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View Full Version : Pick your poison: The Engine Oil Megathread



AARP
01-30-2012, 12:50 AM
Alright, since we seem to have quite a big variety of oils used in the community, post up the oil you're using (or have used) and your impression of it.

Name:
Brand:
Viscosity:
Type:
Grade:
Comments:

AARP
01-30-2012, 12:55 AM
Name: Rotella T6
Brand: Shell
Viscosity: 5w-40
Type: Full Synthetic
Grade: A
Comments: Wow. Wow is all I have to say after prematurely changing my oil (Castrol Edge 10w-30 :fp:) at 2000 miles due to terrible HLA tick. The first thing I noticed is how much smoother the power band is now. Acceleration is now smooth as butter. For $21 at WalMart you can't go wrong.

xjdesertfox
01-30-2012, 01:02 AM
Name: GC (german Castrol)
Brand: Castrol
Viscosity: 0w-30
Type: Synthetic
Grade: API-SM
Comments: Previous owner of my car was using 20-50 to quiet down the lifters, I ran this oil and it eliminated my lifter tick all together. Car is super easy to turn over. Ive got a giant stash of this oil.

Name: Mobil 1
Brand: Mobil
Viscosity: 0w-40
Type: Synthetic
Grade: API-SN
Comments: This oil is what I used during the colder months of the year in most of my cars, or whenever I can get it on sale. I like this oil a lot.

Name: Rotella T6
Brand: Shell
Viscosity: 5w-40
Type: Synthetic
Grade: CJ-4/API-SM
Comments: Good lord, could anyone have made a more perfect oil? This is my go-to oil for any car that needs a cleaning. Ive run this in my truck as well since brand new, its a little on the thicker side at operating temperature, but the trade-off is an absolutely smooth running motor. Between my chevy truck, miata, toyota camry, or ford mustang, this is my oil of choice.

Name: PYB(Pennzoil Yellow Bottle)
Brand: Pennzoil/SOPUS
Viscosity: 5w-30
Type: Conventional
Grade: API-SN
Comments: Running this oil I notice my motors sound slightly different, this is a high moly content oil. I have pulled some good UOA results with this oil and I buy it whenever I can get it for about $2/qt.

TheFrohn
01-30-2012, 12:58 PM
so the rotella does a good job with the lifter tick?

WASABI
01-30-2012, 02:39 PM
so the rotella does a good job with the lifter tick?

Frohn,

Just be aware that these guys are running a thicker grade oil in California. A 40 weight oil will be too thick in the colder Michigan climate. Also, if it makes any difference,a thinner grade will also extend your gas mileage. At the end of the day, always check with your owner's manual for the proper grade.

-Jim

TheFrohn
01-30-2012, 02:45 PM
Understood, figured maybe it'd be something I could run in the summer months.

xjdesertfox
01-30-2012, 03:00 PM
Frohn,

Just be aware that these guys are running a thicker grade oil in California. A 40 weight oil will be too thick in the colder Michigan climate.

Tons of guys on BITOG up north run GC and M1 0w-40 in cars spec'd for a 30 weight with absolutely no problem.

In a cold weather climate youre going to want to go with M1 0w-40, It has better cold weather characteristics than the other two oils I mentioned.

But at the same time, the coldest my cars start in is about 10-15 degrees, so I dont know how bad the winters are up there.

WASABI
01-30-2012, 03:02 PM
Name: MAX1 ADVANCED
Brand: Irving
Viscosity: 5W30
Type:Full Synthetic
Grade:GF5-SN

http://www.fagerquist.com/miata/MAX1 ADVANCED.jpg

Comments:Good stuff, no knocks, made in Canada by a (fairly small) oil company. I pick up a few cases every time I'm up there. Oh, and they also have MAX1 ADVANCED 5W30 that is dexos (new GM spec) approved as well.

-Jim

The Driver
01-30-2012, 03:02 PM
Name: Rotella T6
Brand: Shell
Viscosity: 5w-40
Type: Full Synthetic
Grade: A
Comments: Wow. Wow is all I have to say after prematurely changing my oil (Castrol Edge 10w-30 :fp:) at 2000 miles due to terrible HLA tick. The first thing I noticed is how much smoother the power band is now. Acceleration is now smooth as butter. For $21 at WalMart you can't go wrong.

Word!

xjdesertfox
01-30-2012, 03:10 PM
Should we throw Oil filters into the mix as well? I could pull up some pictures of all the filters i've cut open if i still have them around.

AARP
01-30-2012, 11:06 PM
Should we throw Oil filters into the mix as well? I could pull up some pictures of all the filters i've cut open if i still have them around.

That would be most excellent. I've generally just stuck with K&N which I understand to be the M1 filter that you can crank with a 25mm bolt. FRAM filters scare me.

Caoboy
01-31-2012, 01:47 AM
Last I remember reading, the K&N filters are basically a fram filter with a nut welded on the end.

Personally, I use PureOne, Wix, Bosch, or OEM filters only.


In terms of oil, I haven't found the "magic" oil yet. I've used Castrol Edge, G-Oil, M1 0w-40, RP, Redline, Pennzoil Ultra, Amsoil, and Motul. Redline for sure I felt a butt dyno bump in power. The others all felt the same initially. Just different times where I would get the valve tick. Edge and Pennzoil having the tick come the earliest.

xjdesertfox
01-31-2012, 02:19 PM
That would be most excellent. I've generally just stuck with K&N which I understand to be the M1 filter that you can crank with a 25mm bolt. FRAM filters scare me.

Ill go digging for the pictures.

Personally, I use nothing but wix filters. They have good beta ratios, silicone ADBV's, and a good amount of filtering material.For the price they cannot be beat. The purolator pureone filter is a great filter as well in the same class as wix, however we dont carry them at oreilly(where I work). So the wix filter comes out even cheaper for me, especially when I order by the case. If you click on the second link, youll see why im not too keen on the M1 filters either, although their media is effective in trapping particles, they have such a small amount of media in each filter.

Some valuable links for comparing filters.

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilters/index.html

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1662838

http://www.300cforums.com/forums/general-discussion-issues-trouble-shooting/31190-oil-filters-dissected.html

The Driver
01-31-2012, 02:46 PM
Rspeed sells Mann filters for the NA/NB. This is the same brand that are factory installed for Porsche/Volvo. The sell 'em for like $5, IIRC.

xjdesertfox
02-02-2012, 11:52 PM
Thought Id bump this thread up with what im planning. This past Oil change was a cleaning cycle for me in the miata I just picked up about 3 weeks ago. The previous owner was hiding the lifter tick with some 20w50 royal purple. I cleaned it up with a Mahle s2000 sized oil filter and 3.75 quarts of german castrol 0w-30 and .75 qts of marvel mystery oil.

Im guessing this combination of detergents knocked a ton of grime loose internally because now Ive got 2-3 different SLOW leaks. We're talking 2-3 drops/week.

Which brings me to my little experiment. In 400 miles, Im going to drain this oil(at which point it will have 1.5k on it) and start a few runs of different oils to see what I can get to slow down/stop the leaks.

I will do 2 OCI's with each oil.

First run will be Mobil 1 HM 5w-30
Second run will be SN Pennzoil HM 5w-30
Third run will be SM Valvoline maxlife 5w30 (hopefully I can find some around my store) If not will be the new weaker SN version with less moly.

I really didnt plan on running mobil 1 or any synthetic in this car really since I plan on swapping it, and I do short trips so it would be subject to fuel dilution. But we have it on sale right now at work for $5.50/qt so why not?

AARP
02-03-2012, 12:00 AM
If I'm not mistaken wouldn't a heavier oil help with the leakage?

xjdesertfox
02-03-2012, 12:24 AM
If I'm not mistaken wouldn't a heavier oil help with the leakage?

it would, it would slow the leak. However Im not one to run thick oil in anything. Id rather have the oil leak out than run thick oil in my car, Ive got no issue topping it off. The oils listed contain seal swelling agents and seal conditioners.

joe morreale
02-03-2012, 06:54 AM
Name: Rotella T6
Brand: Shell
Viscosity: 5w-40
Type: Full Synthetic
Grade: A

I used this oil to rid myself of a persistent po0012 code. VVT actuator stuck open. Ive been using it for 2 years now. I change the oil once a year (under 10k). Oil looks good enough where my mechanic friend has me save it for his pickup truck when I'm done. I usually use K&N filters sometimes STP.
I went from 10-30 dino oil and was unnecessary afraid of leaks when I changed as I have none. Used extensively in South Florida heat.

xjdesertfox
02-03-2012, 12:44 PM
stay away from those STP filters.

wannafbody
02-04-2012, 11:42 PM
Quaker State 0W40 Euro version is available at some Big Lots for $3.99

Castrol Syntec 0W50 to mix with other oils

darkgreyNA
02-05-2012, 03:47 PM
What's wrong with stp filters? Made by the same people who make the m1 and k&n (champion labs)

xjdesertfox
02-05-2012, 08:25 PM
Unless were talking about different stp filters, its idetical to the walmart $2 supertech filters (which aren't bad I guess, I just wouldn't run them if you're looking for m1/k&n performance.

darkgreyNA
02-05-2012, 09:12 PM
I agree but if you're on a budget, they beat fram out hands down.......

atlnb
03-23-2012, 12:36 PM
I like to go with Pennzoil 5w-30 full synthetic. I've used Mobil, Royal Purple, and Castrol and I like Pennzoil the best. I also try to use Prestone Synthetic Fuel Injector cleaner at least every other oil change to make sure things are nice and clean

concealer404
03-23-2012, 12:38 PM
I use Castrol in everything i own.

Miata gets Castrol Syntec 5w-30, and a Nippon filter from FM.

xjdesertfox
03-23-2012, 12:40 PM
So I'm 500 miles into my first run of hm oils in the miata.

Using pennzoil 5w-30 hm with lubromoly mos2.

The hla tick is getting worse and worse as I put more and more miles on this oil. Maybe my lifters weren't cleaned out like I thought they were. Next run will be mobil1 hm 5w-30.

atlnb
03-23-2012, 12:52 PM
Seafoam for HLA tick? Heard that works pretty well

xjdesertfox
03-23-2012, 02:54 PM
Eh, im not a big fan of seafoam, or any other "engine flush" type additives. But if the M1 doesnt help with cleaning, ill try some MMO, and if that doesnt work, then ill use some amsoil engine flush

jkkce
03-25-2012, 09:33 PM
Mobile 1
Brand: Mobile
10W30
Synthetic
Happy with the quality of the oil.

AARP
04-03-2012, 02:10 AM
Hey xdesertfox, what's your ideal spring/summer weather oil for Socal after a good clean with Rotella?

xjdesertfox
04-03-2012, 02:32 AM
Well, all of my cars spec Xw-30 from the factory (A chevy truck, an 03 toyota, and the miata) so in the summer I like to run the 5w-40 rotella, or the 0w-30 GC. Im actually waiting for it to heat up real nice and I'm going to run 5w-40 rotella + 300ml of Lubro moly motor oil saver in the miata. This will effectively be like running a High mileage synthetic Rotella 5w-45.

Im changing the oil in the toyota tomorrow, Pennzoil HM 5w-30 + a M1 filter.

With that said, I just started dealing for AMSoil, so I might run some AMSoil signature series 5w-30 in the truck for its next change.

Frenchmanremy
04-03-2012, 09:40 AM
Royal purple 10w30 synthetic and M1 filter.
No issues AFAIK.

Thinking about doing a seafoam before next oil change..

Spettro
04-08-2012, 08:13 PM
Amsoil 25k only for any car I care about.

AARP
04-09-2012, 11:53 PM
Where's the best place to pick up some 0w-30 GC? Not sure if my autozone stocks it or not.

xjdesertfox
04-10-2012, 01:10 AM
I work for oreilly autoparts, go to your local store tell them to call the moreno valley DC and order a case of "syntec0-30"

you can get it right now for $6/qt on sale or wait till a filter deal comes around.

nubskillz
04-21-2012, 03:11 PM
3258

+

3259

xjdesertfox
04-22-2012, 02:14 AM
Gonna try something new!

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/529830_10150829944947284_630617283_9708262_5685146 90_n.jpg
Delo 400LE 5w-40 full syn

+

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/wcsstore/CVCatalogAssetStore/1/large/3730002_mbi_m1103_pri_larg.jpg
M1-104

+

http://images.shipstore.com/ss/images/mav/mav013.jpg
MMO

The MMO is there just to completely fill the sump and to thin down the thick delo, the delo isnt enough at 4 qts and with this filter its closer to 4.5.

Whats coming out is pennzoil 5w-30 high mileage + Lubromoly MOS2 and bosch filter.

xjdesertfox
05-15-2012, 12:38 AM
Cut open some filters at work.

http://i559.photobucket.com/albums/ss35/xjdesertfox/IMG_20120513_102952.jpg

tsingson
11-02-2012, 01:23 PM
I have been thinking of running Royal Purple and I was thinking I would have seen more people using it here but to my surprise there aren't. Now I'm curious about Rotella T-6. Wondering if it would work for NC winters or would it be too thick.

sdemo45
11-02-2012, 01:43 PM
Rotella T6.

Siringo
11-02-2012, 03:28 PM
Name: Rotella T6
Brand: Shell
Viscosity: 5w-40
Type: Synthetic
Grade: CJ-4/API-SM
Comments: Started using it after car threw PO 0012 code. Changed the oil, cleared the code and it has never come back. Just changed it again this afternoon getting ready for track day tomorrow.

Blueiii
11-02-2012, 05:41 PM
I've only put 3,004 miles on the miata (give or take) since buying it. It desperately needed an oil change when I got it. I went with Royal Purple 5w30 (full synthetic) as this is what I used to use in my BMW. No real reason, though? At $10 / qt, is there something significantly better (and less expensive... and readily available) that I should be getting?

FWIW, I only drive my car in the summer, spring and fall - but basically she's going away for the season in the next week or two. I autocross in the summer, which is why I like a better quality oil. (I change it every 3k or so, despite that it would probably be okay a bit longer.)

sdemo45
11-02-2012, 05:53 PM
I'd use Mobil1 0W-40 or Shell Rotella 5W-40, only. I don't really consider Royal Purple a premium brand...

roy obanion
11-02-2012, 06:17 PM
Hey phatmiata, what are you running, and why? :)

wannafbody
11-02-2012, 07:34 PM
I use 0W30 M1 and German Castrol, Edge 5w30, and Amsoil Hi Performance 15W50 in different vehicles