Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Originally Posted By: zoomzoom
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Originally Posted By: zoomzoom
Redline claims that 2-4% gains can be expected when using their racing oils:
Although Red Line racing oils are categorized as “straight grades”, their low-temperature properties make them exceptional multigrades, allowing 2-4% more power than an oil of similar viscosity, while providing much more protection. Each reduction in viscosity grade allows 1-2% more power.
Motul is ester based oil as well and 16hp is about 5% improvement over 330hp achieved with M1..so this makes it believable.
Redline is talking straight-weights.
Like comparing SAE 50 to Redline 50wt, which is actually a multi-grade because of its ester base.
The Motul test is comparing 5w30.
As I said, run the same car on the drag strip on the same day with the same conditions over a spread of 10 runs and see what the results are. If the car doesn't go any faster, it isn't making any more power. Regardless of what the dyno says.
actually dyno is much more controlled/consistent environment for back to back testing than drag strip with changes in temperature and grip, wind, driver factor(no two runs are the same),etc..
1. There is always a margin of error in dyno testing. This is why you average a number of runs to get your numbers and not just choosing the "peak" numbers for bragging rights.
2. Dyno runs are affected by temperature and humidity, as well as heat-soak and many of the other factors that affect drag strip runs. This, for many cars, includes traction.
3. I know of numerous bracket-racing cars that will run the same ET consistently. And while I agree that it is very dependant upon the driver, I still feel the track is a much better place to glean if there were any REAL gains.
Why?
Because the track doesn't lie. If you do 10 runs ---ON A TIRE--- where traction is not an issue, using a competent driver on a day that the conditions remain consistent, and then change the oil and the car goes faster on average on another 10 runs..... Then it made a difference.
On the other hand if the above is performed and the car, on average ET's the same, then it didn't REALLY pick up 16HP did it? Regardless of what the dyno is telling you.
The dyno calculates HP. It is not a MEASURED value. Torque is the only measured value and is used to calculate the HP numbers.
They are also a great tuning tool.
In regards to the testing in question, since the device used was a chassis dyno, there are even MORE variables that come into play! Such as clutch slip, loss through the transmission...etc.
I'm not saying that dyno's are useless or anything. They are a good tool to gauge potential gains made by performance modifications and for tuning a car with a wide-band.
If this test had been performed on an ENGINE dyno, it would hold more merit. Since there are far fewer variables.
But since the testing is being done on a car, my opinion (and yes, that is what it is), is that the test would hold more merit being done in terms of measuring ET and MPH improvement (or the lack thereof) as PROOF that the car is actually making more power, rather than just citing chassis dyno numbers and letting people assume that's the case.
Drag strips hurt feelings. The car is either faster or it's not. People don't like hard facts.
If those were all turbo cars that were dyno'd, 16hp is nothing. Turbo cars are notorious for being inconsitant and I'm surprised any of the runs were within 16hp of one another even if the oil wasn't changed.