builderman

Just wondering what type of engine oil you guys are using. I drive mostly at the track and wonder if the 0-40 mobile 1 is up to the task. it seems like after a hard session i have more ticking from the engine than usual.

joyride5

I use Mobil 1 5W40 truck and suv diesel engine oil.
Or if you can find Mobil 5W50 that is good also for tracking IMO

ltc

Oil viscosity discussions are always amongst the most entertaining threads on Rennlist.

FWIW, 0W oils dont' get a lot of love unless you live in a climate where you need cold start performance.

5W is used quite often (and there are many many choices from the approved Porsche oil list), although AFAIK, 0W-40 is still factory fill.

A search of the various forums will give you hours of reading...and entertainment.

Joe Weinstein

There is a saying "No oil is thin enough at startup", which is why Porsche officially recommends
Mobil-1 0w40, but for track use, the oil is going to get to it's hottest/thinnest. The ticking may or
may not be any actual problem, but for track days you could go thicker (within the range of oils
recommended by Porsche) for sure. 5w50 would be a logical alternative.

wross996tt

Well said Joe and lewis

ltc

I could probably create and fill a forum with all the threads/discussions regarding oil viscosity and dino vs synthetic and ZDDP levels.

If you are truly concerned, the best advice is regular oil changes with oil analysis.

Land Jet

Lewis, would you please post the link for the place that you send your used oil sample to for analysis. Thanks.

wross996tt

i'm not the L man, but here is a good one:

blackstone

ltc

Yes, Blackstone is often used/discussed here on RL for analysis.

Here is a good website for oil related matters:
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/index....d=50&Itemid=56

slant911

I just switched 2 weekends ago to the 5W50 oil and noticed right away that the engine valvetrain was quieter. I went to the thicker oil because of the extreme temps we get here in the summer (hell it almost hit 100 degrees here already today...springtime temps). It was a pain to aquire the oil AND it wasn't cheap (about $8 per quart after shipping, etc..). I feel like it will provide better protection for my car in this environment. It may all be imagined but that's my story.

IamSMC

Some guys over at the 993tt forum are using and recommending using Mobil 1 15W-50.

"Mobil 1 15W-50 is recommended for high performance vehicles including turbocharged and supercharged engines where a thicker oil film is desired."

For me, I just go with the factory recommendation: Mobil 1 0W-40. I also track my tt with no ssues.

T2

To all,

Not that it matters one bit but I have a 2003 996TT X50 that is driven daily in all types of conditions, sun, sleet, snow, rain, fog etc in New England (oh these lovely well maintained roads we have). It currently has 220,000+ miles on the ticker. I have religiously changed the oil every 5000 miles using factory recommended Mobil 1 0W-40. It has never been an issue. The car is bone stock and gets tracked 6-10 days/year. At the track the key is a slow heat up - 2-3 laps and a nice ten minute cool down after a hard run - I usually take the final slow lap on the track, pull into the paddock, take off the helmet and go for a ten minute drive on the roads near the course. The car has the original turbo's to this day and it continues to blow away my mechanic. (T2 knocks on wood!!) Under normal daily driving I wait until it's up to temp before pushing over ~4000 RPM and I have a nice drive of 10 minutes before arriving at the house to let the car cool down every night on the way home from work.

The point I make is that instead of looking at different engine oil which depending on location and driving style may or may not do anything for you - look at your driving habits first - they'll aid alot longer in the life of the car than any weight oil will. Additionally early oil changes and proper maintenance are key. My 1 cent - no stimulus check here...

T2 - stepping off the soap box

slant911

T2 makes a good point in that you could put the worlds greatest can't grenade your engine oil in there and your car would still blow up if you don't treat it properly. I still believe that the extra thickness in my regular outside temps will help my cars longevity.

Land Jet

Thanks guys.

T2- props to you for getting the most out of your car and enjoying the longevity that you have. It is a testament to the Porsche GT1 engine.

T2

Giddy up - someone insert Kramer's picture here..........