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

 

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.

 

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

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

 

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!

 

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.

 

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

http://locator.penngrade1.com/

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

+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.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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. :-)