CRE Performance
03-02-2010, 01:18 PM
So, I wanted to get my students into some real world R&D for the motorsports world since at least 70% of them land somewhere in the motorcycle/ATV or automotive field, and 30-40% of them land in the motorsports field. As a high school program, we don’t have any factory backing or anything like that so we have to scratch and claw to get material to work with. We spend a couple of weeks deciding on what kind of tests we wanted to do. We tossed up the idea of
camshaft testing, tire testing, fuel testing, and oil testing. We decided that we wanted to do an oil test. The main reasons we didn't chose the others was cost, and availability, not to mention the consistency factor we were looking for.
I got on the phone and contacted Danny Massie with Maxima Racing oil and ask if he would like to send us some oil for testing. He was glad to help, and some of the students had been studying properties of lubrication and oil so it was a
perfect fit. We have a few well known and consistent quads, and a dyno that is begging to be used so we got well
prepared and began as soon as Danny sent us the oil. We were not going to make a brand shootout of any kind, but the bikes being tested had a fresh service of Honda GN and HP oils so we left them in and made some pulls with them as well.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/MaximaOilTest003.jpg
The testing specs
The tests that were conducted used the help of over 70 students, and netted over 500 pages of raw data before it was
summarized and transferred to typed data sheets. We used a variety of testing equipment including base thermometers (2), multi-meter thermometers (1), laser temp readers (2), decibel meters (1), and a Mustang dynamometer (1). All oil tests were completed in one day using each bike, and a separate day for the chain test as well so we could keep
consistency at our expected levels. All test were ran using the same tires on the dyno, which are basically tread less for consistency and have been proven in the past. Each quad went through a variety of tests, with each oil being used, and each test had its own purpose. Here’s a list of the tests that were performed…
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0010.jpg
With each test, there was a base thermometer stuck into the engine though the oil cap using a special made rubber
grommet so it allowed the thermometer tip to be submerged into the oil for an accurate reading. Oil temp was also backed up using laser thermometers through site glasses and engine covers. Cylinder temps were taken using laser thermometers and a multi-meter thermometer for backup. Decibel meters were used primarily to check exhaust noise levels for
comparison sake and had no outcome or judgment on results.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/MaximaOilTest081.jpg
The quads
First and foremost, all quads being tested are in excellent operating shape, have been previously dyno’d, and are kept properly maintained.
Quad A- 2007 Honda TRX250EX, all stock, light exhaust modification, stock jetting, app. 30 hrs of ride time. This quad is air cooled and the crankcase and clutch case use oil from the same supply, it hold app. 2 qts of oil.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/MaximaOilTest007.jpg
Quad B- 2007 Honda TRX450R, HRC camshaft and header, Motoworks silencer, half lid air box, CDI wire mod, 03’ CRF needle, 172 main, 55 leak jet, stock gearing. This quad employs a liquid cooled, 450 cc engine with a split crankcase enabling you to use separate oils for the crankcase and clutch.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/MaximaOilTest075.jpg
Oil Tempratures
Test #2 was performed to do a comprehensive test on oil temperatures. The test was to start out with a cold oil start, and do a normal ride. The RPMs were kept between 3500-4500 RPM’s , and a 7% grade was simulated the entire pull to add a bit of strain to the powertrain. The outcomes were not quite as we expected they would be, in the sense that we had
initially thought the 5/30 could possibly have an overheating problem but it was not evident at any time and seemed to have ran as cool if not cooler than the other oils. We think that was due to the high content of Ester found in the MX 5/30 triple ester formula.
Here’s some examples of the data sheets that were re-created for every oil, in every bike.
Here’s the 20/50 Maxima in the 250….
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0019.jpg
And the pull graph ( studied for consistency sake)
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0018.jpg
And the 450 with 20/50 Maxima…
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0018.jpg
And the graph for the 450..
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0022.jpg
MX test
The MX test was performed for an attempt to accurately re-create an MX condition where many times there isn’t a lot of warm up time, and the engines are constantly going from slow to top end repeatedly. When testing the oils with this test, we found that the MX 5/30 lived up to its name. It warmed up faster, and stayed cooler overall than both the HP-4, and the Maxima 20/50.
Here’s and example of one of our MX style pulls using 20/50 Maxima.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0020.jpg
HP Testing
Now...time to see the real world results. We pitted the three oils together, and used temperatures for nothing more than consistency insurance. I will let the graphs speak for themselves.
This graph is the one we were going for all together. It indicates the HP and TQ differences between the oils on the 450. At the bottom of each graph, we have listed the temperatures tested at, as well as exact HP and TQ produced. All pulls compared are made with the bike at operating temperature, and all were considered to be equal as possible.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0013.jpg
Here is a graph pitting the three oils in the 450, at cold temps.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0012.jpg
This graph is a representation of the 250 using 20/50 Maxima vs. Maxima 5/30 in an operating temperature scenario.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0016.jpg
Chain Test
We pitted Bel-Ray super clean chain lube (the white stuff) against Maxima Super Clean synthetic chain lube.
Heres a write up I initially made about the chain lube shootout.
Chain Test
The bike used was a 2007 Honda TRX450R with an HRC camshaft, HRC header, and Motorworks slip-on exhaust. The test was conducted using the same dyno tires that have been used in every pull made. Only difference
between the chain test pulls and each of the others is that the exhaust evacuation system was not in use yielding more overall power. The two test of the chain were almost identical, with cylinder temps and oil temps being within a few degrees of each pull.
The chain had been through 15 pulls on the dyno and was freshly serviced at the beginning of the testing with each oil, so it had appr. 5 pulls since servicing when the first test pull was performed.. A power curve pull was made and yielded 42.2 HP and 29.3 TQ. The bike was then cooled down as the chain was being serviced. Maxima Clean-Up degreaser was first used to spray down the chain, afterwards a wire hand held brush was used to quickly scrub away any crud or debris from the chain, later wiping it with a cloth. While leaving the swingarm messy, I used Maxima Contact Cleaner to spray the residue away from it as well as the chain so there was no film left behind. The chain was then lubed with Maxima Crystal Clear synthetic chain lube and allowed to dry for a few minutes.
It took approximately 10-12 minutes to properly service the chain using these fine Maxima products, and could have probably been done quicker. After firing up the quad and making sure the temperatures were in
consistency with the previous pull, I had my assistant students take final temp measurements and away we go! Our chain service labor has paid off greatly with a final pull of 44.8 HP and 30.7 TQ! That is a total 2.6 HP and
1.4 TQ gain from nothing but a chain service and all other factors being consistent. Next time you are looking for some spare horsepower, think a little outside the box….doesn't matter how much horsepower your engine makes if your chain is being a thief.
Here’s the comparison graph between the two, as well as the result printout sheets….
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0002-2.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0004-2.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0003-2.jpg
The chain used on this 450 was a renthal O-Ring chain with less than 30 hours times on it. It was well serviced, and was well taken care of.
Here is a graph from another chain lube test that didn't yield as much HP, but still a gain was evident. This particular bike has a factory chain, which is nice and loose with over 100 hours on it (totally different bike tested) but has been regularly serviced. It netted a 1.7 HP gain from servicing with Maxima Crystal Clear synthetic.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0001-2.jpg
Conclusion
Just a quick rundown of what we learned from this testing experience.
-MX 5/30 containing the triple ester formula makes more HP, heats up quicker, and stays cooler than the others tested.
-Maxima 20/50 runs cooler than HP and GN 4 while maintaining the same HP/TQ curve, while gaining HP at some points.
-During normal operating temperatures, all oils stayed cooler than expected for the 5 minute period, and the 5/30 did indeed warm up faster.
-Oil temperatures are not as closely related to cylinder temps as we once thought they were.
-Air cooled engines seem to benefit temperature wise from thicker viscosity oils as far as cylinder temps are concerned.
-Synthetic chain lubes definitely make more power.
-Newer chains will benefit from proper lubrication more so than worn chains as far as power goes.
A video of a few testing pulls…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIo72O-Jd2o
Our sole intent of these tests were test in real world conditions and see the meat and potatoes of what really matters to the consumer. We did not test or sample for things such as wear metals, fuel dilution, flash point or shear...as we figured they have all been done before. Also, we think that most people in the sport are maintenance freaks to a certain extent and tend to change their oils enough for these to be almost a moot point. One main thing that we study and think of is fuel dilution as it concerns off-road motorcycles and the frequency of them being laid down or dropped, but with the fore coming of fuel injection, this too will no longer be an issue. We also feel that fuel dilution will effect most oils within a small
margin of each other.
Just as a note, Gordon Central High School and Warrior Motorsports club is not affiliated with Maxima Racing Oils or Danny Massie in any way. We performed these tests with the sole purpose of gaining knowledge, researching, and Research/Development purposes.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/MaximaOilTest059.jpg
camshaft testing, tire testing, fuel testing, and oil testing. We decided that we wanted to do an oil test. The main reasons we didn't chose the others was cost, and availability, not to mention the consistency factor we were looking for.
I got on the phone and contacted Danny Massie with Maxima Racing oil and ask if he would like to send us some oil for testing. He was glad to help, and some of the students had been studying properties of lubrication and oil so it was a
perfect fit. We have a few well known and consistent quads, and a dyno that is begging to be used so we got well
prepared and began as soon as Danny sent us the oil. We were not going to make a brand shootout of any kind, but the bikes being tested had a fresh service of Honda GN and HP oils so we left them in and made some pulls with them as well.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/MaximaOilTest003.jpg
The testing specs
The tests that were conducted used the help of over 70 students, and netted over 500 pages of raw data before it was
summarized and transferred to typed data sheets. We used a variety of testing equipment including base thermometers (2), multi-meter thermometers (1), laser temp readers (2), decibel meters (1), and a Mustang dynamometer (1). All oil tests were completed in one day using each bike, and a separate day for the chain test as well so we could keep
consistency at our expected levels. All test were ran using the same tires on the dyno, which are basically tread less for consistency and have been proven in the past. Each quad went through a variety of tests, with each oil being used, and each test had its own purpose. Here’s a list of the tests that were performed…
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0010.jpg
With each test, there was a base thermometer stuck into the engine though the oil cap using a special made rubber
grommet so it allowed the thermometer tip to be submerged into the oil for an accurate reading. Oil temp was also backed up using laser thermometers through site glasses and engine covers. Cylinder temps were taken using laser thermometers and a multi-meter thermometer for backup. Decibel meters were used primarily to check exhaust noise levels for
comparison sake and had no outcome or judgment on results.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/MaximaOilTest081.jpg
The quads
First and foremost, all quads being tested are in excellent operating shape, have been previously dyno’d, and are kept properly maintained.
Quad A- 2007 Honda TRX250EX, all stock, light exhaust modification, stock jetting, app. 30 hrs of ride time. This quad is air cooled and the crankcase and clutch case use oil from the same supply, it hold app. 2 qts of oil.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/MaximaOilTest007.jpg
Quad B- 2007 Honda TRX450R, HRC camshaft and header, Motoworks silencer, half lid air box, CDI wire mod, 03’ CRF needle, 172 main, 55 leak jet, stock gearing. This quad employs a liquid cooled, 450 cc engine with a split crankcase enabling you to use separate oils for the crankcase and clutch.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/MaximaOilTest075.jpg
Oil Tempratures
Test #2 was performed to do a comprehensive test on oil temperatures. The test was to start out with a cold oil start, and do a normal ride. The RPMs were kept between 3500-4500 RPM’s , and a 7% grade was simulated the entire pull to add a bit of strain to the powertrain. The outcomes were not quite as we expected they would be, in the sense that we had
initially thought the 5/30 could possibly have an overheating problem but it was not evident at any time and seemed to have ran as cool if not cooler than the other oils. We think that was due to the high content of Ester found in the MX 5/30 triple ester formula.
Here’s some examples of the data sheets that were re-created for every oil, in every bike.
Here’s the 20/50 Maxima in the 250….
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0019.jpg
And the pull graph ( studied for consistency sake)
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0018.jpg
And the 450 with 20/50 Maxima…
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0018.jpg
And the graph for the 450..
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0022.jpg
MX test
The MX test was performed for an attempt to accurately re-create an MX condition where many times there isn’t a lot of warm up time, and the engines are constantly going from slow to top end repeatedly. When testing the oils with this test, we found that the MX 5/30 lived up to its name. It warmed up faster, and stayed cooler overall than both the HP-4, and the Maxima 20/50.
Here’s and example of one of our MX style pulls using 20/50 Maxima.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0020.jpg
HP Testing
Now...time to see the real world results. We pitted the three oils together, and used temperatures for nothing more than consistency insurance. I will let the graphs speak for themselves.
This graph is the one we were going for all together. It indicates the HP and TQ differences between the oils on the 450. At the bottom of each graph, we have listed the temperatures tested at, as well as exact HP and TQ produced. All pulls compared are made with the bike at operating temperature, and all were considered to be equal as possible.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0013.jpg
Here is a graph pitting the three oils in the 450, at cold temps.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0012.jpg
This graph is a representation of the 250 using 20/50 Maxima vs. Maxima 5/30 in an operating temperature scenario.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0016.jpg
Chain Test
We pitted Bel-Ray super clean chain lube (the white stuff) against Maxima Super Clean synthetic chain lube.
Heres a write up I initially made about the chain lube shootout.
Chain Test
The bike used was a 2007 Honda TRX450R with an HRC camshaft, HRC header, and Motorworks slip-on exhaust. The test was conducted using the same dyno tires that have been used in every pull made. Only difference
between the chain test pulls and each of the others is that the exhaust evacuation system was not in use yielding more overall power. The two test of the chain were almost identical, with cylinder temps and oil temps being within a few degrees of each pull.
The chain had been through 15 pulls on the dyno and was freshly serviced at the beginning of the testing with each oil, so it had appr. 5 pulls since servicing when the first test pull was performed.. A power curve pull was made and yielded 42.2 HP and 29.3 TQ. The bike was then cooled down as the chain was being serviced. Maxima Clean-Up degreaser was first used to spray down the chain, afterwards a wire hand held brush was used to quickly scrub away any crud or debris from the chain, later wiping it with a cloth. While leaving the swingarm messy, I used Maxima Contact Cleaner to spray the residue away from it as well as the chain so there was no film left behind. The chain was then lubed with Maxima Crystal Clear synthetic chain lube and allowed to dry for a few minutes.
It took approximately 10-12 minutes to properly service the chain using these fine Maxima products, and could have probably been done quicker. After firing up the quad and making sure the temperatures were in
consistency with the previous pull, I had my assistant students take final temp measurements and away we go! Our chain service labor has paid off greatly with a final pull of 44.8 HP and 30.7 TQ! That is a total 2.6 HP and
1.4 TQ gain from nothing but a chain service and all other factors being consistent. Next time you are looking for some spare horsepower, think a little outside the box….doesn't matter how much horsepower your engine makes if your chain is being a thief.
Here’s the comparison graph between the two, as well as the result printout sheets….
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0002-2.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0004-2.jpg
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0003-2.jpg
The chain used on this 450 was a renthal O-Ring chain with less than 30 hours times on it. It was well serviced, and was well taken care of.
Here is a graph from another chain lube test that didn't yield as much HP, but still a gain was evident. This particular bike has a factory chain, which is nice and loose with over 100 hours on it (totally different bike tested) but has been regularly serviced. It netted a 1.7 HP gain from servicing with Maxima Crystal Clear synthetic.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/scan0001-2.jpg
Conclusion
Just a quick rundown of what we learned from this testing experience.
-MX 5/30 containing the triple ester formula makes more HP, heats up quicker, and stays cooler than the others tested.
-Maxima 20/50 runs cooler than HP and GN 4 while maintaining the same HP/TQ curve, while gaining HP at some points.
-During normal operating temperatures, all oils stayed cooler than expected for the 5 minute period, and the 5/30 did indeed warm up faster.
-Oil temperatures are not as closely related to cylinder temps as we once thought they were.
-Air cooled engines seem to benefit temperature wise from thicker viscosity oils as far as cylinder temps are concerned.
-Synthetic chain lubes definitely make more power.
-Newer chains will benefit from proper lubrication more so than worn chains as far as power goes.
A video of a few testing pulls…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIo72O-Jd2o
Our sole intent of these tests were test in real world conditions and see the meat and potatoes of what really matters to the consumer. We did not test or sample for things such as wear metals, fuel dilution, flash point or shear...as we figured they have all been done before. Also, we think that most people in the sport are maintenance freaks to a certain extent and tend to change their oils enough for these to be almost a moot point. One main thing that we study and think of is fuel dilution as it concerns off-road motorcycles and the frequency of them being laid down or dropped, but with the fore coming of fuel injection, this too will no longer be an issue. We also feel that fuel dilution will effect most oils within a small
margin of each other.
Just as a note, Gordon Central High School and Warrior Motorsports club is not affiliated with Maxima Racing Oils or Danny Massie in any way. We performed these tests with the sole purpose of gaining knowledge, researching, and Research/Development purposes.
http://i281.photobucket.com/albums/kk233/s-cloer/MaximaOilTest059.jpg