Grant27

I assumed I would want to go with an oil viscosity of about 15w-50 for my '86 944 Turbo,

Mobil 1's website suggests 0w-40 for my car which seems awfully thin on the cold side.

What do you guys think of this oil viscosity? What is the best for a car that experiences temps between 40-100 degrees?

Thanks for any suggestions.

Here is the Mobil 1 site suggestion:



Also, is the Purolator L30165 Classic Oil Filter a good one to buy?
5.49 over amazon but a couple places online said it was one of the best.

Any opinions?

blade7

Noooo.

Van

I agree - I think the 0w-40 is a little thin. I run that in my 996, because Porsche specifically recommends it - I believe because of the variocam actuators. I believe the 944 owner's manual recommends 10w-40. I however, have been very happy with 15w-50 for many years.

I would recommend you get the actual OEM filters. They're about $7 from Pelican - the number is OC-142

eman930

15-50 VR-1 oil, ran it in my 924S track car and my 951, love the stuff

86 951 Driver

I think 0w-40 would be really thin for these engines. Back in the late 70's they didn't have 0 weight oil. It was all at least 10 weight. I would stick to 10w-40 or 20w-50 at a minimum. I run 10w-40 in the winter without issues.

0w-40 would work maybe in a brand new rebuilt 944 engine that has really close tolerances. But with some miles on them, it is better to stick to the thicker stuff.

odurandina

exactly. I ran it for 3 winters with very good results before switching to M1 0w50 in my 968.

still, it is probably a bit thin even for a newish 968 engine.

refresh951

Thin oil (0w-40) seems to have higher risk of #2 bearing failure. I would not use it. I have been running 20w-50 this summer.

333pg333

Don't listen to what they or even Porsche US recommend. They have no care for your car whatsoever. Listen to the people that own the cars. There's no problem with consulting your owner's manual either.

Scott H

In most cases, unless you live in the North and it's winter, you'll want to run 15w-50.

Grant27

So I am believing that the VR-1 15w-50 is the best route.

So why is the Porsche certified filter better than purolator?

pole position

Lol because they are OEM or do you believe Purolator re invented the oil filter?

Jfrahm

Check the specs to see if the 0w40 is actually 'thinner' than your 20w50. If the 20w50 is dino oil you might be surprised.

333pg333

What specs are they that suggest a 50w oil is thinner than a 40w?? Especially a synthetic? Reverse that logic 180 degrees and I'd say you're right.

Grant27

Vr-1 20w-50 with OEM filter for a '86 944 turbo.

Does everyone agree that it is the best choice?

Grant27

Also I am assuming synthetic no matter what route I go.

If I am not using the car on the track then wouldn't an oil like the SynPower® Full Synthetic Motor Oil 20w-50 be best?

I saw on one warning that racing oils do not contain as many detergents as regular oils, any harm in this?


Hopefully all of this information can help other new owners get their heads on straight and their engines running with the best possible oil!