I would like to move as close to work as possible with gas price concerns, but I got to thinking about a story I read about some guy and his porsche.

His commute was 2 miles to work, and after 2 or 3 years of driving, he had burned completely through the piston rings. This was supposedly due to the constant short driving distances, which didn't allow the oil to warm up enough and flow everywhere it needed to.

What would be a safe, minimum consistent driving distance for a F-body, mainly talking about an LT1 here. Is this even a concern with these engines?

 

Make sure you are using the recommended oil, with the correct low temperature flowability. GM recommends 5W-30, and that should protect the engine even with low mileage commutes. Watching my oil temperature gauge, the oil does not reach full operating temperature for at least 15 minutes of moderate driving. But the correct oil will provide the required oil flow at all temperatures.

On the other hand, an engine that runs excessively rich when cold can contaminate the oil, or wash the lubrication of the cylinder walls. And, short trips may not heat the oil enough to drive off condensate, leading to acid formation and damage to the bearing metals. Drive it hard at least once a week to insure the oil gets good and hot.

 

My place of work is about 1.5 miles from my house,been doing that commute for the last 3 years with my Camaro LT1 with no problems .
Regards,Mark.

By the way I use 5w-30 semi synthetic oil.

 

Yep.... but you're driving on the wrong side of the road.....

 

I'm usually overtaking euroboxes,so I mostly drive on the right .

 

Getting oil up to operating temperature burns off water vapor and other harmful bi-products of combustion to keep your oil from building up harmful acids. I agree with Injuneer, it takes about 15 minutes for my oil temp gauge to get up to 180F.

 

Any excuse to drive hard is a good excuse

 

HHAHAHAHAHHAA!!!!!!!!!