Bugzilla - Mid Engine Madness

[gator68428]

They just run the infield for optima I know that--much lower speeds. I'm not sold on oil coolers--for 15-20min track sessions they're not always needed. On a 85 deg day in FL i stuck a thermocouple down my dipstick after 20 min on track and the engine oil wasn't even at 220 degF (190 deg water temp). That's when you'd want your thermostat to kick on. If you do get an oil cooler, get a thermostat. You want your oil 215deg+ so it burns off contaminants. I bet most people that just slap an oil cooler on may be doing more harm than good.

optima has 15min track sessions, and they have a novice group. Not to pressure you. Either way, I don't blame you since you've never been on a track. And with a highly modified car that's never been on a track either, I double don't blame you--get some practice and shake down the car first would be a sound strategy. If only you could do a track day somewhere first...