the mornings it idles at 90-100 lbs of pressure. Maybe I'm old-school, but that seems HIGH. When fully warmed it idles at ~40. Cruising speed ~60lbs.

I dont know the additives package in the M1 0w40 (couldnt find it), but that is what I was leaning towards, simply based of some others in the same mod/hp range running the same.


Really looking for some good technical info as to whats better for my application, rather then "well this is what I run, and its great". But, If you have a similar car/mods, please do share what you run!

Thanks in advance!!

I have readily available access to (amsoil, RP, and most brands carried by typical part stores)

 

[440Magnum]

Originally Posted By: DannyB
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
What oil temps are you seeing when you drive it "hard"? The current 15w-40 rotella is probably leaving lots of power at the table - LOTS. A good 10w-40 motorbike oil would be better than any ILSAC GF4/5/ rated oil. I would call redline and ask them**, but common sense would dictate that a 30 grade Ester/AN/PAO highly additised with a great HTHS should be adequate.

**This is a community forum with "anybody" giving advice.

I do not know, as I dont have a temp gauge. Have ajust about everything else tho. I just purchased the car, so that is a 'near-future' addition.

As far as the 15w40 being in there, I have read a few things that the timing chain tensioners like/need the 5w20/5w30. If this is true, could leaving the 15w40 cause problems?




I doubt that it would make a huge difference in the long run. The tensioners might wear more quickly with the thicker oil, but given that they seem to last FOR-FREAKIN-EVER in most Ford Modulars anyway...

You've upped the horsepower WAY beyond stock. Its not going to live as long as a bone stock engine anyway. I wouldn't worry too much, although I'd repeat that my preference would be a thick 30 or thin 40 like M1 0w40.

 

[DannyB]

Originally Posted By: Rob_Roy
Do you monitor oil temperature? I am curious how hot the oil gets under load.

I dont have a temp gauge yet, but will be getting one on there fairly soon.

The only WOT the car will see, is the occasional hwy run, taking a friend for a ride, or getting beside a teenager that thinks his car is fast. So it wont be under a load very often. I work to much to really enjoy the car like I would want to (hence 3k miles a year on the last one), but I just want to make sure that what is in the car, is top notch. That extra little piece of mind is a good feeling.

RE: Posting a poll on SVTP; I would have done this, but most of the oil threads I looked at were just opinions. Nothing wrong with that, but I was looking for more in-depth info on the particular oils. CHEERS.

 

[DannyB]

I think Ive caught the BITOG itch, as Ive never had the notion to have my oil analyzed. When its time to change....., drain, fill, repeat. But think after I run the 0w40 through it, Ill get a UOL.