Low vis oils Nascar

[buster]

I never thought of the fuel saving aspect of using a lower vis oil for racing but it does make sense.

Quote:
Any Horsepower Loss Using 15W-50 Compared to Mobil 1 10w30?
If you race a low horsepower class (say 120HP to 140HP) is there a horsepower loss in the 15-50W over the 10w30? I currently use the Mobil 1 10w30 but in the summer the temperatures outside get up to 105° in the South. I wanted to use the 15-50W for more protection but do not want to sacrifice horsepower.
-- Rick Maki, Atlanta, GA
Answer:
Yes, horsepower is directly related to viscous drag and the higher the viscosity the more viscous drag. That is why many NASCAR teams are using lower viscosity oils. Oils such as such as 0W-20 and 0w30 provide two advantages on the racetrack: they can increase horsepower when it's needed and can provide fuel economy at the end of the race. Stretching that last tank of fuel can mean the difference between having to pit again or continuing across the finish line. And by using a full synthetic like Mobil 1, durability and protection are not compromised.

 

[MolaKule]

Yea, but the oils on the shelf are not designed for 500 miles of 8500 rpm operation.

 

[buster]

Right. I knew lower viscosity meant greater hp, but didn't think that fuel economy was a reason they would use it in racing.

 

[Gary Allan]

NASCAR engines also subscribe to ultra-high volume/(relatively) low pressure modality of engine cooling (estimated @ 40% via the oil).


The way that quote sounded, it was merely a matter of throwing in some light oil, mash your go pedal, and be happy in the winner's circle.

 

[glennc]

This IMO is where the low HTHS race oils come into play. A little more efficiency for a little less engine protection. Transfer that ideology to your street applications at your own risk.

Efficiency might be a secondary consideration but a smart team will exploit any minor advantage I'm sure.

 

[buster]

Originally Posted By: glennc
This IMO is where the low HTHS race oils come into play. A little more efficiency for a little less engine protection. Transfer that ideology to your street applications at your own risk.

Efficiency might be a secondary consideration but a smart team will exploit any minor advantage I'm sure.

 

[mechtech2]

I heard that Nascar cars sometimes qualify on 5W oil.

 

[buster]

That Rusty Wallace article a few years ago said they qualify with a 0w-5 grade.

 

[[RT] ProjUltraZ]

maybe some oils like Redline or Amsoil could handle the 3 hours at 8500? maybe their secret is that + a VSOT like additive

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: [RT
ProjUltraZ]maybe some oils like Redline or Amsoil could handle the 3 hours at 8500? maybe their secret is that + a VSOT like additive


I'm pretty sure a good deal of the oil is M1. Is it what we can buy in stores? HAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHA! No.