Mbren, I like the sound of that. So you are running DT40 at the track? If so, how many track days between oil changes? I am running Amsoil for street and track, have had great results and conservatively get an oil change after 3 track days. Might try to push it to 4 if the analysis shows it is ok.

 

oh boy i hope this dosent thread jack or turn into oil arguments......hate to even answer this.

My answer is complicated and confusing and honestly i dont even have an answer yet. I got my C4S almost 2 years ago. All the research i did came up with Jake Raby @ Flat Six and Charles Navaro @ LN Engineering are the gods/gurus of the cars and have reinvented the owners manual. There are tons of threads out here about them highly recomending Driven Oil. They are the ones who suggested DT 40 on the streets with 6 month 3,000 mile drain intervals and XP9 as a track day only oil. This left me with a small amount of confusion as they never stated how long the XP9 is good for (IE: can i drive it back and forth to the track? Is it good for only 1 HPDE weekend or a few?). When i had my first tech inspection for my first HPDE i asked that question to the tech (who tracks all the time) and he suggested to just leave the DT40 in the car as i will most likely be driving like Miss Daisy. My first event was a success with the exception of noticing oil starvation on heavy G long sweepers. After the event i tried to PM Jake to ask him for advice but his PM box is disabled (guess i understand why). I emailed LN Engineering asking what to do and the sent me cool PDF file all about prep stuff to do to the M96 engine to lessen the risk of failure. Long story short, i purchased a crap ton of LN Engineering parts and a few cases of DT40 and XP9 (good god that was expensive). This PDF file also mentioned the same info about Driven DT40 and XP9 and their perspective uses. However nothing mentioned about the drain intervals. Around this same time Jake Raby did some YouTube videos with Lake Speed JR of Joe Gibbs Driven Oils. They discussed the use of proper oil application to protect the fragile M96 engine and its 2 million modes of failure. I thought since i couldnt get an answer about drain intervals with XP9 i would send an email to Joe Gibbs Racings Driven Oil and ask the source directly. To my surprise Lake Speed JR himself responded to my email. This was his response.

Mike,


Thanks for contacting us. Since you are driving the car to the track, the DT40 is the correct oil for your application. DT40 is capable of HPDE track use, especially since you are upgrading the oiling system.

So honestly i am confused at this point. My first HPDE was with DT40. Sent it to the lab and they claimed all was perfect and the TBN report showed the oil and additive packages were a long way away from replacement time. Now i have been using XP9 at track events because i have it on the shelf. When i run out i don't know what to do. It is stupid expensive to be swapping oil many times a year to go to a HPDE. But on the other side its much cheaper than an engine failure. So the question becomes, who do you listen to, Jake Raby and Charles Navarro or Lake Speed JR the spokesman for Driven Oil. Maybe we will get lucky and they will notice this thread and comment.

 

We’ve never used DT40 on the track. I require XP series of Driven oils for any track usage with my engines.

Who do you listen to?
No one. Do what you believe is best. Be responsible, be accountable, no one can tell you how to think.

 

i listen to the leaders and pioneers in the industry. You, Charles, and Lake Speed have proven history and track records.

My plan is to do everything within my power to never have to meet you (no offense). Thats why i listen, research and send fluids out for testing to confirm. My current unknown was/is just the XP9 usage. As a person who only does HPDE. I live in orlando and want to run Roebling, Sebring and eventually Daytona. I have a buddy who owns a trailer who allows me to use it if he is not. I was curious to know about XP9 usage. Could i drive it to and from the track if needed? Are we talking 1 weekend only? I have heard 500 miles is the life expectancy?

I know lab testing will answer all the questions. But i was looking for more of a guide line or base line to start with.

Thanks for reaching out.

 

Whether or not you’ll have to contact me is more luck than anything else. You can do everything possible, and on the track, luck can still run out.

I run XP oils for one event weekend. That’s usually including a 2-300 mile commute to and from the event, which isn’t hard on the oil.
Roebling and Sebring are hell on these engines. My biggest advice to you is to never run back to back sessions, and to limit session time to 15 minutes when the ambient temps are higher than 90F.

 

Sweet. This is exactly the baseline i was looking for. Can't tell you how much most of us appreciate you and Charles constantly being in these forums sharing your wealth of knowledge. Some people say i'm just another Fan Boy.....yes....yes i am.

 

I’m not one for followers.. Guess I am too old school for all that.

 

It’s respect. You’re never to old for that, you earned it.

 

couldn't agree more......

and if you never wanted followers, you should be such a damn good leader.

 

I’m just a guy that started an engine building business, so I could do things my way. Nothing more than that.

I think we need more leaders, than followers. That’s just me.

 

It will be CAR'S first track event. I used to go to HPDE and Time Trial events on bmw e36 m3 I used to have. Im definitely not going for best times now, need to see how the car feels and what needs improved.

It will be in Willow Springs, so I should be watching oil pressure in hard turns? What's normal pressure during the lap and what should get me concerned?

Also, I just realized, since I have custom front and rear bumpers (GT2 I think) - there's no hole for tow hook and I think it might be required. Maybe there's a hook somewhere under the bumper, any advice?

 

Sorry, no advice on the tow hook. But Willow Springs, the big track? Wow I am jealous, what a great track. I had a few chances to drive there many years ago, amazing! Enjoy!

 

When I take care of competition cars,, they get a full dump oil change after every event. Doesn't matter what brand of oil, it gets dumped.
And it makes the 996 look cheap cause a V8 Winged sprint can have 3 to 5 gallons on board.. Usually redline or joe gibbs depending on the owner..