96redLT4

I have generally used used Mobil ! Synthetic in my vehicles from the first fill. I have heard that if you start using synthetic (or non-synthetic) you should continue with the same. I know Mobil 1 has gotten really expensive now. What are people's opinions on switching between different brands or viscosities for that matter. Thanks
Jim

Macster

Found some for sale at Walmart for $7.74/quart. That's really expensive?

Porsche doesn't approve any non-synthetic oil.

You can use any of the approved oils. Most are 5w-40, some are 0w-40 and at least one is a 5w-50 oil. ( A Mobil 1 oil. I use this in both of my cars now year 'round.)

Well, check that. Of course, you can use any oil you want -- it is your car -- but then by going off the oil reservation you can choose any non-approved oil by any means you want.

Anyhow, the approved oils are miscible. While you can switch oils once you fill the engine after a drain you should only top up with the same oil.

Generally if one chooses an ester based oil (Group V oil) it is best to stay with this oil. The ester causes seals to swell slightly. If you switch away from this oil the seals will shrink over time and leaks are a possibility.

Now some oils -- POA based (Group IV) -- are not seal friendly, cause seals to shrink, so some ester oil is added to these oils to help keep the seals oil tight. A little used engine suffers from seal shrinkage at the seals one reason being because the seals do not get bathed with engine oil and its important additive.

My advice is to stay with an approved oil. You can switch to a 5w-40 oil or even a 5w-50 oil if you want to play with viscosities. You should get a list of the approved oils and from it select the one that is readily available in your area and the least expensive. Buy it in bulk if you can to lock in the price.

if you need to cut back to afford $7.74/quart oil give up the trips to Starbucks and continue to run a good oil. No one needs a $3+ cup of coffee. Your engine will love you for the oil and for being frugal where it counts.

Little Green

I ran 5w40 Mobil 1 then switched to Pentosin 5w40 now run mobil 1 0w40 but we are heading into winter. Top off with whatever is in there.
Do you DIY your oil changes? Easiest way to save money is to do it your self. Easiest oil change you will do. Requires nothing special or even ramps.
Specific Oil wrench can be found at every pepboys for around $7.00. Filter can be dealer or Napa(Napa about $28). 9 quarts of oil and a really big oil pan. I use the lid to a big rubbermaid container. Oil flows fast and hot. Lots of DIY threads about oil changes on the Stickies on the top of the page.
Whole thing should run you less than $100

Macster

An oil's additive package is very important. To mix oils results in a compromise of the oils' additive packages.

Furthermore, I fail to see the burden of when buying oil for an oil/filter service to pick up an extra bottle or two to have on hand should one have to top up the oil level between oil/filter services.

tomc66

WalMart has Mobil One for $23.95 for a five quart jug. That is less than $5.00/quart!! At that price you can change your oil and filter for less than $70.

Lvt19672

Some on this forum say that mobil one will cause your engine to blow up.

96redLT4

Thanks all for the input. Fully Synthetic Mobil 1 it is. Oh and Macster, I would never sacrifice good oil for my Pcar. I would drink cheap beer and wine so my car could have good oil! Best
Jim

Sniff

Oh boy . . . let's not go there.

Falcondrivr

Steve at rennsport suggested Motul 8100 for the m97 engines.

Little Green

Mac,
When did I say I mix my oils? Once a particular brand and weight is in there it is what I top off with. It's what I said "Top off with whatever is in there". not what's sitting on my garage shelf

alexb76

There's no problem switching oil brands, but stick to Synthetic, 5W40 or 0W40 oils, Motul and Mobile1 are good options.

Mumbles

Only if yer don't put enough in...........

utkinpol

Here is link to oil for 997 cars. Mobil 5w50. Use only that. If you track you car in 100deg summer temp - mix it 50/50 with 15w50 oil for summer. Winter goes on pure 5w50

http://www.avlube.com/mobil15w50.html

Macster

Sorry, I misread your post.

Macster

Why would you use an approved oil like 5w-50 then dilute it by half with an unapproved oil like 15w-50?