SR's optimum oil temperature

[chickentendah]

Does anybody here know the S13 SR20DET's optimum oil temperature for best engine performance?

If it matters, let's assume we're using Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 5w30.

[Onizuka]

Well it depends, Oil temprature rises as engine load and RPMS increase. I will see if I can find a MAX temperature value for you.

[PalmerWMD]

a 5w-30 even if syn is not sufficient for a trubo engine esoecially in summer, <plus> you are in CA..

As a minimum a strong 40 weight like better a 50 weight.

I am currently running Redline 10w-40 (no polymeric thickerners HTHS almost as good as most syn 50 weights) on my FI car in Maryland and am still wondewring if I should have gone M1 15w-50...

I also have the benefit of an oil pressure gauge which has shown me a marked difference in oil temps under load now that I am FI, lose as much as a third of idle oil pressure due to temp rise with same oil.

Switched to thicker oil =less loss of pressure

And this isnt exactly a Cali summer here...

Fred..

[2Fass240us]

a 5w-30 even if syn is not sufficient for a turbo engine especially in summer, <plus> you are in CA..

As a minimum a strong 40 weight like better a 50 weight.

Agreed. You need 15(+)W50.

[Onizuka]

I ran 0W-40 in the winter and the engine sounded worse, switched back to 15W-50 and its all better now.

[chickentendah]

Thanks for the side notes on oil selection guys.

But back to topic, do you guys know a good oil temperature number for optimum engine performance?

I ask because I'm interested in adding an oil cooler, and I would need an appropriate thermostat to go with it that will open up at the right temperature.

[s13sr20chris]

pure guess here. i would think like 185*F. now, someone who knows should get on and show me up.

[IanS]

Also a guess but 185 sounds good, an average of idle temp and 90mph highway cruising heet is about 185 for my car, I have a temp sensor in my oil pan