See below. Good questions all.
Jeff Snook wrote:
>
> 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?
The big advantages are increased film strength, lower friction, and
less decomposition due to heat (less sludge in the motor).
> 2. Does synthetic motor oil require a different, "run in"
> procedure on a fresh motor?
I would tend to break a motor in on dino juice. Ask your piston ring
vendor. That's one of the most critical areas during break-in.
> 3. Are synthetics compatible with standard oils or do you have
> to do some exotic flushing procedures before switching?
Fully compatible, no engine flushing needed. I did hear from a tranny
expert that you should not mix synthetic and conventional oils in a
trans. If you drain it thoroughly, and refill with synthetic, it should
not be a problem.
> 4. Any problems running synthetic gear oil in an overdrive
> transmission?
It may depend more on what type of synchro rings it has than on the
overdrive. Some synthetics are too slippery for some synchros to do
their job.
> 5. Does anyone know some technical people at any of the
> manufacturers, i.e. Red Line, etc.?
Try: http://www.redlineoil.com/ or call 1-800-624-7958
I've been running Mobil 1, but I might want to try Castrol Syntec.
Cheers.
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