2018 Oil Requirements

[17LightningGT]

Reading through the owners manual, the 2018 states that if used for track purposes, before doing so, to change the oil + filter and use a 5w-30, then after track use, change back to 5w-20.

Can you run a 5w-30 full time and not mess with anything(vct and phasers) or is a drain and fill between the two grades something that should get done?


I am planning on doing my first oil change at the 1k mark after everything is broken in. Also, because of the known tick issues with these cars(which my 2017 did not do with a motorcraft oil change) should I run motorcraft, or is there "better" out there that won't result in ticking afterwards?


I bought two, 6 gallon bulk motorcraft synthetic oil boxes before I left my previous job at an auto parts store, but, I am nervous about using it now. When I had my 2017, I changed the oil on it the day I took it out of winter storage, and the same day, 100 or so miles later, it dropped a valve and the motor blew.. (i did use the oil in my lawn mower this year though, and it purrs like a kitten haha)

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[VinnAY]

hmmm....reads manual, states what manual says...still can't figure it out. Interesting.

 

[17LightningGT]

hmmm....reads manual, states what manual says...still can't figure it out. Interesting.

Appreciate the opinion, but you didn't answer the question... so...

 

[EFI]

You're ok to run a 30 weight oil all the time, it's not going to blow up.

 

[Ebm]

The 2013-2014 Mustang GT track pack called for 5w-50 and the regular GT called for 5w-20. The 2015-2017 called for 5w20. All have a fairly similar Coyote motor in them compared to the 2018s. I personally run 5w-30 and no issues yet. I think 5w-30 provides a little extra protection when it gets hot outside and you're pedal to the metal. Plus, it hasn't made a change in my fuel economy.

Not sure about any potential warranty issues, but Ford probably recommends 5w-20 to eek out that few extra tenths of a mile per gallon for CAFE.

 

[17LightningGT]

The 2013-2014 Mustang GT track pack called for 5w-50 and the regular GT called for 5w-20. The 2015-2017 called for 5w20. All have a fairly similar Coyote motor in them compared to the 2018s. I personally run 5w-30 and no issues yet. I think 5w-30 provides a little extra protection when it gets hot outside and you're pedal to the metal. Plus, it hasn't made a change in my fuel economy.

Not sure about any potential warranty issues, but Ford probably recommends 5w-20 to eek out that few extra tenths of a mile per gallon for CAFE.

Gotcha, thanks for the info.

If I can not have to change my oil every time I want to go to the track, it would be awesome. I honestly think I'll probably just follow what ford says for now though.. With what happened to the last car, I want to make sure I follow every precaution I can so that there are no fights down the road with warranty lol.

Won't lie, it seems a bit steep to have to change oil out that frequently, but for the handful of times I go to the track, it is what it is. Guess I need to stock up on some 5w30. Not sure if I will use the bulk oil I bought or not though.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Ford probably recommends 5w-20 to eek out that few extra tenths of a mile per gallon for CAFE.

I agree, but will throw this in:

Watched Motorweek recently and Pat Goss, who I disagree with most of the time, said that thinner oil moves faster and therefor cools bearings better. I guess bearings don't need cooling as much when tracking the car with thicker oil despite the loads going up as fast or faster than the oil pressure at higher revs.

 

[17LightningGT]

I agree, but will throw this in:

Watched Motorweek recently and Pat Goss, who I disagree with most of the time, said that thinner oil moves faster and therefor cools bearings better. I guess bearings don't need cooling as much when tracking the car with thicker oil despite the loads going up as fast or faster than the oil pressure at higher revs.

I think that the theory is that the amount of heat the motor sees during a track related event negates the weight requirements, and thins it out enough that it performs the same as a 5-20 under normal driving conditions.

Ford is compensating on the thinning of the oil at higher temps by wanting a slightly thicker variant when running under track conditions. Just seems awfully expensive to change the oil for a day, and then change it back. Two 10qt oil changes and a filter lol...

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Just seems awfully expensive to change the oil for a day, and then change it back. Two 10qt oil changes and a filter lol...

And we all know Ford wouldn't do anything to discourage tracking a car they may be called on to warranty at some point, like say you should go thru 20 quarts of oil per track day. ;)

Plus, between a rock and a hard place, really. If they don't say that, nobody will believe 30 weight is "bad" the rest of the time.

 

[Ebm]

.

And we all know Ford wouldn't do anything to discourage tracking a car they may be called on to warranty at some point, like say you should go thru 20 quarts of oil per track day. ;)

Plus, between a rock and a hard place, really. If they don't say that, nobody will believe 30 weight is "bad" the rest of the time.

Haha

OP, I think you're fine running 5w-30 in the Coyote. Like I said above, the Boss and Track Pack Coyote's came with 5w-50 from the factory and called for 5w-50 at every oil change. Where as the normal Coyote called for 5w-20. The difference between the Track Pack and normal Coyote? Nothing internal to the engine. Same cam phasers, same everything.

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