NJ964

Well it is time for my 964's first full service since I have owned the car and the biggest question in my mind has been what oil to run in it. After reading a bunch of different threads on what oil is best, I am thinking about going with Valvoline VR1 20w-50 for its availability, price point (found it for $4 a quart at AdvanceAuto), and solid ZDDP numbers.

Can anyone chime in with their own experiences using this oil, to either confirm my decision or push me in another direction. I don't want to beat a dead horse or start another "This is the best oil thread", but I would just like to be sure before I pull the trigger.

Thanks,
James

Laker

No complaints with VR1, 20w50.
https://rennlist.com/forums/964-foru...ults-2.html#25

I'm now running Mobil 1 15W50. I've noticed lower oil consumption and the most recent UOA shows reduced copper levels.
~ $24 for a 5qt jug at Wal-Mart.

TYPE911

Or you could spend an extra $2.25 per quart and get this..

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/151247514680?lpid=82

Tmistry

Hi NJ964,

Your desire to confirm the use of VR is understandable. I run VR 20w50 in another classic car I own with a valve train and it's great. Seemed to quiet the mechanic valve noise and I noticed considerable oil pressure increase.

The prior owner of my 964 ran mobil1 and I wanted to stay with a full synthetic. For this reason I opted for Amsoil ZROD. The ZDDP numbers are stout and no complaints.

https://www.amsoil.com/lit/databulletins/g2883.pdf

I'm not sure why Brad Penn has such a big following here, but it seems to really enjoy cult status. Good luck on your choice!

NJ964

Thanks for the replies. Brad Penn does have a strong following here and for good reason it seems. The only reason I've decided against it is simply availability. I don't mind spending extra on oil, its one of the most important investments for your engine, but if for some reason I ever needed to grab an extra quart in a pinch, I want to be able get it locally.

Laker

You won't find BP at the big box stores, but it is available in a lot of places......

http://locator.penngrade1.com/

NJ964

It seems there's a place about 20 min from me that carries it. Has anyone ever heard of it breaking down? There was a thread on an Evo forum where he said his Brad Penn turned to jello, hopefully it was just an isolated case.

jcs_911

You have like 14 quarts of oil in the car. If you need to add a quart "in a pinch" (unplanned, I assume you mean), any quality oil would be fine. Mobil1, etc. It's not like you remove all the old oil on an oil change anyway.

Silvertarga

I just quit running Mobil 1 as zddp levels have decreased with EPA Mandates, I just did a change to VR1 Dine and car runs a tad warmer , nothing drastic. Oil change prior to this was the last of my Red Cap Mobil 1 stash.

BTW VR1 is available as a synthetic

Jacke2c

+964
I have been running it for six + years and it seems to be working well. I have a few minor leaks and are saving for new valve covers. Top side is dry after replacing all gaskets (breather, oil temp/pressure sender). The full synt5hetic is more expensive, but when it goes on sale I buy at least four cases. I use the VR-1 Full Synthetic 10-30 in my wifes Avalon. When she buys, she buys six or so cases at a time on sale. Carry a spare quart inte frunk if you are concrened.

FlyinTomato

I bought 12 qts from advanced auto. They are on sale at 3.99
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/v...v211/8020086-P

964Lovac

Ah! Didn't realize there was a sale... will be going to pick 12 qts up today!

Warehouse33.net

Have you tried Joe Gibbs Driven synthetic oil? It cost a little more, but it's high in zinc and designed for air cooled engines, I have it here. I have been running it in my 930 for while with no complaints.

-Jason

NJ964

That is a very good point. Sorry, still used to dealing with cars that have average amounts of oil in them.

Johnny G Pipe

I thought about Vr1 20w 50, which I use in my 356, but I bailed when thinking about cold starts in the 964 on freezing cold mornings. Stuck with Castrol 10w 40 semisynthetic. Probably makes no difference. :-)