Question re: Ford 4.6 using M-1 at race tracks

[gcassidy]

I'm new to the site, and I came here with a question that I was hoping had been answered. I did a search (since I don't like adding another thread if my question's been answered), but couldn't find what I was looking for. A couple threads were close, but they were looking for mileage/cost comparisons.

I have a '98 Mustang Cobra that I take to High Performance Driving Events (Track Days, road courses, races without winners/losers). It has 72k on it, 52k of which was put on by the previous owner. Since I've gotten it, I've used only Mobil 1, 5W30 when I can find it, 10W30 when I couldn't. I've always used a 3k-3 month schedule-oil and filter. The engine is essentially stock.

The car is used almost exclusively for the track now, with only some Sunday drives and trips getting to the tracks to put on mileage. I'm figuring I'll be adding at most 2~3k a year. Obviously most of the engine's use at the track will be at high rpm, but I'm gentler on it during street driving.

My question is, should my schedule for oil changes be determined by mileage, time, or beginning and end of track season? I'm not looking for the best mileage, and cost is only a peripheral factor. Engine protection and longevity is the most important factor.

And should I be safe with the 5W30 recommended by Ford for this use?

I'll search about how to get a UOA, since it sound's like that would be a good thing, unless anyone has any thoughts about that.

Thanks for any advise.

 

[Mitch Alsup]

OCI for a tracked car:: change the oil after each track weekend. At this point, all the high PRM driving has consumed the antiwear package. Then the only other rule is never head towards the track if the oil is over 1/3-1/2 its street life.

You can determine whether the selectyed oil is appropriate by watching the oil temperature guage. As long as the oil does not get above 260dF you oil is just fine. For oil temperatures above 265dF you want to be using an oil with an HTHS number in the 3.6 range, for oil temperatures above 285dF you want to be using an oil with an HTHS number in the 4.0+ range. For oil temperatures above 285dF, you want to add an oil cooler or increase the size of the existing oil cooler.

There are a couple of xW-30 oils with an HTHS in the 3.6 range but most are well below this number.

 

[427Z06]

I believe Ford has actually back-spec'ed 5w20 for this engine, but I see no problems using what your using. This might be a good application for something like RedLine 5w20, if you don't mind the cost. Unless you already have them, I'd invest in some good oil temp and pressure gauges if your going to the track regularly. A UOA is the best way to see how the oil is holding up in your particular application. I highly recommend Dyson Analysis for the UOA and associated professional interpretation. Terry may also help fine tune your oil selection if need be too.

 

[1sttruck]

Ford has a site for racing, lots of parts, engines, etc., so they'd probably field questions too.

 

[gcassidy]

Thanks for all the info. Oil temp and pressure gauges are on my list of items to add. I'll put a priority on them, and play it safe by changing each event.