Boosted oil weight?

[Livernois Motorsports]

Based on what oil temps and climate? What type of driving? What bearing clearances?

This was meant to be a response for most stock engines, but many of our built engines we would recommend the same. Of course, this could change based on climate, BUT, as a general recommendation for 95% of customers, the FR50 is what we would use. If someone wants consultation for their specific situation (so long as one of our engines, or OEM Ford) we would be happy to help.

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[Cory S]

This was meant to be a response for most stock engines, but many of our built engines we would recommend the same. Of course, this could change based on climate, BUT, as a general recommendation for 95% of customers, the FR50 is what we would use. If someone wants consultation for their specific situation (so long as one of our engines, or OEM Ford) we would be happy to help.

So there's still no actual reason for these 50 weight recommendations to keep being spewed out by many vendors who aren't lubrication engineers? (Obviously, you guys didn't start this nonsense either).

Install a supercharger, and now just assume oil viscosity should be increased from 5W-20/30 to 5W-50....... Without knowing how hot oil temps will reach based on the type of operation the engine sees, average ambient temperatures are etc.

 

[Livernois Motorsports]

So there's still no actual reason for these 50 weight recommendations to keep being spewed out by many vendors who aren't lubrication engineers? (Obviously, you guys didn't start this nonsense either).

Install a supercharger, and now just assume oil viscosity should be increased from 5W-20/30 to 5W-50....... Without knowing how hot oil temps will reach based on the type of operation the engine sees, average ambient temperatures are etc.

These recommendations were based on the original testing done with the boss 302, and 302S program, and then with the FRPP whipple program as well. So these recommendations do legitimately have their base in Ford recommendations and span out from there. Many of this was part of the original Coyote CJ program too. It also plays a role into why other Ford vehicles have a similar approach. Just look at Mustang EcoBoost vs. Focus RS, and Mustang Hi Performance. These are examples of engines with no bearing clearance changes, yet different recommendations in oil specifications based on intended usage.

 

[Cory S]

These recommendations were based on the original testing done with the boss 302, and 302S program, and then with the FRPP whipple program as well. So these recommendations do legitimately have their base in Ford recommendations and span out from there. Many of this was part of the original Coyote CJ program too. It also plays a role into why other Ford vehicles have a similar approach. Just look at Mustang EcoBoost vs. Focus RS, and Mustang Hi Performance. These are examples of engines with no bearing clearance changes, yet different recommendations in oil specifications based on intended usage.

"Intended usage with Boss 302's/GT500 etc is assumed to see the most extreme case with these cars and still able to maintain a factory warranty. Which would basically be road racing for 12-20 minute sessions at 95-100°F ambient heat, with oil temperatures reaching 270°F+. 98% of this community doesn't ever see those conditions. EVER.....

So the fact, that people bloat the need/recommendation of 5W-50 just because they went "boosted" holds zero justification.

I run 5W-30 with 860-890whp because my bearing clearances (.0022-.0024") can utilize that viscosity as long as oil temperatures stay under 240°F. They do. Even at 90°F ambient temps, and multiple street sessions of WOT and 9-10 second drag racing passes, it never exceeds 226°F.

Factory Coyote/Road Runner/Predator/Voodoo main bearing clearances are .0009-.0015". This is why the ones who actually are familiar with viscosity and oil temps who road race, still can and DO run 5W-30 without one single engine failure due to oil viscosity.

 

[Livernois Motorsports]

Ford main bearing specs are in the range of .000984-.00197 not .0009-.0015. We could argue all day about this but at the end of the day, oil weight is very situational. For most of our customers who are racing these cars and doing back to back passes and beating on them, we do recommend the fr50 (5w50).

Now if you drive the car on the street every day, take it to the track once in a while and don't really get on it that often, A lighter weight oil could make sense, a 5w30 or 5w40 weight in those circumstances.

 

[Andy13186]

After going whippled, 5w50 amsoil signature series in the summer for me, half 5w50 and 0w40 winter. 2 bottles of ceratec every oil change for the last 57k miles. No problems at all since going whippled at 40k miles.

 

[Cory S]

Ford main bearing specs are in the range of .000984-.00197 not .0009-.0015. We could argue all day about this but at the end of the day, oil weight is very situational. For most of our customers who are racing these cars and doing back to back passes and beating on them, we do recommend the fr50 (5w50).

Now if you drive the car on the street every day, take it to the track once in a while and don't really get on it that often, A lighter weight oil could make sense, a 5w30 or 5w40 weight in those circumstances.

I'm not arguing. I'm being factual based on factors that MOST ignore........

 

[Zrussian13]

Gear oil all day. Nice thick 75w90 for the win!

 

[engineermike]

Gear oil all day. Nice thick 75w90 for the win!

75w90 gear oil = 15w50. Not a terrible choice…well…except for the add pack.

 

[Zrussian13]

75w90 gear oil = 15w50. Not a terrible choice…well…except for the add pack.

Love all your knowledge Mike, and here I was just trying to dick around bored at work!

 

[Cory S]

I'm leaving work in 15 min.

 

[Zrussian13]

I'm less than an hour behind you. Counting the minutes. Happy Friday everyone.

 

[Paul McWhiskey]

Work! Did someone say work? I'm outta here!!!

 

[carguy231]

Does someone have a copy of the Ford document recommending 5w50 for FI use?

 

[engineermike]

Does someone have a copy of the Ford document recommending 5w50 for FI use?

Ford doesn’t recommend FI use. But when they do, they recommend 5w50.

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