strange shuddering

[Mark R]

In most (all?) modern cars, 180 degrees F indicated oil temp (if so
equipped) means that the oil is over the boiling point of water at the
locations where it counts (bearings, journals, etc.).  What this means is
that there shouldn't be any more "suspended" water in the oil, and all is
good for the right foot.  That's the primary reason for waiting until the
car is warmed up.  Those of us with both oil and water gauges know the water
gauge indicates heating to normal much more rapidly than the oil, so be wary
of reliance of only a water gauge.

Personally, I'm anal about this.  People comment about how my engines
(specifically in my VWs, Audi, and Corvette Z06) either out-pull theirs or
"feel" better than most.  I'm convinced it's my break-in procedures (if a
new engine), maintenance, and especially my being overly conservative with
warm-up procedures daily.  It also doesn't hurt that I live on a state road
in rural NY, so no stop-and-go traffic, few lights, all highway speeds, and
my shortest trip is 10 minutes.  But once the oil is up to temperature, I'm
not afraid of redline.  =)

Best to all,
Mark