dunit

Which oil to use : Mobil 1 synthetic Ow-20 or the 5w-30

anothercls

Either will work. I use the 0w-20 if I can find it, otherwise I just go with 5w-30.

PavDog

5w-30

and prob 0w for the "winter" if you are in a cold climate.

RaptorCLS

5w-30

dont forget to use the mobil syn filter too...

Linner

keep in mind AMSOIL 5w-30 is also a good alternative to mobil one

PavDog

Umm yeah sure. M1 is available in convenient 5qt bottles at wal-mart. With Amsoil you have to sign up (and pay $$) to become a "distributor", then order, then pay shipping, etc.

Sorry, for my time/$$ M1 is fine.

And agree on the filter. Make sure to get a decent one. I get the oversized one.. sorry I can't remember the # off-hand.

sjuled

I use royal purple 5w30 with m1 filter, runs good

Bluto

I buy AMSOIL at a local shop. If I had to, I would mail order it.

I had an oil analyis of Mobil 1 and AMSOIL in my car. M1 sucks. You are better off buying regular oil and not wasting your $$.

PavDog

From the tests I've seen done on synthetics Amsoil is better, but just a hair better. If you can buy it at a local shop then great. Again for me it's not worth it. M1 every 10K is fine.
And not any better than dino oil?!? come on...

mlb585

Doing an oil change on regular intervals wouldn't warrant a change from Mobil1 to Amsoil. I agree that Amsoil is a better oil when used for longer periods of time and the oil analysis shows that. But, I tore down my friends 1996 Trans Am w/106k miles (which he used Mobil1 from buying it new) and there was no wear, discoloration, sludge, or buildup anywhere. I also saw a VW passat that had Amsoil for 82K miles and looked the same. Both motors had zero wear on the bearings. Even if you used Dino oil (but changed oil and filter regularly) you still would see very minimal (if any) wear on engine components. Just possibly more buildup and more slugh in some areas. Honestly, if you want to change your oil only once or twice a year (but still change the filter on the regular interval) and pay twice as much, then Amsoil is for you. But for half the price and nearly the same protection at the same intervals...go with Mobil1. The differences are Negligable in performance.

Smitty

Mobil 1 m1-104 or Mobil 1 m1-105

the 105 does not have the oil release valve since it considered an oversized filter.

I have used Mobil 1 5W-30 since the day I bought the car.

Smitty

and please use the search function... there are tons upon tons of oil threads with all the info to keep you reading for a long time.

Bluto

What test? Test on a bench, in a lab? Or in a car? A v6 Honda?

It is better for the price you pay.


Mobil 1 does have great marketing, the containers are cool.


Ever have that 10k Mobil analyzed? At 7.5k the Mobil 1 in my car was in bad shape. The lab suggested I only run Mobil 1 3000 miles (just like dino). I had 3 times less wear with AMSOIL. I changed the oil & filter every 7500, filter and 1/2 quart at 3750. I ran Mobil 1 3000-26000, AMSOIL 26000-present. Same oil filters, Comptech drop in air filter.

fender4

go Bluto,,ok been quite long enough,, all tests,, run independently or payed by corp have proved Amsoil better than Mobil1,,, no you don't have to be a Dealer to order on line,,,

some fun reading

http://www.amsoil.com/performancetests/g1971/index.html

Tests are run by independent labs and no Mobil didn't protest these findings,,

If you want the best, it's Amsoil,, If want nearly the best and cost is involved it's Mobil1,, or really any of the other syns in this test.

PavDog

Testing done through one of the Oil FAQs. I've tried searching ACL and Gooooogle but can't seem to find it now. Very interesting (non-Amsoil) test results tho. They basically did a test of a few oils.. Basically said dino oil was only good for 3k. Again I cannot find it now. The only things I see come up are Amsoil sponsored "tests". And there's been other threads about how they manipulate the graphs, etc. to make them look much better when it's only marginally better.
Yeah maybe. But my point is that [to me] Amsoil wasn't worth the extra hassle. I don't think it's *that* much better. I've tried it and it hasn't convinced me. The transmission fluid on the other hand--I'm def a convert.
Amsoil has it's own crazy marketing effort.. They claim to be the little guy but do a search on synthetic oils and Amsoil and their dealers are the only results that seem to show up.
No I've never had my oil analyzed. From the oil test I read, M1 is basically good to up around ~17K. You just need to change the filter 1/2way up. They did their testing on a V8 (I believe). Like a firebird or camaro (any difference??) Another key point is the filter.. This is where they tested a few filters (cut them open, etc) and came to some conclusions.. basically you want to use the oversized but it wasn't critical to use the most expensive one. Again I cannot find the ref on the web.. sorry. I'll post if I find those links.

fender4

http://www.synlube.com/synthetic.htm

http://www.ntpog.org/reviews/filters/filters.shtml

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/all/misc/all_oilfaq.html

I have tons more but this should keep you busy for awhile.

I would like to see your source where Mobile1 tested good after 17k miles ??

resedaruss

iTrader: (1)

I am in agreement with the quote above. I use Mobil-1 0-20. I'm not saying it is the BEST oil in existence. But after over 30,000 miles and oil analysis by both Blackstone and Terry Dyson, it turns out to be better than what I need. (In truth, I wouldn't doubt that ANY dino or synthetic oil that meets Acura specs would be fine when changed at 7500 mile intervals.)

My oil analyses from both Blackstone and Terry Dyson usually end with: "Conclusion: Overall excellent report. The brand (Mobil-1) and viscosity (0-20) is working well with this engine. 10,000 mile intervals are possible with an oil filter change at 5000."

Despite comments (as above) that I could push the Acura recommended oil-change interval, I stick to 7500 mile oil changes. Why mess with the oil-change interval to save a few bucks?

Regarding viscosity, I work next door to Exxon-Mobil Research so I checked which grade would be best in my '03 CLS (I know many of them). They were very persuasive about the fact that 0-20 was my best choice for both summer and winter in southern NJ. They put hundreds of thousands of miles on test engines of every persuasion and disassemble them to measure wear. After mic'ing there is negligable wear with M1 0-20 in engines like ours. The testing is performed in hot and cold temperatures representing conditions of locations where Mobil-1 is sold.

I also asked them about the M1-104 and M1-105 filters. They were insistent that I should not use the larger M1-105. The M1-105 will bolt on and not leak, but the M1-104 is THE one to use. There are important differences according to them.

RR32CLS

WHATS THE biggest difference in the 0w, 5w, 10w, -20, -30

i just use 10w-30 m1 syth. idunno

PavDog

Found it!

http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/stories/mobil1.html

Main article:
http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/s.../oil-life.html

VeeralS05

will 10W-30 Valvoline Synthetic oil work?

NiteQwill

As far as oil, I too believe that the results between Amsoil (sold locally) and Mobil1 is negligible if both oils are change @ 7.5K, hence, my reason for sticking with Mobil1 0W-20. As far as filters go, I've used all of them, by far, the one that comes out on top through testing and testing is Wix Filters.

M1 0W20 + Wix is my recommendation.

VeeralS05

but will 10w-30 work?

Allout

It'll work but I don't think you're doing yourself justice. 0w-20 or 5w-30 will give you better protection when cold or on startup when you need the most protection. Stick with 0w-20 or 5w-30

rolly7007

Oh yeah check this out guys I get free oil changes for ever with my car.

Joe5.0

I use Mobil Drive Clean (dino) 5w-20 & a Mobil-1 filter M1-104 every 3500 miles.

Why push the oil to 7500 miles? I dunno if its just me, but I figure that clean oil, even if its not synthetic, is better than trying to get every single mile out of oil change.

Here's some price comparisons I did real quick:

Mobil-1 0W-20 + Mobil-1 filter = $36.00 (assuming $4.89/qt; 5 qts, $12/filter)

Mobil Drive Clean 5W-20 + M1 filter = $24.50 ($2.49/qt; 5 qts, $12/filter)


Let me ask you people who use synthetic something. Do you still change it every 3 months, even if you dont hit 7500 miles? If we assume that 15k miles/year is the average, then you'd have the same oil in your engine for 6 months. To me that seems an awfully long time, even for a high quality synthetic. I would make the argument that synthetic oils do not protect the engine any better than regular oil if you are using it past 3k miles.

It is true that the Acura book says 7500 miles is acceptable, but thats only under very light loads. I would guess that most everyone on here doesnt drive like a grandma, so the 3750 mile interval should be followed.

What do you guys think?

Moodist

iTrader: (2)

I am a newb when it comes to oil, but does mobil1/synthetic provide any benefits with hard driving versus regular oil. When I mean hard driving, I mean driving in the higher RPMs alot

Bluto

PavDog, this is why I said regular dino is better than Mobil 1, from a cost perspective. You stated M1 is fine for the $$ (because AMS cost more). You could save even more $$ and change $1/quart dino oil every 3000-5000. Buying cases of dino (on sale or with a rebate) is better than Mobil 1 or AMSOil for the $$.

Extended drain intervals is another story. What is good for a push-rod V8 does not apply to a Honda V6. Engines, driving habits and conditions affect oil. AMS worked better for me.


This is all very asinine when you think about it. I'm not keeping this car for 10 years, 250k miles. (Maybe if I had the 6 speed ) I don't think AMSOIL ATF will save the 5AT. So fretting over motor oil is pointless. Maybe an analysis of the ATF is worthwhile.




jtkz13, I now drive less than 10k a year (was +25k). I change the oil once a year, filter every 6 months. Wix filters. If the analysis shows the oil is great after a year, why change it?

bgsm1th

I use M1 0W-20 and the M-105 filter and change both every 3,500-4,000 miles.
I'm very happy with how it has worked out for me.
I'm sure I could get more milage out of it all, but really, who gives a shit, it's $35 3 times a year. Big deal.

B

NiteQwill

Changing synthetic oil at a 3.5-4K drain is just wasting money IMHO. With an oil analysis, most syn oils will show very little change, if any, or contaminants at 4K, even little at 7K. The whole purpose of syn oil is the bonding charasteristics of the oil itself that allow longer drain intervals, not to mention the added protection benefits against heat breakdown when the engine is pushed hard. Syn oil will not break its bonds easily like dino oil. If you're changing oil at that interval, you might as well opt for dino oil, OTHO, if you drive the car 5K+ every shift daily, then I see your point.

PavDog

For me the main consideration is convenience of buying the synthetic and ultimately how well it protects. Again, for me, M1 is fine for my purposes. I'm already spending the extra $$ for M1 synthetic vs dino oil--so the additional cost for Amsoil is meaningless. It comes down to convenience. I can buy M1 at Wal-mart in a convenient 5qt jug.

I also don't like Amsoil's hype and marketing. They have a good product but promote it to death.

And yes the thermal characteristics are what you're looking for. Dinos break down after 2-3k whereas syns hold up for 7500+.

I guess I don't care about the Amsoil holy war.. M1 is just fine for me.

fender4

Not to defend either company about marketing but Mobil spends muti millons on ads,, I can't recall ever seeing a ad for Amsoil,, don't understand the "holy war" referal

PavDog

I think there are a number of people that see Amsoil as the Almighty. Much in the same way many view Zaino. Personally my time is better spent doing something other than waxing my car numerous time--but that's me. I'm not arguing whether it's better or not, rather for me it isn't that much different to make me a "believer".

bgsm1th

Like I said, one more $35 oil change a year, big deal. I don't gun it around every corner, but I'm not easy on it either. I guess I just get some sort of satisfaction changing every 3.5-4k, I actually enjoy changing my oil. And if I waste $35 a year doing it, Oh well, I can think of worse things I have wasted $35 on this week. I'm not saying anyone else is wrong, or that my way is the best. Just thought I would throw my $.02 in.

B

fender4

Again this debate about synthetic oil is 2 parts,,, 1st not considering cost it's well documented scientifically that syn is better than petrol; 2nd which syn is better, kind of like auguring about grades of diamonds, only the owner knows for sure.

Bluto

Kind of funny coming from a Wal-mart shopper buying Mobil 1.


I'm just messing with you. It is just motor oil, Mobil 1 is your best choice. I don't think regular oil breaks down much at 7500. Almost all new cars today follow a 7500 oil and filter schedule with regular oil, not synthetic. Modern engines and dino oils have come a long way.


Mobil 1 Factory Fill is the biggest load of marketing BS I've ever seen. I bet Mobil pays the auto manufactures to 'factory fill' and gives them the oil for free.

Bluto

Owners of turbo or commercial vehicles need to argue which syn is better.


Most else will never see a difference syn oil makes.

trancemission

Same here!!!

mlb585

Remember guys, mobil 1 is used in most (all?) Porsche models, Corvette Z06 (was also used in Trans Am, WS6, Z28 Trans Am from factory), and BMW's. It is better protection than Dino oil and shouldn't have to be drained until 5-7k miles.

russianDude

Milage is one thing, but with time your oil(any oil) will accumulate water, and it needs to be changed regardless milage. So for those of you driving very low miles, you might not really benefit from synthetic oil.
Pretty much every oil needs to be changed every 6 month. If not the oil, then you need to change filter.... but people usually do both. Thats what I do with my mobil 1 oil and M1 filter. I change it every 6 month, or 6K miles... whatever comes first.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

FWIW, I used Mobil1 Synthetic at the beginning, but once they changed to that TriSyn stuff, I switched to Redline 5w-20 with an oversized Amsoil filter.

I only noticed about 1 mpg improvement with the Redline, but my drain interval has not changed (7500 - 10000 miles).