[tnspd]

I am sure this has been asked but I could not find anything under search. Why does the ZL1 track oil differ from the ZL1 1LE track oil? A friend that has a 2017 ZL1 asked me and do not know why? The two cars have the same engine with the only difference being the track package and suspension on the ZL1 1LE. Any one know why?

[Mr. Wyndham]

This is a paraphrasing of the best explanation I've heard (yet to ask the engineers...either through Ask Al, or the Camaro Fest):

Originally Posted by baron95

It is not the additional lateral G that makes a difference. The difference is that with cars with more downforce (ZL1 1LE, ZR1) and more grip, you end up spending a lot more time on power (and full power), and a lot less time on brake (which is the airflow and no power period).

With better aero and grip you brake much later, you brake for shorter duration, you get back on gas sooner, you stay on full power longer. That simply means your heat profile goes up. Your engine and oil have less time to cool in between full power bursts.

Don't minimize it.

Hotter Oil = Need more viscous oil to maintain protection.


I want to see what the outcome is for 2019 with this new Mobil1 0W40 ESP that GM is recommending for Stingray and Camaro.

[tnspd]

Thank you sir. I will be waiting to see what is said about that new 0W40 ESP oil as well.

[Russell James]

Originally Posted by tnspd

Thank you sir. I will be waiting to see what is said about that new 0W40 ESP oil as well.

The high performance owner's manual supplement covers that in the Track Events and Competitive Driving section:

"
LS/LT 1LE, SS 1LE, and ZL1

Change the engine oil to 0W-40 or 5W-40 that meets the dexos2 specification.
"



That 0w40 ESP is dexos2, so it would be OK for those models. Not the ZL1 1LE. Which, like the Z28, requires 15w50 for track.

[Sakudog]

The engine's are identical.

I've been on track with and without the 1LE aero, the oil temps were the same on the same track. (sub 275)

Ideally you run the best oil for the LT4 wet sump application on track, any thought beyond that is Key Board warrior conversations IMO.

[FringBirdAloha]

0w is all fuel economy hype. I’d never use it in my ZL1.

[WhyUMad1LE]

^ 0W warms up quicker and you're not supposed to drive hard when the oil is cold anyway.

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by Sakudog

The engine's are identical.

I've been on track with and without the 1LE aero, the oil temps were the same on the same track. (sub 275)

Ideally you run the best oil for the LT4 wet sump application on track, any thought beyond that is Key Board warrior conversations IMO.

Tell that to the engineers who specified the difference in the owners manual.

Overal engine oil temperature as indicated by the dash gauge is a good baseline, but it does not represent what the oil temps (and viscosity) may be at the bearings/journals....

Originally Posted by FringBirdAloha

0w is all fuel economy hype. I’d never use it in my ZL1.

0W is the weight of the oil at cold start...it has nothing to do with fuel economy.

It is meant to provide a much less viscous oil while cranking in colder temperatures, and the associated protection. (keep in mind engines are typically designed to run at 210 ("happy place" oil temps)

Now....0W20? 5W/20? Those oils are for fuel economy and heaven help anyone that gets their engine too hot running that....

[Sakudog]

Originally Posted by Mr. Wyndham

Tell that to the engineers who specified the difference in the owners manual.

Overal engine oil temperature as indicated by the dash gauge is a good baseline, but it does not represent what the oil temps (and viscosity) may be at the bearings/journals....


0W is the weight of the oil at cold start...it has nothing to do with fuel economy.

It is meant to provide a much less viscous oil while cranking in colder temperatures, and the associated protection. (keep in mind engines are typically designed to run at 210 ("happy place" oil temps)

Now....0W20? 5W/20? Those oils are for fuel economy and heaven help anyone that gets their engine too hot running that....

All good points! Selfishly, I plan on keeping my powertrain stock and following the track preparation guidelines as written for the ZL1 Coupe. If the engine pops while I own this car, it will be on GM to fix it.

We have a GOOD percentage of ZL1 and ZL1 1LE's being tracked per capita, which is not only cool but indicative of the strength of the LT4.

Who has blown an engine on track that we know of? Drag racing and bad tunes aside, I think we've had some really good results so far am I right?

[Zl1+911]

I cant figure out where to buy 0W40 ESP Mobile 1 from....anyone seen this being available in the US? thanks

[Sakudog]

Originally Posted by Zl1+911

I cant figure out where to buy 0W40 ESP Mobile 1 from....anyone seen this being available in the US? thanks

I found it at Walmart in 5 and 1 liter options in Austin, TX.

[Zl1+911]

Originally Posted by Sakudog

I found it at Walmart in 5 and 1 liter options in Austin, TX.

ill go take a look

[Mr. Wyndham]

Originally Posted by Sakudog

All good points! Selfishly, I plan on keeping my powertrain stock and following the track preparation guidelines as written for the ZL1 Coupe. If the engine pops while I own this car, it will be on GM to fix it.

We have a GOOD percentage of ZL1 and ZL1 1LE's being tracked per capita, which is not only cool but indicative of the strength of the LT4.

I agree!!

[travislambert]

I have a similar question in the Ask Al queue:

http://www.camaro6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=516314

My guess is that it's more about how GM expects the cars to be driven rather than the car itself. I understand the comment about the aero, suspension, etc. playing a role in keeping the ZL1 1LE in the throttle a little longer, but I can't imagine that difference being significant. If that were the case, GM would probably need to have different oil recommendations for each road course too because the difference between track layouts would be far more significant in terms of braking vs acceleration time.