The 2018 Ford GT is a remarkable piece of automotive engineering, boasting a hand-built 3.5L EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 engine. To keep this high-performance supercar operating at its peak, using the correct synthetic lubricants is not just an option; it is a requirement. The unique combination of extreme thermal loads, high boost pressures, and the need for long-term protection demands a fluid solution that exceeds standard manufacturer specifications.
Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-50 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – This is the primary oil choice, featuring a viscosity of 5W-50 that meets Ford specification WSS-M2C931-C. It provides 75% more protection against horsepower loss and wear than required by standards.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – An ethylene glycol 50/50 pre-mix formulation designed to protect all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses for up to 150,000 miles or 5 years.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated alternative that requires mixing with water, offering superior protection against corrosion and erosion, with service intervals up to 5 years or 150,000 miles.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Provides excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with stable viscosity across a wide temperature range, meeting or exceeding requirements for high-performance applications.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions.
- AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – A fuel-efficient formulation that protects against wear and is specifically engineered to meet OE requirements for modern transmissions.
Maintaining the 2018 Ford GT requires precision in every fluid service. The engine, with its 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 architecture, generates immense power and heat. The manufacturer specifies a specific oil grade and viscosity to handle these conditions, and AMSOIL delivers beyond those baseline expectations. The engine oil capacity is 13.7 quarts when including the filter. After refilling, it is crucial to check the oil level to ensure it is within the correct operating range. The oil drain plug should be torqued to 18 ft/lbs to ensure a secure seal without risking damage to the aluminum pan.
While the Ford GT is a street-legal vehicle, it is essentially a race car for the road. Its engine management system pushes the limits of internal combustion technology, and standard mineral oils simply cannot withstand the extreme thermal breakdown that occurs during high-speed runs or track days. Synthetic lubricants offer a significantly higher flash point and better resistance to oxidation, ensuring the oil maintains its protective film even under the most severe service conditions.
Beyond the engine, the cooling system plays a vital role in the vehicle’s longevity. The 2018 Ford GT holds approximately 20.1 quarts of AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant. Proper antifreeze not only prevents freezing in winter but also raises the boiling point in the summer to prevent overheating. AMSOIL offers both pre-mixed ethylene glycol and concentrated propylene glycol options. The pre-mix is convenient and ready to pour, while the concentrated version allows for customization based on local climate conditions. Both formulations are free of phosphates, nitrites, and silicates, ensuring they are compatible with all metals and rubber hoses in the cooling system.
AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid is another critical fluid often overlooked until an issue arises. The Ford GT requires a high-performance brake fluid that maintains a high boiling point to prevent brake fade during repeated hard stops. AMSOIL’s synthetic brake fluid is designed to resist moisture absorption better than conventional fluids, which helps maintain consistent pedal feel and prevents internal corrosion within the braking system.
The transmission in this vehicle requires a fluid that can handle the torque transfer from the 3.5L EcoBoost engine. While the source does not list a specific capacity for the transmission, using a fluid designed for fuel efficiency and high-temperature stability is essential. The AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid and OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid provide the necessary friction modifiers to ensure smooth shifts and protect against wear, extending the life of the transmission clutches and bands.
Vehicle Background: The American Supercar
The 2018 Ford GT represents a modern revival of a legendary American supercar, directly harkening back to the mid-1960s GT40 that dominated Le Mans. This is a limited-production vehicle, hand-built at the Ford Performance Center in Wayne, Michigan. It was designed from the ground up as a contemporary tribute to the 1966-1969 models, incorporating advanced materials and technology that were non-existent during the original car’s production run.
At the heart of the 2018 model is the 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. This powerplant is a marvel of engineering, featuring twin turbochargers and direct injection. It is designed to produce over 600 horsepower and nearly 550 lb-ft of torque. The engine is aluminum-alloy, lightweight, and highly efficient for its power output. Unlike many V8-powered supercars of its era, the Ford GT uses a V6 to achieve a lower center of gravity and reduced weight, contributing to its exceptional handling characteristics.
The chassis of the 2018 Ford GT is a carbon fiber monocoque, which provides immense stiffness while keeping the overall weight down. This construction method is common in Formula 1 and high-end racing but was rare for a production car at the time. The vehicle features an independent suspension with double wishbones, designed to provide precise handling and stability. The car is also equipped with adaptive dampers and active aerodynamics, including an active rear wing that generates downforce when needed and retracts to reduce drag on straights.
Owners of the 2018 Ford GT often cite its accessibility as a surprising trait. Despite its supercar status, it is surprisingly usable on daily drives, although the low ground clearance requires care over speed bumps. The interior is driver-focused, featuring carbon fiber bucket seats and a digital instrument cluster that displays vital performance data. The car was available in a wide array of racing-inspired liveries, allowing owners to customize their vehicles to pay homage to the classic GT40 colors.
While the 2018 Ford GT is a reliable machine in the hands of a careful owner, there are specific challenges associated with this high-performance vehicle. One common issue for high-output turbocharged engines is turbocharger wear and carbon buildup. The extreme heat and stress on the turbochargers can lead to reduced performance and potential failure if the correct oil is not used consistently. Using AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-50 100% Synthetic Motor Oil helps protect the turbocharger bearings and seals, providing 72% better protection against turbocharger wear than required by industry standards.
Another potential problem area is propylene glycol antifreeze system corrosion and degradation. High-performance engines generate significant heat, which can cause standard coolants to break down faster than expected, leading to corrosion in the aluminum cooling passages. This can result in leaks or overheating. The use of an OAT-based antifreeze like the AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant helps prevent this by providing a long-lasting barrier against corrosion without degrading the rubber hoses and gaskets.
Brake fade is a concern for any vehicle driven aggressively. Standard brake fluids can absorb moisture over time, lowering their boiling point and causing the brake pedal to feel spongy or leading to a complete loss of braking power under heavy use. The 2018 Ford GT, with its carbon-ceramic brake option and high-performance requirements, benefits significantly from a synthetic brake fluid that resists boiling. AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 fluid ensures consistent braking performance even after repeated hard stops.
Finally, transmission fluid degradation can lead to harsh shifting or transmission damage in high-torque vehicles. The 3.5L EcoBoost engine sends a significant amount of torque to the transmission, which can break down the friction modifiers in standard fluids over time. Using a premium synthetic automatic transmission fluid helps maintain the correct friction characteristics, ensuring smooth shifts and protecting the transmission internals from wear and heat-related breakdowns.
Ensuring the 2018 Ford GT receives the correct lubricants is essential for preserving its value and performance. By selecting the appropriate AMSOIL products, owners can ensure that their supercar continues to deliver the thrilling driving experience it was designed for, mile after mile.