[Real1LE]

Hey Guys,

I noticed in the Track Preparation Guide it is asking to swap the oil for Mobile 1 15W50 then switching back to 0w40 for street use. I've actually tracked my car several time with the 0w40 fresh oil every time and have not had any issues.

Question is: did i make a mistake by using 0w40? or could i have caused any damage to the engine? and should i use 15w50 going forward? what difference does that even make? anyone had experience with this?

Thanks Guy

[kropscamaro16]

its just a thicker oil made for track use do you drive your car on streets more or track more? im only a ss but i changed over to 5w40 last year and i just leave it in year round lol

[Vtor_ZL1]

If you follow track guide strictly, it calls for swap to 15w50 for track and back to your favorite pedestrian grade dexos 2 after, be it 5w30, or 0w40.


We were in same boat thinking that 0w40 in ZLE was double duty. Wrong!



On same motor'd vette (LT4) w dry sump it can run 0w40 in both.

[ZL1 1LE]

Could effect your warranty should there be an on track engine failure.

[Real1LE]

Originally Posted by Vtor_ZL1

If you follow track guide strictly, it calls for swap to 15w50 for track and back to your favorite pedestrian grade dexos 2 after, be it 5w30, or 0w40.


We were in same boat thinking that 0w40 in ZLE was double duty. Wrong!



On same motor'd vette (LT4) w dry sump it can run 0w40 in both.

Can you share a bit more of why that is? i change it every time i go to track and the dealer knows that and said it was ok.

[Can'tHave2MuchHP]

There was an "Ask Al O" on this subject. He just said that the ZLE is capable of generating enough lateral grip that the added protection from the 15w50 is needed for utmost engine safety. In my opinion, there should be a huge asterisk on this, because you'd have to be a hell of a driver to be pushing the ZLE to a cornering level that would demand that level of protection; in an effect, it's saying that if you're capable of driving the ZLE faster than ANY driver in ANY regular ZL1 could do, then you need the 15w50. Because the fastest ZL1 driven by the fastest driver does not need the 15w50. So, the ZLE can create enough lateral grip that the 15w50 is needed. The only question is, can you?

That said, for warranty purposes, I would suggest changing to 15w50 before track days, especially if you get serious with 25+ minute sessions at 8/10ths+. 99.999% for warranty reasons, but also for the .0001% chance that the 0w40 fails to protect something in the fury you're submitting the LT4 to and she goes kaboom.

[UrbanKnight]

The part of have to ask, is other than convienence, you say you change the oil after every track event, so why not run 15w50? Is $23/5 Qts at Wally World..

[Vtor_ZL1]

Cold Oil Pressure is VERY high ! In colder weather.. that could be trouble.

[TJay74]

you can run the track viscosity oil all the time if you want, just means you will be giving up some gas mileage and when cooler or cold outside take it easy on the engine until the oil is up to temp so the oil is at its thinner viscosity.

[leomio85]

Originally Posted by Vtor_ZL1

Cold Oil Pressure is VERY high ! In colder weather.. that could be trouble.

There are 5W-50 motor oils out there. If you're tracking in cooler temps, I'd opt for this. Same viscosity at operating temp, but better cold viscosity. If you're only running it at the track, you have absolutely nothing to worry about as far as the engine oil shearing, which is the only downfall of wider range viscosity oils.


As for running 0W-40 at the track, did you keep an eye on coolant and oil temps? How long was the car on the track for? If an issue hasn't cropped up yet, I'd say you're fine. I wouldn't test my luck in the future though. Since you're changing the oil, might as well run 15W-50. Hell, run BMW's Castrol 10W-60 if you're really concerned. Just make sure your OIL, not coolant, is up to temp before doing any hotlaps.

[Vtor_ZL1]

Owner manual used to have really cool temp vs acceptable viscosity charts.. i miss that. Easy to read without guessing.

[Real1LE]

lots of great insight i appreciate that guys. i dont track the card "HARD" at all. im still new to this so im learning as i go. no issues yet thankfully. but will follow manual as much as possible going forward, which i always do just missed this part for some reason.

By the way, what is ASK AI O? never heard of this...

[Real1LE]

Originally Posted by Vtor_ZL1

If you follow track guide strictly, it calls for swap to 15w50 for track and back to your favorite pedestrian grade dexos 2 after, be it 5w30, or 0w40.


We were in same boat thinking that 0w40 in ZLE was double duty. Wrong!



On same motor'd vette (LT4) w dry sump it can run 0w40 in both.

my friends have ZLEs and Z06s and are clueless when it comes to this kind of stuff. no one has had an issue. which confirms what @canthavetoomuchHP said about driving the car above limits to even present a possibility of issues. dry sump z06? funny part is that car kept over-heating after a few laps while the ZLEs were staying cooler all day long.

[minn19]

After dealing with Ford on an engine replacement for a GT350 and how much of a pain in the ass that was (all stock). I’m going to do the 15w50 swap and back if for nothing else, but peace of mind if something does go wrong. I’m guessing GM can be just as hard headed when it comes to warranty claims. Even though I’m at best an intermediate skill level driver on the track and won’t get to the levels where the extra protection is needed. Hopefully someday I do need it though.