7/13/2012
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When Choosing Racing Oil, A Systems Approach Is Best
Today’s engine builders are skilled at creating performance powerplants to win at any level. But just as one size engine isn’t right for every racing series, the oil you use will vary based on application as well.
Today’s engine builders are
skilled at creating performance powerplants to win at any level. But just as
one size engine isn’t right for every racing series, the oil you use will vary
based on application as well.
Lake Speed, Jr., Certified
Lubrication Specialist with Driven Racing Oil, Huntersville, NC, says choosing
the right oil is an important process.
“Today’s passenger car and truck oils are formulated
to reduce emissions and provide longer drain intervals,” says Speed. “This has
been done by increasing detergents and reducing anti-wear additives, but your
race engine operating under high load and high RPM conditions needs high
amounts of anti-wear additives (Zinc and Moly) to create a sacrificial additive
coating that prevents metal to metal contact in your engine.”
Speed says race engine builders should use an oil
designed for racing applications. The differences between street and race
engines are dramatic.
Modern Engine Set-up:
Decreased anti-wear (i.e. Zinc) and
more detergents:
- Catalytic Converters
- Low RPM
- Overhead Cams
- Extended drain intervals
Race Engine Set-up:
Need more anti-wear (i.e. Zinc) and
less detergents:
- High RPM
- Higher Torque
- Flat tappet cams and push
rods
- Shorter Drain intervals
In addition, Speed
recommends using a system of compatible products to avoid additive clash.
“Properly protecting the engine from excessive wear
during initial start-up and break-in is critical to the long-term life and
performance of the engine.,” he says. “By utilizing matched additive
chemistries in the products we use to assemble, break-in and operate our
engines, we eliminate the risk of ‘additive clash.’ Additive Clash can occur
when switching between products with different additive chemistries - putting
the engine at risk.”
Speed explains that, by utilizing complimentary
additive chemistries, Driven Racing Oil products work together to produce and
maintain a high level of anti-wear protection throughout the engine during
start-up, break-in and operation.
“A system approach is best
for many reasons,” Speed explains. “It builds and maintains protective
anti-wear film. It avoids additive clash that can compromise the anti-wear film
leading to premature part failure. It includes oils specifically designed for
each stage of operation provide optimized protection and performance. And, it
can be considered insurance for your investment in time and parts.”
Driven Racing Oil and Engine
Builder magazine are looking for the best example
of performance engine building excellence. The Performance Engine Builder of the Year
Award will showcase the best example of creativity and
innovation, training and education, merchandising and promotion, professional
standards and conduct, appearance, solid business management, community
involvement, business growth, achievement and victories. The winner will be
announced at a special ceremony at this year’s International Motorsports
Industry Show in Indianapolis, December 6-8.
For more information or to
enter the contest, click here. To download the Engine Builder Lubrication Guide
from Driven Racing Oil, click here.