Jeff,
I spent nine races last year working down from Mobile 1 20w50 to 5w30.
Mid-season I was mixing ever greater proportions of the lighter blend. At
the end it was just straight 5w30. It is truely amazing stuff! I stripped
the two season old engine in the fall and after 18 weekends bearing
surfaces, cam and lifters, rockers, wrist pins and piston skirts were
unbelievable. In my opinion it is the best "value" in racing.
I change every 3 weekends and have considered putting the old stuff in the
pickup, but lead might be a concern...
It is tolerant of extreme heat. Like finishing the last 4 laps (slowly) at
Watkins without a belt on the water pump.
Break in with a session or two on something else, say, Castrol. But I
understand that some manufactures are now putting it in cars fresh from the
production line.
Redline MTL in the stock TR overdrive has been very satisfactory. Leaks
abound but it seems a small price to pay. I figure I can expect two seasons
from an overdrive between majors. We would probably get more if the clutch
were used during OD shifts but that's no fun... At least the failures
aren't lubricant related.
Regards all,
Chip Bond
Wannago Racing
1963 TR4 #37 EP
WDC Region, SCCA
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From: Jeff Snook[SMTP:jsnook@wcnet.org]
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 1999 12:15 PM
To: Friends of Triumph; Vintage Race Mailing List
Subject: Synthetic Lubricants
Dear Vintage Racers,
We are considering switching to synthetics in our Triumph TR3
motors and have questions so I thought I would first access the
information available through these two lists. We have used
standard petroleum based lubricants in the gear box and motor for
many years without any noticeable problems.
1. What are the advantages of synthetic oils and why does it
appear everyone is using them in their race cars?
2. Does synthetic motor oil require a different, "run in"
procedure on a fresh motor?
3. Are synthetics compatible with standard oils or do you have
to do some exotic flushing procedures before switching?
4. Any problems running synthetic gear oil in an overdrive
transmission?
5. Does anyone know some technical people at any of the
manufacturers, i.e. Red Line, etc.?
Anxiously awaiting your replies.
Jeff Snook
Battle of Britain Racing
Bowling Green, Ohio
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