Dino V

Hi everyone,

72400 miles on my S2 Cabrio.
Time for over winter oil change. Is Valvoline VR1 20w50 still the preferred choice by many for best results?
I don't track the car, but it seems like last time that whether track or road, everyone seemed to recommend this oil.
Also debating whether I should stick with the regular stuff or make the switch to full synthetic.

Thanks!

-Dino

Edit:
Car is driven spring thru fall (usually in temps ranging from 40 to 90 degrees). And once a month start up during winter hibernation.
I have not noticed any oil burning, just some lifters ticking when car is first started up after not being driven for awhile until engine warms up.

theiceman

20 /50 in a water cooled acar over winter ? i wouldnt. 90% of engine wear happens during startup. and a 20w /50 at sub zero temps would be very bad.
If you insist on heavier oils you could do brad penn 15w/40 .. but i would go much lighter if it were a winter daily driver.

Dino V

Sorry, I should have clarified. This car is driven spring thru fall. I do although start it up once a month during winter hibernation.

Dino V

What about Red Line or Royal Purple 10w40?

I have not noticed any oil burning, just some lifters ticking when car is first started up after not being driven for awhile until engine warms up.

86 951 Driver

I would recommend some Brad Penn 10w-40 or 20w-50 either one is a good choice.

Dino V

Never used Brad Penn before, but seems so far that it's a favorite.

ideola

+1 and available here in case quantity
http://garage.ideola.com/prod-Supplies.html

james6speed

+2 on the Brad Penn, I use it. I would use whichever is cheaper, the VR1 or BP 20-50 if you don't drive it in the cold months.

Dino V

Thanks, I will check it out.

Usually by the time the temps are reaching below 40 degrees, the car is tucked away in garage.
Just debating if I should do the switch to full synthetic.

james6speed

i wouldn't

Dino V

So are the best options either continuing to run 10w40 or maybe going with with 15w40?

Campbelljj

No synthetic unless you want to start chasing oil leaks. My vote Rotella 15-40.

Dino V

BTW, I see on the Brad Penn website that it is recommended that cars with cats still on should go with the Synthetic blend instead of the high performance oil. Is this true?

Thanks for another consideration.

ideola

There is absolutely no reason not to switch to full synthetic. It will NOT cause your car to start leaking oil. That is an absolute myth that has been debunked many times. On top of that, the synthetic will perform better in cold weather than dino oil, although I would still recommend the 10W40 for Nov-Apr, and then switch over to 20W50 in warm season.

theiceman

I have a 911 now so the thickness is a little different but the idiology is the same . and im in Canada so weather is similar.

I usually change from the BP 20w/50 to BP 15/w40 in about October .. drive it in the fall with this oil, leave it , drive in the spring for a few weeks then in about May Change oil again as that is about 5K ( kilometers ) then switch back to 20w50 for the summer , and change again in October repeating cycle.

BTW when it is hibernating it is hibernating .. no good will come from starting the car once a month .. just take the battery out and put it on a maintainer.