Oil Weight

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Dec 29, 2004 | 09:57 PM

Kaneman

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From: Las Vegas

Oil Weight

I have a 370 Iron Block and live in Las Vegas where the temp can get around 110 degrees or higher. What is a good weight of oil? I know most use 5w30 that seems a little thin. I was thing minimum 10w30 or going to 5w50.

Thanks,

Kane

Dec 29, 2004 | 10:32 PM

SSnakekiller

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From: Fort Lauderdale

I am in South Florida and its very hot here...most use 10w30 here...

But isnt it really cold there right now? Here it has been about 70-75 during the day for the past few days..

Dec 29, 2004 | 11:09 PM

cyphur

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From: North Texas

I'm going to be running 0w30 German Castrol, and I'm in the Dallas area in Texas. Temps reach 110-115 on hot days during the summer down here. Not fun......been using 5w30 Mobil 1 and haven't seen a problem, but am switching to the decently thicker German Castrol just to be safe(if I can find it).

Dec 30, 2004 | 12:17 PM

Patman

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From: Mississauga, Ontario

The German Castrol 0w30 can definitely handle hot temps since it's a thick 30wt oil, almost a 0w40 actually.

Dec 30, 2004 | 11:16 PM

TooSlow02

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From: Scottsdale, AZ

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kaneman

5W-30 and 10W-30 are the same weight at operating temperature, 10W-30 only has a higher viscosity when cold. You really don't have to go too high with the oil viscosity because of the heat. I live in Phoenix, and we use 0W-40 Mobil1 Synthetic in our customer's cars, even though 5W-30 is recommended. We have no problems with this oil weight. Your best bet is to keep your oil cool instead of using a higher weight. I would recommend using a quality synthetic oil, such as Mobil1 or Castrol, and installing an oil cooler. Synthetics have a much higher heat tolerance. For viscosity, 10W-30 or 10W-40 is fine. 5W-30 is for easier cold starting. Anything higher than a 40W is only going to reduce your fuel economy. I personally use Royal Purple 5W-30 and an aftermarket oil cooler here in the Valley of the Sun. Oils like Royal Purple and Red Line are top quality, but are a bit pricey for a daily driver.

Dec 31, 2004 | 10:47 AM

Patman

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From: Mississauga, Ontario

Quote:

Originally Posted by TooSlow02

This is an excellent point, since I often hear people say they run 15w50 or 20w50 in their LS1 because they see 300 degree oil temps when they road race. But instead of going with a thick oil like this, they really should be getting their oil temps in line by installing a cooler. This way they get the benefit of using a 0w30, 5w30, 0w40 or 5w40 oil which will flow better on a cold start, but then their oil won't thin out so much if the oil temps are in the 200-225F range where they should be.