3rd Gen General Discussion The place for non-technical discussion about 3rd Gen RX-7s or if there's no better place for your topic

Choosing oil for my track car

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 3, 2023 | 11:35 PM
  #1  
Valkyrie's Avatar
Thread Starter
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,185
Likes: 172
From: Japanabama
Choosing oil for my track car

So, I am having a hard time finding 20w50 mineral oils locally.


I can find Castrol GTX 10w30, but I think that's a bit thin for a track car.

I also can't seem to find any 10w50s or 15w50s that are mineral oil online.

Can anyone suggest an oil I might be able to buy online in bulk?

Would Pennzoil be a terrible choice? How about Gulf Blaze?

I have been using some sort of expensive full synthetic over the last few years, thought I can't say for certain which one it is (other than that it was probably Motys and I think 10w50; I didn't actually put it in the car myself).

I know you supposedly aren't supposed to use synthetics when running an OMP.
Of course, my car basically only runs at full throttle, so maybe carbon buildup isn't much of a concern in my case.
Maybe I should just keep running full synthetic and not worry about it, since nothing has broken so far?
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2023 | 12:16 AM
  #2  
FDAUTO's Avatar
よ*ろ*し*く*
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1,689
Likes: 700
From: Tampa
15984B

this is your part number for the 5 qt castrol 20w-50 jug. if you put that into google, there are quite a few options that come up. if all else fails, we will be more than happy to sell you as much as you want as we can get what feels like a limitless supply locally.
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2023 | 12:25 AM
  #3  
Valkyrie's Avatar
Thread Starter
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,185
Likes: 172
From: Japanabama
Originally Posted by FDAUTO
15984B

this is your part number for the 5 qt castrol 20w-50 jug. if you put that into google, there are quite a few options that come up. if all else fails, we will be more than happy to sell you as much as you want as we can get what feels like a limitless supply locally.
By locally, I mean in Japan. Also, Autobacs doesn't seem to stock rotary-specific oil any more, though it was always too expensive to begin with.

I can find "Castrol Classic 20w50" on Amazon, but it's a bit expensive for a mineral oil.

I did find some 15w50 mineral oil designed for vintage cars that isn't too expensive. No idea how good it is, though.

The one 15w50 rotary-specific synthetic oil I found online is like $350 for a 20-liter pail. Pass!
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2023 | 12:38 AM
  #4  
FDAUTO's Avatar
よ*ろ*し*く*
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1,689
Likes: 700
From: Tampa
crap... well being in the motherland does change things quite a bit. sorry, not much we can do to help. running synthetic and an omp wouldn't be the end of the world. considering you're tracking the car, it more than likely wouldn't matter at all honestly. it would be better all around if you just deleted it and premixed. that way you don't have to think twice about running a synthetic. it would broaden your oil choices
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2023 | 12:42 AM
  #5  
Valkyrie's Avatar
Thread Starter
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,185
Likes: 172
From: Japanabama
Originally Posted by FDAUTO
crap... well being in the motherland does change things quite a bit. sorry, not much we can do to help. running synthetic and an omp wouldn't be the end of the world. considering you're tracking the car, it more than likely wouldn't matter at all honestly. it would be better all around if you just deleted it and premixed. that way you don't have to think twice about running a synthetic. it would broaden your oil choices
I don't want to run premix. I haven't so far, without issue. Or at least, I think it would be better to use an OMP (plus maybe 200:1 premix), since Mazda used them on all their endurance cars, and I mostly just want to my engine to last for a long time.
Part of my reasoning is since you will lose apex seal lubrication in off-throttle conditions.
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2023 | 03:13 AM
  #6  
TeamRX8's Avatar
10000 RPM Lane
Tenured Member: 15 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,741
Likes: 925
From: on the rev limiter
Valvoline VR1 20W50


.

Last edited by TeamRX8; Apr 4, 2023 at 03:17 AM.
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2023 | 04:16 AM
  #7  
Valkyrie's Avatar
Thread Starter
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,185
Likes: 172
From: Japanabama
Originally Posted by TeamRX8
Valvoline VR1 20W50


.
I know lots of people use it, but it’s not sold here.
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2023 | 05:31 AM
  #8  
R-R-Rx7's Avatar
Rotor or no motor
Tenured Member: 15 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (24)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,756
Likes: 507
From: Limassol, CYPRUS
Motul 300V competition 15w-50 is sold in japan and it is one of my choices for the track. It is however synthetic..

Last edited by R-R-Rx7; Apr 4, 2023 at 05:36 AM.
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2023 | 05:35 AM
  #9  
Valkyrie's Avatar
Thread Starter
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,185
Likes: 172
From: Japanabama
Originally Posted by R-R-Rx7
Motul 300V 15w-50 is sold in japan and it is one of my choices for the track

Isn’t that a full synthetic bike oil???

Bike oils have additives for their transmissions, since the have a shared sump.

It’s also a bit expensive. I want something less than 2000 per liter, ideally.
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2023 | 05:44 AM
  #10  
R-R-Rx7's Avatar
Rotor or no motor
Tenured Member: 15 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (24)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,756
Likes: 507
From: Limassol, CYPRUS
Originally Posted by Valkyrie
Isn’t that a full synthetic bike oil???

Bike oils have additives for their transmissions, since the have a shared sump.

It’s also a bit expensive. I want something less than 2000 per liter, ideally.
Full synthetic oil yes, bike oil no.
i have been using it for years and i am pretty happy. Motul also makes bike oils but this is not it

since the market in Japan is different, and there is a cost limit, why dont you post your options instead? Otherwise people will just post stuff that are not available in japan or they might be too expensive for you
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2023 | 06:36 AM
  #11  
Valkyrie's Avatar
Thread Starter
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,185
Likes: 172
From: Japanabama
Originally Posted by R-R-Rx7
Full synthetic oil yes, bike oil no.
i have been using it for years and i am pretty happy. Motul also makes bike oils but this is not it

since the market in Japan is different, and there is a cost limit, why dont you post your options instead? Otherwise people will just post stuff that are not available in japan or they might be too expensive for you
Ah, I found the version that isn’t bike oil. 3300 yen per liter is… a lot, but I’d still be saving money doing my own oil changes again.

I found three 15w50 or 20w50 mineral oil options on Amazon Japan:
Kiwami (Japanese house brand of some sort)
Gulf Blaze (Japan only product, apparently)
Valvoline (no idea about the quality)

They’re all roughly the same price: ~$140 per 20 liter pail ($35 per oil change).


I can find 10w50 Castrol Edge locally, but it’s a synthetic.

Reply
Old Apr 4, 2023 | 06:51 AM
  #12  
ptrhahn's Avatar
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (11)
 
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 9,287
Likes: 713
From: Arlington, VA
I've been using Amsoil fluids for years, and they have a 20/50 synthetic that is high zinc like the VR1. Luckily, the local Fairfax Auto Parts chain carries the stuff so its actually convenient.

I also use their 70/140 in the diff, and that ended the noise and weepage I was seeing on track, performs as normal.

I'm thinking of trying a mixing/disolution test on their pre-mix, because I'm all about fluids I don't have to order. EDIT: I see you're looking for non-synthetic, but I don't think that's an issue even with an OMP if you want to expand your search. ALSO, you can become an Amsoil dealer fairly easily, and that might facilitate getting it shipped to Japan.

Last edited by ptrhahn; Apr 4, 2023 at 07:19 AM.
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2023 | 11:14 AM
  #13  
gracer7-rx7's Avatar
needs more track time
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (16)
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 9,788
Likes: 809
From: Bay Area CA
For a race or heavy duty track car that is rotary powered, I'd consider Idemetsu racing oil. Not sure if it is mineral or synthetic. I thought that brand was popular in JP...
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2023 | 11:55 AM
  #14  
fendamonky's Avatar
F'n Newbie...
Tenured Member: 15 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (6)
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,942
Likes: 323
From: Nokesville, Va
Originally Posted by Valkyrie
Part of my reasoning is since you will lose apex seal lubrication in off-throttle conditions.
Turning off decel fuel cut helps to remedy this concern. Even something as archaic as an Apexi PFC can do that.
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2023 | 03:24 PM
  #15  
TeamRX8's Avatar
10000 RPM Lane
Tenured Member: 15 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,741
Likes: 925
From: on the rev limiter
overlooked you were in Japan, every auto part store around me in TX carries VR1

fwiw I did a google search specific to JP and a bunch of pages came up, depending where specifially you are it may need to be shipped in

well best wishes
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2023 | 03:35 PM
  #16  
TeamRX8's Avatar
10000 RPM Lane
Tenured Member: 15 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,741
Likes: 925
From: on the rev limiter
日本のどこに住んでいるんだ?
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2023 | 05:12 PM
  #17  
Valkyrie's Avatar
Thread Starter
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,185
Likes: 172
From: Japanabama
Originally Posted by TeamRX8
日本のどこに住んでいるんだ?
Somewhere near Ebisu
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2023 | 07:16 PM
  #18  
Valkyrie's Avatar
Thread Starter
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,185
Likes: 172
From: Japanabama
Originally Posted by ptrhahn
I've been using Amsoil fluids for years, and they have a 20/50 synthetic that is high zinc like the VR1. Luckily, the local Fairfax Auto Parts chain carries the stuff so its actually convenient.

I also use their 70/140 in the diff, and that ended the noise and weepage I was seeing on track, performs as normal.

I'm thinking of trying a mixing/disolution test on their pre-mix, because I'm all about fluids I don't have to order. EDIT: I see you're looking for non-synthetic, but I don't think that's an issue even with an OMP if you want to expand your search. ALSO, you can become an Amsoil dealer fairly easily, and that might facilitate getting it shipped to Japan.
I don't think my wife wants me to turn our garage into a motor oil warehouse. Hahah. I might just go buy some Castrol Edge 10w50, since I can source it locally.

Originally Posted by gracer7-rx7
For a race or heavy duty track car that is rotary powered, I'd consider Idemetsu racing oil. Not sure if it is mineral or synthetic. I thought that brand was popular in JP...
Ironically, Idemitsu Racing Oil is actually only sold in the US. Some people apparently import it, but it's too expensive for my taste. My friend runs an Idemitsu gas station, so I can see what they have.

Originally Posted by fendamonky
Turning off decel fuel cut helps to remedy this concern. Even something as archaic as an Apexi PFC can do that.
My policy is to not fix what isn't broken. There's probably enough blowby to keep my rotors lubricated, anyway... Haha.
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2023 | 07:53 PM
  #19  
Relisys190's Avatar
REINCARNATED
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,714
Likes: 180
From: South Eastern USA
Originally Posted by TeamRX8
Valvoline VR1 20W50


.
+1 I prefer this over the black bottle Synthetic. I change oil at such a short interval to limit fuel dilution, i just don't see the cost/value ratio of the full synthetic.

The conventional shown here has a slightly higher zddp over it's synthetic brother according to Valvoline. Which may or may not matter for how large our bearings are. High levels of Zddp in general do not sit well with cat converters either so that's something to think about. No cats needed here in florida...

-M
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2023 | 09:37 PM
  #20  
TeamRX8's Avatar
10000 RPM Lane
Tenured Member: 15 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,741
Likes: 925
From: on the rev limiter
probably not selling much 20W50 near Ebisu 😂

seems like many motorcycle shops carry it there, saw a Harley shop in Shinjuku, but couldn’t locate it

british car specialty accessory shop in sumiyoshiのkoto-ku

XADO ƒnƒhƒDEƒnƒCƒŒƒ“ƒWSTDEƒIƒCƒ‹E20W-50@1000ml z•¨–û

Castrol(ƒJƒXƒgƒ[ƒ‹)EƒNƒ‰ƒVƒbƒNEƒIƒCƒ‹ XL 20W-50@5L

Castrol(ƒJƒXƒgƒ[ƒ‹)EƒNƒ‰ƒVƒbƒNEƒIƒCƒ‹ XL 20W-50@4.54L

maybe can’t pick up, but it appeared that they offer same day delivery


you can order Valvoline VR1 20W50 by the 12Qt. case from this oil distributor in Fuchu, looks like maybe you could pickup there if you wanted to go in person

https://www.oilstation.jp

東京オイル株式会社
+81 42-352-7931
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7Jot5vstjoUaJHZg8

the fact they carry it there is kind of saying something imo
.
Reply
Old Apr 4, 2023 | 09:46 PM
  #21  
Valkyrie's Avatar
Thread Starter
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,185
Likes: 172
From: Japanabama
Originally Posted by TeamRX8
probably not selling much 20W50 near Ebisu 😂

seems like many motorcycle shops carry it there, saw a Harley shop in Shinjuku, but couldn’t locate it

british car specialty accessory shop in sumiyoshiのkoto-ku

XADO ƒnƒhƒDEƒnƒCƒŒƒ“ƒWSTDEƒIƒCƒ‹E20W-50@1000ml z•¨–û

Castrol(ƒJƒXƒgƒ[ƒ‹)EƒNƒ‰ƒVƒbƒNEƒIƒCƒ‹ XL 20W-50@5L

Castrol(ƒJƒXƒgƒ[ƒ‹)EƒNƒ‰ƒVƒbƒNEƒIƒCƒ‹ XL 20W-50@4.54L

maybe can’t pick up, but it appeared that they offer same day delivery


you can order Valvoline VR1 20W50 by the 12Qt. case from this oil distributor in Fuchu, looks like maybe you could pickup there if you wanted to go in person

https://www.oilstation.jp

東京オイル株式会社
+81 42-352-7931
https://maps.app.goo.gl/7Jot5vstjoUaJHZg8

the fact they carry it there is kind of saying something imo
.
Seems like VR1 isn't too expensive, but I'm just going to buy a pail of generic 15w50 from Amazon. It's less than 1000 yen per liter, shipped. Now I can afford to change the oil three or four times more often.
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2023 | 03:27 AM
  #22  
TeamRX8's Avatar
10000 RPM Lane
Tenured Member: 15 Years
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,741
Likes: 925
From: on the rev limiter
Do you understand what the VR1 has as far as an additive package though? Having been directed to use it by a pro rotary race engine builder, and your intended use being a race car.

I’m not sure what specific oil you’re looking at in comparison though? I wasn’t looking at pails, thinking you weren’t wanting to go there.
.

Last edited by TeamRX8; Apr 5, 2023 at 07:21 PM.
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2023 | 07:09 PM
  #23  
Valkyrie's Avatar
Thread Starter
Lives on the Forum
Tenured Member: 20 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,185
Likes: 172
From: Japanabama
Originally Posted by TeamRX8
Do you understand what the VR1 has as far as an additive package though? Having been directed to use it by a pro rotary race engine builder, and your intended use being a race car.

I’m not sure what specific oil you’re looking at in comparison though? O wasn’t looking at pails, thinking you weren’t wanting to go there.
.
Well, 12 quarts of VR1 is actually cheaper than 20L of the Kiwami oil I was looking at, so I guess I'll go with VR1...
Reply
Old Apr 5, 2023 | 09:04 PM
  #24  
Testrun's Avatar
Rotary Enthusiast
Tenured Member: 5 Years
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,473
Likes: 262
From: South FL
If you can get over the purple marketing you can run royal purple. I run Royal Purple HPS.. the "HPS" has the extra zinc and other additives. Burns clean and not too expensive imo. 10w40 or get crazy and throw in one quart of 20w50 with the rest 10w40 or 10w30..make toyr own 15w40 or so.... All the HPS viscosities can mix with 0 issues. I spent a long time speaking with them about various things with burn in the rotary being of main concern.
I stuck a camera up the exhaust ports not long ago and the housings and rotors looked beautiful. That's with running after market seals also.

I Premix idemitsu.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Kabadodong
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
9
Apr 16, 2023 06:56 PM
R-X-R
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
17
Mar 27, 2019 06:02 PM
Gene
Race Car Tech
19
Jul 27, 2006 09:24 PM
Nut Job
1st Generation Specific (1979-1985)
5
Mar 24, 2004 12:09 AM
bottlejockey
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
2
Apr 27, 2002 10:22 AM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:07 AM.