Ok this time around I decided to use Castrol Syntec instead of Mobile 1. 4 oil changes have been with Mobile 1. But when I heard about one member who used Castrol and felt better vtec surge, I decided to go with Castrol Syntec this time. Well what can I say?
Could it be true that Castrol synthetic is better in S2000? Two runs into the 9K heaven, showed me that the vtec surge is wee bit stronger. Originally I have been experiencing less surge due to the Mugen ECU's low and mid range help. My acceleration was more linear. Mugen intake somewhat restored the vtec surge little bit.
My car runs stronger and better than ever but I do miss that first trip to 9K with my S2000 when it was bonestock, it was huge rush, I never forget that.
But now I think Castrol is helping it more, giving me little bit more surge when the vtec engages.
Before I conclude I need to drive more to be sure but I thought I would like to share this with you. If you are Mobile 1 user, on the next oil change, try Castrol Syntec. One time use with Castrol instead of Mobile 1 wouldn't hurt huh?, despite some recent controversy with Castrol synthetic oils.

[This message has been edited by 1Randyc (edited October 21, 2000).]

 

That's very interesting. What weight did you use (and was it the same weight as the Mobil 1 you used before)?

I had the impression that VTEC lost a little when I switched from mineral oil to Mobil 1 (both were 10-30), but decided I must be imagining it. I may try a back-to-back comparo with a stopwatch the next time I change.

 

I guess we won't know until we experiment. My oil change is due next week so I will try to see which is better in VTEC

 

Seat of the pants impressions can be accurate but are often influenced by other factors, usually atmospheric conditions and sound. It is hard for me to come up with the rationale that would explain how a brand of oil (or even type) would impact VTEC effectiveness given equal engine tune and temperature. I am open to a plausible explanation.

 

Not to be negative or anything... but I find it hard (impossible?) to believe that a same-weight synthetic oil could show any demonstrable performance increase over another synthetic. Even if the castrol is an altered organic vs. full synthetic base stock.

Now if you dropped to a very low viscosity racing oil, I'd believe you could pick up a few ponies. Racers do this because they need there engines to last only 10 - 10,000 miles... Not 100,000 or 200,000.

 

Hi Randy

I changed oil at 4,500 miles to 10W30 Mobil 1, lost a whole lot of power. Hand timed 0-60 soared into the 7 second range. VTEC sensation was dull - no hilarious ferocity. Changed to Castrol GTX at about 6K (also 10W30). Grins are back. Go figure. I've used Mobil 1 (5W30) on my 93 Legend LS coupe 6spd, changed every month since about 10K miles (now over 120K and like new) and it works great in that car. When my S2K hits 10K miles, I'll try the Syntec.

2x6

 

Where do you get that "Mobile" oil? Alabama, perhaps?

 

I always feel a bit sceptical about seat of the pants measurements.

You can very easily measure improvements by using a stopwatch. This example is for improvements in the midrange but you can adjust it for any range you desire. Just follow this procedure.

1) select a clear stretch of road.

2) Try to get to the same point at a fixed speed, say 50km/h, in 4th. At this point go to WOT.

3) Instruct a passenger to look into the rev counter and, as soon as the "fatter" 3KRPM indicator lights up, to start the stopwatch.

4) Keep the car in WOT and do not shift.

5) Instruct the passenger to immediately stop the watch when the "fatter" 6Krpm indicator lights up.

6) Back off throttle.

Make your mods, (change oil, open airbox, new headers, FPR, TBs and whatever), and repeat 1-6 making sure that all conditions are a repeat: Same stretch of road, same passenger, same amount of fuel and stuff in the trunk, same weather conditions, etc...

Notes:

the speedometer is too inaccurate for these measurements, you have to use the rev counter as described above.

I would also advise to repeat the measurements a couple of times to make sure no mistakes were made. You should get reproducible numbers up to tenth of a second.

The 4th, 50km/h, 3Krpm and 6Krpm used above are examples. Use whatever is appropriate for what you want to measure.

If you follow this procedure you will get very meaningful results. Better than a dyno in MNSHO, as it takes into account CAI, weight shedding, etc...

 

I really wan't to believe...

Can anyone offer a plausible theory on how a different brand/same weight oil could cause the vtec transition and power to "dull"?

 

Hi pfb

No idea. When I put in Mobil 1, I thought it was going to do something good. Sure works well in my other car. Puzzled.

2x6