[dmau9600]

New 1LE owner and new to track days. Looking to do my first beginner HPDE track day event next weekend.

I saw some threads discussing different oils for track events. Would I need to change to a different oil prior to the HPDE event? Car has ~2000 miles on it.

[JeromeS13]

I would recommend it, as does the owner's manual. If you don't, you run the risk of being denied a warranty claim, in the event of an engine failure.

[thescreensavers]

Follow the manual, which states to use Dexos2 oil.

[Vintage]

Dexos2 0w-40 or 5w-40. I am now running Motul X-Clean 8100 5w-40. Definitely read through the HP Supplement for your 1LE. if you have not already.

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by dmau9600

New 1LE owner and new to track days. Looking to do my first beginner HPDE track day event next weekend.

I saw some threads discussing different oils for track events. Would I need to change to a different oil prior to the HPDE event? Car has ~2000 miles on it.

Yes. As others have said, the manual states to use 5W-40 oil for track events. Preferably Dexos 2 certification. So far, we've determined that you can look for Motul 8100 X-clean 5W-40, or Valvoline SynPower MST 5W-40. Both products carry the "Dexos 2" logo, and are readily available in stores and online.

Beginner event or not, your car will run hotter than it would otherwise on the street - therefore, a thicker oil weight is required for proper protection.

Enjoy the track day, let us know how it goes!

[dmau9600]

Thanks for the input everyone!

Last question - would you recommend changing back to factory spec oil after the event? I plan to do several events throughout the year and oil changes every few weeks will be a pain. Could I stay with the track oil throughout the summer?

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by dmau9600

Thanks for the input everyone!

Last question - would you recommend changing back to factory spec oil after the event? I plan to do several events throughout the year and oil changes every few weeks will be a pain. Could I stay with the track oil throughout the summer?

You should be fine with 5W-40 in terms of day-to-day driving during the summer. The only negative aspect you may notice is a slight reduction in fuel economy.

Interested to hear others' opinion on this question...I'm in the same boat!

[rdoggy]

Good thread, also in the same boat. Would like to hear if anyone is sticking with the 5w-40 throughout the Summer. I'd guess that you'd change more frequently doing multiple track days, but changing back to 5w-30 after each event seems like overkill.

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by rdoggy

Good thread, also in the same boat. Would like to hear if anyone is sticking with the 5w-40 throughout the Summer. I'd guess that you'd change more frequently doing multiple track days, but changing back to 5w-30 after each event seems like overkill.

It's necessary to do so if you're using the 15W-50 they specify....but 5W-40, I'm not planning to change it after each event...

[mjk3888]

Originally Posted by rdoggy

Good thread, also in the same boat. Would like to hear if anyone is sticking with the 5w-40 throughout the Summer. I'd guess that you'd change more frequently doing multiple track days, but changing back to 5w-30 after each event seems like overkill.

I've got about 3-4k miles on my Motul 8100 X Clean 5w40. I went on a 1k mile round trip to Daytona Rolex 24, 4 mountain runs and 2 Autocrosses on it. Changed it and the rear axle fluid at 2100 miles and as of a week ago the car hasn't needed a drop of oil to be added to top it off. MPG was 25 highway as advertised and I haven't had a single complaint about it so far. I'll probably run this oil for my entire ownership of the car. I use the standard AC Delco oil filter.

[JeromeS13]

I also have about 2700 miles on my current 5W-40 X-Clean (and two track days). I was planning on doing a third track day, but it looks like I won't be able to. I'll be sending a sample in to Blackstone Labs when I do finally change it.

[mjk3888]

Originally Posted by JeromeS13

I also have about 2700 miles on my current 5W-40 X-Clean (and two track days). I was planning on doing a third track day, but it looks like I won't be able to. I'll be sending a sample in to Blackstone Labs when I do finally change it.

definitely keep us updated when you hear back!

[glamcem]

I would suggest changing to a 0w-40 oil that doesn't cost that much so that you can change every 2-3k miles (after maybe 3-4 events), instead of going with more expensive brand like Motul and keep them on the car for longer period of time. Motul and other more expensive brands do provide slightly better protection at higher temps but there's no magic there Once the oil temps reach 270-280 degrees, it always makes sense to change it more often than sticking to existing oil because it costs much.