Im Puzzled Need Some Input

[Jeffs2006EvoIX]

Hello folks, I have been scratching my head for weeks now over this "oil controversy" that I seemed to have created on the Lancer Evolution Forums.

The problem is, MANY of the engine builders and "tuners" all recommend to use a 20/50 oil in the Lancer Evo with the 4G63 motor as where the OEM fill was a 10/30.

My arguement is, with info gained from this website that 50W oil on a stock block and stock turbo could cause more wear, and drag on the motor since the 50W oil would not be in its "ideal" operating temp. Those temps would be seen on a "race" track but not on the "street".

The forum "gurus" are looking at me like I am stupid, to where I feel they really just don't know about oil themselves. I currently use Mobil 1 10/30 EP. Yes my car is "modified" it has all the basic bolt ons and makes about 90whp more than stock. I do use "race" cams, but the Evo benefits from hydrolic lifters and roller rockers.

Can you guys help me out here? Throw in your 2 cents and I will take it for what it is worth if for anything just for my own peice of mind. Am I wrong in stating that my car doesn not need a 50W oiL??? Mind you this is for STREET and ocasional SOLO II use. Thanks for your input.

 

[demarpaint]

The best way to tell is with an oil temp and oil pressure gauge. Take temperature and pressure readings when the engine is fully warmed up, at hot idle, normal engine operating speeds, and after some hard use. Then report back with the numbers. At that point you'll have hard core data to base your oil selection on.

 

[Tempest]

Ask them WHY they recommend 20/50.

 

[unixguru]

I would not use 20w50 in that car under any circumstances. 10w30EP should work very well for you. If you want heavier oil try going with M1HM 10w30 or M1 0w40. I would probably stay from 5w40 weights as well.

Amsoil 0/5/10w-30 has a lot of antiwear additives as well and has a solid base oil. You might want to try that do an analysis and see how that works for you.

My opinion is that if you have a non-stock car and want to use oil weight outside of recommended grade you really should do an oil analysis.

I personally would not use an oil more than one grade above the recommended one in the car (i.e. no heavier than 5w30 in a car which calls for 5w20, and no heavier than 5w40 in a car which calls for 5/10w30).

 

[IndyIan]

I'd think in california 10W30 or 20W50 wouldn't make much of a difference in start up wear. Probably for autocross both are fine too, although I'd like something like 5W40 for those WO moments at low rpm and bouncing off the rev limiter.
Realistically, I don't know how often an Evo type car ever has its engine die due to start up wear. Its more likely something like oil breakdown would be a problem or maybe fuel dilution, so I'd say something thicker is better for the worst case scenario.

 

[Jeffs2006EvoIX]

Thanks everyone, well, I do have the OEM oil temp guage, my temps going back and forth to work in 80F heat are around 70C, mind you this Evo has a pretty good sized OEM oil cooler. As for Oil Pressure? I am not even sure how to do that. I would have to get help on that one.

I used the M1 10/30 EP since new, except a 15K break when I was running WMI and used RP XPR 10/40 for it was develeped with Water Meth in mind. I removed and sold my WMI kit, and went back to the 10/30 M1 EP.

I was considering a Redline 10/30 or Amsoil 10/30 ATM not because I think they are "better" than M1, they just have more ZPPD in their 10/30 than M1 has and I figured in a car making 200hp per liter it wouldn't hurt. To date though I have had no complaints of the M1 EP.

Any more suggestions out there?

 

[jorton]

Forced induction frequently = fuel diluted oil. What is the level of fuel in an oil analysis on this engine? Does your oil have that distinctive unleaded fuel odor?

 

[mechtech2]

70C for oil temp is rather cool.
How hot have you seen it when playing hard?

 

[Jeffs2006EvoIX]

Yes, when I pull the dipstick and smell the oil it does smell like fuel. I am told in the Evo community this is normal since Evo's run a rich AFR, even on tuned cars.

My Oil Temps, the hottest I have seen on a 125F day going back and forth to work was 100C. On the Dyno for 3 hrs during tuning also never got over 100C. Once it did the tuner tuned the car off and let it cool. Then continued.

hopes this helps you to help me.

 

[Jeffs2006EvoIX]

Originally Posted By: jorton
Forced induction frequently = fuel diluted oil. What is the level of fuel in an oil analysis on this engine? Does your oil have that distinctive unleaded fuel odor?


My last UOA showed Fuel at
Yes you can smell a fuel smell on the oil. All Evo's have it. May be a turbo charged trait. Not sure.

The only time I have ever seen my car over 100C is on the dyno after 3 hrs of continuous tuning. It then read 105C.

Mind you, the Evo is equipped with a decent sized oil cooler from Mitsubishi. I think the reason why the oil temps got over 100C on the dyno was that 1 of the cooling fans was not in propper positon.

In the summer here in the Low Desert of CA, temps hit 120F. During normal driving conditions temps are around 90C.

Now that summer is over, and temps are cooling down, I do not see over 70C. These temps are taken from the Oil pan. That is where the OEM sensor is.

 

[wiswind]

The common way to add a oil pressure gauge is to tap into the location where the oil pressure sensor "switch" is located.
I am sure that someone on one of the EVO forums can provide better information than I can.

You are doing a very smart thing by having the used oil analized.

Fuel into oil, some things to minimize this......verify that the crankcase ventilation is healthy in order to vent off fumes.
PCV system can be an issue with modified motors.
Also.....avoiding short trips.......and having a nice easy cruise following spirited operation to permit the oil to have some time at a temperature to evaporate off any fuel that may get into the oil during cold operation and those spirited times.

Of course, keep us posted on how things go with whatever choices you make.