Charles Navarro

Years of working closely with Driven has made me biased. For a conventional oil, I recommend their HR1. For semi-syn, GP-1. For full synthetic, DT50.

However, there are lots of other oils that are popular with other builders. Jerry Woods swears by Swepco and they have consistently made a great oil that hasn't changed ever. Likewise, Motul 300V has always been a phenomenal oil.

From the UK, Millers is an excellent choice as well. Karl Poeltl imports the stuff from the UK. It's expensive, but I have run it and believe in it as well.

Lots of good choices, but none that you can get at Walmart or your local FLAPS.

r911

nothing "subjective" about valve train damage

Bigwood

My shop is using Schaffer’s 15-40 in all the air cooled cars. I don’t know anything about is but it is a really good shop!

DAS 5

Charles: I just bought a 1996 993 with 9800miles. Every year the owner had a synthetic oil change (mostly 0-40Mobil) at his Porsche dealer. Except the last two years, that dealer switched to Porsche Classic. Question: would you recommend going back to the full syn Mobil or continue with the Porsche Classic? Thanks.

Charles Navarro

Most certainly an A40 approved 0w40 isn't appropriate for the 993. The Porsche Classic oil wouldn't be my first choice either.

TheCamel

Thanks for your response Charles. I'm guessing you would suggest a Castrol GTX or a Swepco product?

Bigwood

Can anyone comment on the Schaffer’s “racing” oil in 15-40 that my shop is using? I have not heard of them.

Charles Navarro

Swepco 306, Driven GP-1/DT50, or Millers Nano are all good oils. There are other choices, but these are the ones that I use and can recommend. I'm partial to Driven since I was involved in the development process with Driven and have run these oils in Porsche engines.

TheCamel

Thanks Charles! Because of your bearing business and having been involved in the development of an engine that was undoubtedly developed under different bearing pressures, I think I'll try the Driven product.

Keith Guidus

MOTUL!

stlrj

Should've told that to the smog guy.

bgiere

Schaeffers is top notch. Stellar products.

M3 Defector

This. You can buy it locally and it has high zinc content. I used Brad Penn once and because it is partially synthetic the car developed a small leak. Went back to VR1 and no more leak.

oldskewel

I also use the Valvoline VR1 Racing 20W50. No problems before or since switching to that. Nice being able to buy it at my local 1950s era auto parts store. Researched things several years ago and switched to this. I've got no leaks that reach the floor, on my '85.
I can't say it is great or better than any of the other recommendations here, but it works well for me as far as I can tell.

Charles Navarro

I am in the process of evaluating Swepco 308 5w40 full synthetic, since Driven dropped their full synthetic diesel oil. I'm expecting it to be every bit as good as 306.

I also in the process of updating out Oil FAQ, which has our recommendations on what is the best oil for a Porsche as well as other useful information for any Porsche owner.