| Question: |
| Any Horsepower Loss Using 15W-50 Compared to Mobil 1 10W-30? |
| If you race a low horsepower class (say 120HP to 140HP) is there a horsepower loss in the 15-50W over the 10-30W? I currently use the Mobil 1 10W-30 but in the summer the temperatures outside get up to 105° in the South. I wanted to use the 15-50W for more protection but do not want to sacrifice horsepower. |
| -- Rick Maki, Atlanta, GA |
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| Answer: |
Yes, horsepower is directly related to viscous drag and the higher the viscosity the more viscous drag. That is why many NASCAR teams are using lower viscosity oils. Oils such as such as 0W-20 and 0W-30 provide two advantages on the racetrack: they can increase horsepower when it's needed and can provide fuel economy at the end of the race. Stretching that last tank of fuel can mean the difference between having to pit again or continuing across the finish line. And by using a full synthetic like Mobil 1, durability and protection are not compromised.
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