Eritas
Well-Known Member
There is a balance between protection, flow, and heat. As oil gets hotter it thins out (obvious). The problem with high temps tracking 0w20 is that it becomes thinner than what Ford calls for, which is a standard operating temp.
The point behind thicker oils is that in these overly hot conditions, they will have equivalent viscosity and protection at these elevated temps. These thicker oils also tend to handle loading better. If you don't experience these high temps or track your car, thicker oil isn't necessary. However, going too thick can also be a bad thing since thicker oil does not flow or cool as well. Thinner oils have better heat transfer characteristics and cool off better.
Now Ford calls for 5W50 in the Ford GT, S197 track pack, GT500, and GT350s. I don't see any harm in using Motorcraft 5w50 or M1 0W40 (similar UOA weight to MC) in a Gen 2 coyote, however they require more diligent warm ups before beating on the car. You'll likely cause more damage at your local car show being a j@ck@ss and revving your cold motor with 0w40 or 5w50 than 0w20.
Again, if you don't track your car or have a supercharger, it's probably best to stick with the factory fill since it's the best for cold startup and driving away before letting your oil warm up.
The point behind thicker oils is that in these overly hot conditions, they will have equivalent viscosity and protection at these elevated temps. These thicker oils also tend to handle loading better. If you don't experience these high temps or track your car, thicker oil isn't necessary. However, going too thick can also be a bad thing since thicker oil does not flow or cool as well. Thinner oils have better heat transfer characteristics and cool off better.
Now Ford calls for 5W50 in the Ford GT, S197 track pack, GT500, and GT350s. I don't see any harm in using Motorcraft 5w50 or M1 0W40 (similar UOA weight to MC) in a Gen 2 coyote, however they require more diligent warm ups before beating on the car. You'll likely cause more damage at your local car show being a j@ck@ss and revving your cold motor with 0w40 or 5w50 than 0w20.
Again, if you don't track your car or have a supercharger, it's probably best to stick with the factory fill since it's the best for cold startup and driving away before letting your oil warm up.
Sponsored
Last edited: