Sometimes yes, sometimes no. But it's a good read with actual data for some that might be able to follow along with the discussion. For others it will probably go over their head.

 

I'll be doing oil analysis on my car to trend it - I haven't typically heard that lower viscosity oil is better for racing applications... but 5w40 or 10w40 I've used quite a bit in the past with good success.

I would say that a full synthetic (group V) are superior for racing (and probably all) applications, and if I can get a reasonable deal on one of these oils, I'll run it for the summer (track day) months. Otherwise group IV is fine.

Looks like Amsoil has group IV base, which is good, and better than a blend of IV and III.

The Motorcraft analysis is interesting. Surprising it has such low ZDDP, and how much shearing it shows. Doesn't look like a particularly good oil. I've never used it in the past, will definitely be changing before my first track days later this summer...

 

Doing an oil analysis is an excellent idea.

 

BTW - 718 rwhp on your 2003? That's ridiculous any 1/4 mile times?

 

A Whipple @ 25+ lbs of boost will do that.
Best I could muster was a 10.10 @ 139. Traction was always a problem.

 

The Amsoil 5W-30 seems to be working fine. The temperature gauge is pegged at just to the left of half, and the pressure is pegged just to the right of half. I checked the oil and it looked great. No grime. No leaks/burning oil.

 

Amsoil seems to be a quality product. Can't really tell just by looking of course, but I am planning to assess my first two oil changes at least and if rests show the motorcraft is not holding up, will see what ford recommends doing as an alternate (if they will recommend anything)

 

Then there is this.....http://www.triumphspitfire.com/Oiltest.html

Which says it makes no difference if you use synthetic or conventional, change at 3,000 or 6,000 miles. None at all. Not my opinion, but Consumer Reports.

 

Report from 1996... for the average Honda Accord or Tahoe or something, I would tend to agree. Minimal stress on engines, no high oil temps, lower compression engines compared with today's cars, etc...

"no measurable differences could be observed in engine wear" which is probably true, but no indication of the oil characteristics new vs used... may not see engine wear as oil starts to break down some.

I'm 100% in on the synthetic

 

I guess I'm a lemming idiot, but the manufacturer of the engine- who has the most to lose if I follow their recommendation and it fails- says I'm supposed to run 5w50 (GT with track package)- so I guess that's what I'll do.

 

That's unfortunate and a poor choice but it's your car.

 

Lol... thats all I got to say to you

 

Lol... your fake guage should always pount there....

 

i'm running 10w30 amsoil signature series

 

When it's time for my 1st oil change, that's exactly what's going in mine - along with e AMSOIL Ea Filter - and I won't look back. I've seen too much research to convince me otherwise. I use to be a Mobile 1 guy - not any longer! I'm about ready to start bathing in AMSOIL 10w30 Signature Series....

 

Amsoil SS 10w-30 here as well.

 

Have a 13 track pack GT and it says right on the filler cap, 5W 50 full synthetic. So that is what goes in mine.

 

I will use the recommended 5w50 too until warrantee is done (years down the road) by then there should be lots of data pointing to the best oils for these engines!

 

Actually we have a good thread with good real data going on SVT Performance and 10w-30 is the clear cut winner track pack or no track pack.

 

Yes I have seen that the missing info for me is the conditions in which the cars were driven which is the most interesting part. I think I will want/need a slightly thicker oil based on my driving style