The relationship between 76 Racing and NASCAR allowed 76 Lubricants Company to work closely with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and The Lubrizol Corporation in the development of oil screening and analytical test procedures which permit rapid evaluation of potential top-tier NASCAR race oils. The oils were designed to meet the challenge of increasingly severe engine operating parameters.
This paper will discuss dynamometer testing and how properties of the oil such as viscosity grade, base fluid, and additives affect engine durability in the dynamometer test program and performance at the track in NASCAR Winston Cup Racing.
Areas of growing concern include the cam/lifter contact, ring/liner contact, wrist pin/pin bore and wrist pin bushing contacts. Racing lubricants must withstand these harsh conditions for periods of 3-4 hours of continuous running. On-track evaluation of new oil formulations takes time and consumes considerable resources. 76 Lubricants Co., RCR and The Lubrizol Corp., collaborated to use dynamometer engine tests, developed by RCR, which correlated oil performance in the lab to on-track race performance. Current and candidate oil formulations were run in dynamometer tests to evaluate ring welding, cam/lifter wear and wrist pin/wrist pin bore scuffing. Surface analysis of engine parts was used to guide oil formulation changes. Results have since carried over to the ‘track’ leading to improved engine performance/durability with improved lubrication.