Can Draining Your Engine’s Oil Increase Horsepower?
If you’re a motorsports enthusiast looking for a quick and affordable way to boost your engine’s power, you might be intrigued by a new test that shows draining your engine’s oil can actually increase horsepower. Known as oil starvation, this technique has long been rumored to enhance performance by reducing the amount of fluid in the crankcase, allowing more power to be delivered to the wheels. However, until now, there hasn’t been concrete evidence to support this claim.
Enter Lake Speed Jr., also known as The Motor Oil Geek, and Ben Strader, founder of EFI University. Together, they conducted a dyno test on a GM LS V8 engine, using different amounts of oil to quantify the power gains from oil starvation. The engine normally requires 11 quarts of 15W-40 oil, but the test was conducted with five, seven, and nine quarts to see the effects.
The results were surprising. With only five quarts of oil, the engine produced an impressive 649 horsepower. However, at around 5,100 rpm, the oil pressure dropped significantly to 36.1 psi, almost half of its initial level. Low oil pressure can cause damage to various engine components and could eventually lead to engine failure if left untreated.
Adding two quarts of oil stabilized the engine’s performance, with an oil pressure reading of 68 psi at 5,100 rpm. The engine output with seven quarts of oil was 630 horsepower. However, at 7,000 rpm, the oil ran out in the wet sump, causing a drop in both pressure and power.
Interestingly, the final run with nine quarts of oil showed no pressure loss throughout the entire dyno run. While this is beneficial for engine longevity, the power output was significantly lower than the five-quart run. The engine produced 589 horsepower and 412 pound-feet of torque compared to the 649 horsepower and 455 pound-feet of torque with five quarts of oil.
It’s important to note that these results may differ depending on the engine and its modifications. Speed Jr. and Strader acknowledged that their test was conducted on a modified LS engine and mentioned future tests on engines with dry sumps. However, the key takeaway from this experiment is that reducing the amount of oil used in an engine can indeed lead to a power boost. The challenge lies in finding the optimal oil level that maximizes performance without causing damage due to oil starvation.
So, should you drain your engine’s oil to increase horsepower? It’s a risky move and not recommended for everyday driving. The potential gains in power must be weighed against the potential risks of engine damage. As Strader jokingly put it, “If it’s the last round, take some oil out of it!” In other words, if you’re willing to take the risk for a short-term power increase, go ahead. But be prepared for the consequences.
In conclusion, while draining your engine’s oil might provide a temporary horsepower boost, it’s crucial to balance this with the long-term health and performance of your engine. Always consult with experts and consider the specific needs of your vehicle before attempting any modifications.