Keep Your Oil Clean, Cool, and Dry: The Key to Long-Lasting Lubrication

Keep Your Oil Clean, Cool, and Dry: The Key to Long-Lasting Lubrication

Once you’ve installed the right lubricant and filled your system to the proper level, the job isn't done—you need to protect that oil.

In Part 3 of the Five Things You Should Know About Oil series, Lake Speed Jr., certified lubrication specialist and member of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE), explains the science behind preserving oil integrity. This isn’t marketing—it’s hard-earned knowledge based on over a century of lubrication engineering.

To get the most out of any motor oil—no matter how advanced—it must remain clean, cool, and dry.

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Why Clean Oil Matters

Dirt and contaminants in oil increase abrasive wear, accelerating engine damage. That damage releases even more wear metals, which dirty the oil faster in a vicious cycle. High-quality oil filters—not necessarily high-flow ones—are critical. They remove harmful particles and protect your engine's internal components.

Pro Tip: Want longer drain intervals without compromising protection? Change your oil filter midway through the oil change interval. It’s a cost-effective way to extend oil life and reduce long-term engine wear.

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Controlling Oil Temperature

Heat plays a crucial role, but too much is destructive. Keep oil temps between 180°F and 220°F (90°C–100°C). That’s hot enough to burn off moisture, which can degrade additive packages, yet not so hot that the oil breaks down prematurely.

For every 20°F above 220°F, the lifespan of the oil drops dramatically. Excess heat isn't just bad for lubrication—it also accelerates oxidation, sludge formation, and additive depletion. 

Adding an oil cooler or even a deep sump to increase oil system capacity and total cooling capacity. 

A great example of this is the Porsche M96 engine having well documenting oiling issues, suffers significant pressure drops when the oil temperature exceeds 240F, requiring drivers to change to a higher viscosity oil, like Driven DI50 or Driven XP6, instead of a 0w40 or 5w40 engine oil.

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The Danger of Water Contamination

Water is a terrible lubricant. Even trace amounts of moisture can strip oil of its protective additives and create an environment where corrosion and sludge thrive. Moisture enters oil through condensation, combustion blow-by, or improper storage—especially in engines that aren’t driven regularly.

Maintaining proper sump temps and driving the vehicle long enough to fully warm up the oil helps keep moisture under control.

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Conclusion

Clean, cool, and dry oil delivers longer service life, improved engine performance, and peace of mind. With these preventative measures, your oil will not only last longer—it will protect better.

Why Balance Matters in Motor Oil: Too Much of a Good Thing Can Hurt Your Engine

 Why Balance Matters in Motor Oil: Too Much of a Good Thing Can Hurt Your Engine

When it comes to engine oil, it’s tempting to believe that more is better—more ZDDP, more viscosity, more additives. But this mindset can lead to engine damage instead of protection. In truth, the key to effective lubrication isn’t excess—it’s balance.

In this second installment of the “Five Things You Should Know About Oil” series, Lake Speed Jr.—a member of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE)—explains why finding the right blend of oil properties is crucial for engine performance and longevity.

ZDDP (zinc dialkyldithiophosphate) is one of the most well-known anti-wear additives in motor oil. But while ZDDP is critical for protecting flat-tappet cams and other high-load parts, too much ZDDP can actually increase wear. More isn’t always better.

The same is true for oil viscosity. An oil that’s too thick can starve vital components of lubrication, especially during cold starts or at high RPM. Similarly, overfilling your crankcase can lead to oil churning, increased operating temperatures, and foam—aerated oil—which offers little to no protection.

Then there’s the temptation to “fix” a perceived oil deficiency with aftermarket additives. This approach often does more harm than good. Mixing incompatible chemicals can reduce the oil’s effectiveness, especially when using high-ZDDP supplements with oils not designed for them. As Speed warns, that’s like playing chemical Russian Roulette with your engine.

The bottom line? Use an oil designed for your specific application. A properly engineered lubricant doesn’t need extra help from aftermarket products. It already contains the optimal balance of additives, viscosity, and detergents for its intended use.

If you’re unsure which oil is right for your vehicle, consult with an expert or a trusted brand like Driven Racing Oil. Their lubricants are developed for real-world engines—whether it’s a street-driven Porsche or a high-RPM race build.

The 4 R’s of Engine Lubrication: Science-Backed Tips for Choosing the Right Oil

The 4 R’s of Engine Lubrication: Science-Backed Tips for Choosing the Right Oil

When it comes to engine oil, misinformation and opinion often drown out science. In this educational video, Lake Speed Jr.—a member of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE)—sets the record straight using insights from over a century of research.

Forget internet myths and marketing hype. When selecting oil for your engine, Speed emphasizes one foundational principle: follow the science. This means understanding what your oil is really doing inside your engine—not just lubricating, but also cooling, cleaning, and transferring energy.

 

What Are the 4 R’s of Lubrication?

To achieve proper lubrication, you need:

• The Right Oil – Correct viscosity and additive package for your engine.

• The Right Place – Oil must reach all critical engine components.

• The Right Time – Oil needs to flow immediately upon startup and throughout operation.

• The Right Amount – Too little oil results in inadequate lubrication; too much can cause aeration and loss of pressure.

In high-performance engines, these factors are mission-critical. The right motor oil doesn't just reduce wear and friction—it:

• Removes heat (up to 40% of engine cooling is done by oil),

• Cleans internal engine components,

• Powers hydraulic systems like lifters and variable valve timing mechanisms.

That’s why modern high-performance and racing oils are engineered for specific applications, including:

• Flat-tappet camshaft protection,

• Turbocharged engine cooling,

• Track and endurance racing conditions.

Why It Matters

Using the wrong oil or neglecting flow and timing can lead to catastrophic wear or failure. On the other hand, choosing a lubricant formulated for your specific engine type and driving style can dramatically extend engine life.

Final Thought

“More isn’t always better” when it comes to oil—the right formulation and delivery matter more than brand loyalty or additive overload. 

Installing the IMS Solution: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Only Permanent Fix for the Porsche IMS Bearing

When it comes to Porsche engine reliability, few topics spark as much conversation as the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing. Fortunately, there's one patented, permanent fix: the IMS Solution.

In this comprehensive guide, Jake Raby of Flat 6 Innovations walks viewers through the installation process for the IMS Solution, a retrofit engineered to eliminate IMS bearing failure—a well-known Achilles' heel in Porsche M96 and M97 engines. Based on the video walkthrough and the official 2023 IMS Solution installation manual, here’s everything you need to know.

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✅ Pre-Installation: Critical Qualification Comes First

Before installation begins, pre-qualify the engine to ensure it's a viable candidate:

• Perform a full diagnostic scan (fault codes, camshaft deviation, over-revs)

• Check crankcase vacuum and inspect for debris in the oil, filter, and sump

• Perform a bore scope inspection of cylinder bores

• Never install the IMS Solution in an engine that has suffered a prior IMS failure

🛠️ For full details, read the 11-step IMS Pre-Qualification Procedure in the manual.

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🔧 Step-by-Step IMS Solution Installation Summary

The installation is broken down into a series of chronological, precision-based steps:

1. Remove the Gearbox

Start by pulling the transaxle to gain access to the IMS flange (911 Tiptronic owners will need to remove the engine as well).

2. Set the Engine to TDC

• Rotate the crankshaft clockwise to top dead center (TDC) for Cylinder 1

• Lock the crankshaft with the IMS Pro Toolkit’s locking pin

⚠️ Performing the procedure out of time will result in camshaft timing errors.

3. Secure Camshafts and Remove Chain Tensioners

• Remove bore plugs and lock the right-side camshaft

• Remove all three timing chain tensioners (left, right, and IMS-side)

4. Modify the Crankcase for Oil Feed Line

• Use a drill and handsaw to create an oil feed port

• File the opening to ~20mm to allow fitting of the IMS Solution oil feed fitting

🛠️ This step is critical to enable the oil-fed design of the IMS Solution. The flange serves as a drilling template.

5. Remove the Original IMS Bearing

• Use the IMS Pro Tool to extract the bearing through the center stud

• Clean the intermediate shaft thoroughly

• Install the supplied plug using the provided installation tool

6. Install the IMS Solution Bearing

• Lubricate and tap the bearing into place with a soft-faced hammer

• Place the protective shim and reuse the original snap ring (or spiro-loc if dual row)

7. Install the IMS Solution Flange

• Lubricate the O-ring and bearing surfaces

• Tap the flange in until flush with the crankcase

• Torque flange bolts to 7 ft-lbs and the center nut to 12–20 ft-lbs

8. Spin-On Oil Filter Adapter Installation

• Lubricate and install the adapter with supplied sealant

• Use the provided shim if needed to clock the fitting correctly

• Torque to 18 ft-lbs using a special spanner wrench

9. Install Oil Feed Line and Finalize

• Connect the stainless-steel braided oil line from the filter adapter to the flange

• Tighten both fittings and install a WIX 51348 oil filter

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🛠 Post-Installation Checks & First Start

• Start the engine and run it until the oil light goes out

• Check for any oil leaks

• Verify oil line clearance—especially on vehicles with aftermarket sway bars

• Use Driven DT40 oil for street use, XP9 for track duty

• Change oil every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first

🔁 Cycle the ignition 4–5 times to build oil pressure before full engine start.

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Why the IMS Solution Is the Only Permanent Fix

Unlike conventional ceramic hybrid bearing retrofits, the IMS Solution:

• Eliminates the ball bearing entirely

• Is oil-fed for superior lubrication

• Requires no future servicing

• Is the only retrofit protected by three U.S. patents

The IMS Solution is the result of years of development by Jake Raby and Charles Navarro of LN Engineering and has been successfully installed in tens of thousands of vehicles worldwide.

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🔗 Learn More:

• IMS Solution Install Instructions

• Official IMS Solution Product Page

• IMS Solution Certified Installers

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Final Thoughts

Installing the IMS Solution is not just a repair—it’s preventative engineering. Done correctly, it transforms the Porsche M96 or M97 engine into a far more robust, reliable powerplant. As Jake says:

"There’s only one permanent fix for the IMS bearing—and that’s the IMS Solution."