What's the best motor oil for our cars?

[Sonar]

-many things I think ......


"Yoda"





/Sonny

[SVXer95]

Originally posted by dcarrb
Having gotten 200,000 miles or better on each of my last three cars (two Subarus and a '68 Mustang) running plain, old Havoline 10W40, I'm of the opinion that frequent oil and filter changes have much more to do with engine longevity than the brand (or astounding claims) on the label. IMHO, paying four prices for a quart of oil doesn't make a great deal of sense.


dcb

I agree with you to a point. I think the absolute best way to keep a motor running is frequent oil and filter changes. Although, with higher temperature ranges and longer breakdown periods synthetic motor oils will perform better. This is not some claim written on the side of the bottle, it is proven by laboratory testing.

I think it is worth a few extra dollars for a product with better performance.

Just my opinion.

I've been using Mobil 1 almost exclusively in all my vehicles since about 1985 with my first Subaru - turbo- RX. I was concerned about breakdown temperatures in the turbo and 'coking'. I've since extended my Mobil 1 use to practically all lubricants in my vehicles including ATF (a MUST! in an SVX transmission!) and gearboxes.

My wife is now a heretic (non-Subaru, having let our daughter-in-law 'inherit' her '95 Outback) driving a Land Rover Freelander which REQUIRES synthetic. The only Mobil 1 formula 'allowed' by them to support the warranty is the new 0W-40 'European' formula. (I think that's taking things to extremes, myself. 5W-30 has always served me well.)

-Mark

[immortal_suby]

Havoline synthetic 10w-30 since 100k - now at 210k.

Regular havoline 10w30 in the wagon - 275k miles. Smokes like a stack at startup now but never had/needed any engine work done and beat the poor car like a red headed stepchild.

Always changed right around 3k.

[sleepem]

I have a 1992 LS-L with 297,500 oon the original, non-overhauled engine. It has been run on synthetics only the whole time and changed at 3-4000 miles.

So I'm pretty sure synthetics won't hurt these engines.

They did not work for flat aviation engines, but they are air cooled and use leaded fuel, which synthetics can't deal with (caused much lead sludge).

Rob- in Pilot mode..

[Chiketkd]

Mother of pearl! 297K+ miles on an original SVX engine?! I've heard about your SVX before - didn't realize it actually existed!

-Chike

Originally posted by sleepem
I have a 1992 LS-L with 297,500 oon the original, non-overhauled engine.

[dcarrb]

Originally posted by sleepem
I have a 1992 LS-L with 297,500 oon the original, non-overhauled engine. It has been run on synthetics only the whole time and changed at 3-4000 miles.
Rob- in Pilot mode..

Impressive.

How many transmissions?


dcb

[svxcess]

I have been using Mobil 1 5W-30 (factory preferred for the 96 SVX). No problems whatsoever. Only Mobil 1 oil filters also.

I always thought that 10W 40/10W-50 oils gave more protection, until I looked under the hood of the 1993 Corvette ZR1 I have been babysitting/driving for the past 5 months. There is a big metal plaque on the underside of the hood which states that Mobil 1 5W-30 is the factory fill.

If that oil is good enough and recommended by GM to protect that 405hp beast, then I'll use it as well.

[SVXer95]

Although 5w30 is recommended from the factory, I have always been told to switch to 10w30 after a couple of years. As clearances in the motor become larger, a thicker oil is needed.

[dcarrb]

Originally posted by svxcess

I always thought that 10W 40/10W-50 oils gave more protection, until I looked under the hood of the 1993 Corvette ZR1 I have been babysitting/driving for the past 5 months. There is a big metal plaque on the underside of the hood which states that Mobil 1 5W-30 is the factory fill.

If that oil is good enough and recommended by GM to protect that 405hp beast, then I'll use it as well.

Mobil 1 may well be the greatest invention since sweet iced tea, but it bears consideration that such brand-name endorsements are likely marketing deals.


dcb

[sleepem]

It is also the original tranny. It had some work done to it under warranty at 12,000 mi. and the campaign filter installed, that's it!! I have all the records back to about 8,000 mi. and I am the second owner. Most of these miles are freeway in the cool northwest, so steady speeds and not much shifting is probably easier on them than city/ stop n go stuff.

Rob

[Chiketkd]

Holy cow sleepem! Original tranny and motor?! Let us know when you car goes over the big 300K mark...

Take plenty of pics!

-Chike

Originally posted by sleepem
It is also the original tranny. It had some work done to it under warranty at 12,000 mi. and the campaign filter installed, that's it!! I have all the records back to about 8,000 mi. and I am the second owner. Most of these miles are freeway in the cool northwest, so steady speeds and not much shifting is probably easier on them than city/ stop n go stuff.

Rob

I have been told by a guy that knows cars way better than I do to use a product called Prolong. It is an extra lubricant you can put in your oil, and he has had several cars last over 300k, because he uses the stuff and keeps them properly maintained. The stuff is about $15 at Checker, and for what he claims that seems reasonable.

[newsvx]

Been using Mobil 1 in all my vehicles for many, many years. Bought a NEW 1994 SVX L model / FWD. From day one, Mobil 1. When it was wrecked, it had 115K mile on it with no leaks or iol burning between changes, which came every 4 to 5,000 miles. My current '97 has also run Mobile 1 since I got it four years ago with 9,000 miles on the clock. It now has 70K on it, and no problems. I should mention that both cars were autocrossed extensively and put on the track as well.

I would highly recommend Mobil 1. Yes, it is a bit expensive, compared to regular motor oil, but I feel it is well worth the difference.
Harry

[Pierre-Olivier]

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