Quote:
Originally Posted by travislambert
Hey Al,
Can you expand on the recommended engine oils for track / competitive driving in the Camaro?
In your answer, please touch on the following if possible:
Why does Mobil 1® 15W-50 engine oil appear as a secondary choice for the ZL1 while appearing as the preferred choice for the ZL1 1LE?
Are there any issues associated with regular street usage of dexos2™ OW-40 or 5W-40?
Are there any issues associated with regular street/track usage of dexos2™ approved OW-40 or 5W-40 on the ZL1 1LE?
Other than Mobil 1® 15w-50, are there any non-dexos2™ approved oils that have GM's blessing for track use in the Camaro?
In particular:
Mobil 1® 0W-40 (It's usually in stock locally and seems like a reasonable choice, but is not dexos2™ approved.)
Mobil 1® 5W-50 (It offers great protection and is possibly better for emission systems than Mobil 1® 15W-50.)
(Valvoline® SynPowerTM MST 5W-40 mentioned in the manuals is now dexos2™ approved.)
Thanks,
The Camaro Community
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Al's Answer
Well, it’s been a busy summer, getting ready for the refreshed Camaro for 2019, Camarofest, and all the other Camaro shows that we wait for all winter. I admit I am way late on this one, so my apologies on behalf of myself and the Camaro team on this installment of “Ask Al”.
Here was the topic for this round, having to do with oil selection for tracking your Camaro:
Can you expand on the recommended engine oils for track / competitive driving in the Camaro?
• Mobil 1® 15W-50 engine oil appears as a secondary choice for the ZL1 while appearing as the only choice for the ZL1 1LE?
• Some folks would like to regularly use Dexos2™ 0W-40 or 5W-40 oils on the street - any advice/suggestions?
• There is a NEW oil…Mobil 1 0W-40 ESP that is Dexos2-approved. How does that mix into this discussion?
The LT1 and LT4 engines are factory filled with 0W-40 Dexos2 oil. The 0W-40 Dexos2 engine oil is approved for both track and street use with the LT1 and LT4 (ZL1 only, not ZL1 1LE) engines. This is straight out of the owner’s manual.
For the ZL1 1LE, 15W-50 is the required track oil due to the increased lateral acceleration capability of the vehicle. It has enough of a grip capacity increase above all the other models that the added protection from 15W-50 is needed. The thicker 50 weight viscosity helps with oil pan drawdown when the oil gets hot on the track and reduces risk of pressure dropouts. For the ZL1, 15w-50 will add protection but is not required, as the 0w-40 was tested and provides adequate protection in a track environment.
Since Mobil 1 15w50 is not Dexos-certified, it is not recommended for long-term street driving use. Follow the Owner’s Manual and switch back to the 0W-40 Dexos-certified oil after your track session is over and you are back to street use.
With regard to the new Mobil 1 0W-40 ESP Dexos 2 oil, it is an acceptable oil for both the street and track, for the SS, SS 1LE, and the ZL1 due to having less aeration. However, it is not recommended for tracking your ZL1 1LE.
Edit: Adding
Performance Supplement (See pg 15)
