ceboyd

....so back in April I had no problem getting Mobil 1 for my oil change and I swear I saw it on the shelf the 1st week of may as well...


I somehow managed to underbuy and have 1 case (6 pack) which obviously isn't enough for the oil change I want to do within the next 2 weeks so yesterday I spent about 2 hours driving to every store I can think of (because I found out trying to call is useless because they just tell you they have it --- just that they have it in that stupid gold-top extended life crapola).

Its as if it was pulled off all the shelves.

I got all excited seeing some red caps in the 'specials' section at the Auotzone only to find it was dino oil with that 5000 logo on it. (mobil 1 stuff)

So I checked to see what else is available and it appears my choices are as follows:

-Valvoline 20w50 Synthetic for $5.74 a quart (says porsche approved)
-Castrol 20w50 Syntec for $6.29 a quart (also says porsche approved)

and then there is:

-Royal Purple 20w50 ($7.99 a quart)
-Red Line 20w50 ($8.75 a quart)
-Amsoil 20w50 (priced around $6.50 a quart)


....decisions decisions decisions....

What are other rennlisters using now (for those of you who don't use the mObil 1 now)

I know there was a thread a while back about Mobil 1 15w50 being unavailable now but at the time it was still on the shelf here in Chicagoland... grrrrrrr.

texas911

Mobil 0-40 is available at Walmart.

Father of 3

Can you not find the gold topped 15w50? I've not seen the red topped bottle in a long time.

epj993

My understanding is that the gold top 15W50 is the latest version of the red top 15W50. It's still fully synthetic. Different labeling 'cause it's *New & Improved!*

ceboyd

I've heard some bad things about using the gold-top stuff so I wanted to stay away from it. ...something about the additivies in that 'extended life' not necessarily playing well in the engine... ...and since my 993 see's track DEs, I just don't want to take a chance.

Yes, every store has the Gold cap 'EXTENDED LIFE' stuff but I don't want that.

I guess perhaps I'm being overly cautious since I've heard some nastiness about it (especially from 'vette folks)

ceboyd

..yes, but that 'new and improved' part has me concerned... like maybe it's fine for street use but overengineered for DE track use.... I've just heard about 'frothing' and 'sludging type' results from the 'gold cap' stuff at the track from a 'vette owner (he immediately switched over to redline and all was right with the world again)

....just had me spooked is all

ceboyd

yes, and that's great for my Boxster S which only sees street use but I refuse to put that in my DE car for obvious reasons.

Bob - 95 993/C2

So I guess the question is, does anyone here who uses gold top 15/50 and who DE's have any frothing or other issues? I'll ask around in our group too.

I've got it in my 95 but have not taken it to the track for a few years now in favor of running something a tad easier on the wallet. That car also has the gold 15/50 with no problems noted.

TheOtherEric

I'll let you know as soon as I get that plexiglass oil sump installed. Seriously, how would you know if you had excess frothing, and is that even relevant for our dry sump engines?

If I hear credible accounts of problematic frothing in the gold top Mobil 1 15W-50, then I'll simply switch to Valvoline or Castrol. Heck, I may switch anyway if it's more available.

tj90

Ive been using the gold topped 15w50 for a year with 2 track days and no problems. The oil looks fine when its drained.... I drive a high mileage (112k mile) 95.... I change the oil at 5k mile intervals. Im not sure how adding extra additives "over-engineers" the oil.... Oil pressure guages remained pretty constant throughout the year. Im sticking with it cause you can buy it at walmart for ~$26 for 5 quarts and they are open 24 hours when Im doing late night maintenance....

A year ago I called Mobil tech support and they claimed its a direct replacement...

Also, my local Mobil gas station was blowing out the old red top stuff for $1 a quart!!! I was a couple minutes too late - a guy had 2 cases walking out of the convenience store - probably a p-car owner or old camaro or trans-am driver....

Steve Nagata

Try switching to Motul 300V 15W50. It's awesome stuff. Full 100% ester based oil.

Bob - 95 993/C2

Beats me unless it's on the dipstick or you see it when draining the oil. I'm happy with it too.

Re MOTUL...any hygroscopic issues with it? Or has that all "the old stuff?"

jnx

On my recent oil change I used the Mobil 1 gold cap 15-50. My next change I plan on switching to Mobil 1 0-40 Is this ok? Chris, can't you find the gold cap 15-50 or do you not want to use it? if not, why not?

texas911

I've been running my 993 on 0-40 for over a year. No problems. No DE's but its plenty hot here in Houston and its never over heated or siezed up! Tracked my 997 twice and it uses 0-40 too.

tj90

Has anyone noticed a difference in oil consumption between 0w40 and 15w50? I would think that the 0 weight is thinner so perhaps higher oil consumption?

Also, what is the advantage of ester based oil over conventional or synthetic?