ENGINE OIL best viscosity?

[DEUPRA]

This is the internet ?

My Internet/Youtube watching scholarly advice, 0W-20 for better fuel economy, 30 or 40 weight oil for better engine protection. Even if you don't go down to -10F, you'll probably still get advantages of fuel economy and faster oil warm up if you're daily driving the car in colder climates. 0W-30 is probably the best of both worlds for fuel economy and engine protection, but I've chosen to run 5W-30 (Supra) in Southern California. I ran 5W-40 Motul in a N55 BMW engine powered car and noticed it took significantly longer to warm up to operating temps and observed a loss of mpg compared to both a 0W-30 BMW branded bottle oil and even a 5W-40 Valvoline Euro oil. If it was a track modded and focused car (aero/tires) I'd go 5W-40. If I lived somewhere with near freezing temps, I'd probably go with 0W-30.

Disclaimer: I am an Internet villiage idiot.

 

[JonnyG]

In NE I dont see why you would go to a 5W - keep it at 0W - better in cold - if anything go to 0W-30 or 40. I personally was going to go to 0W-30or40 until tunned and then see what tuner says. probably would no go to a 5W unless the explanation was outsatanding. Mor important I believe is the filter - can we use the GTR filter on the VR30? Or what HP filter is being used by the family.

 

[MacCool]

That's a lot of mental masturbation!! . I was worried that we wouldn't be able to keep the thread alive.

 

[Thefunk]

My Internet/Youtube watching scholarly advice, 0W-20 for better fuel economy, 30 or 40 weight oil for better engine protection. Even if you don't go down to -10F, you'll probably still get advantages of fuel economy and faster oil warm up if you're daily driving the car in colder climates. 0W-30 is probably the best of both worlds for fuel economy and engine protection, but I've chosen to run 5W-30 (Supra) in Southern California. I ran 5W-40 Motul in a N55 BMW engine powered car and noticed it took significantly longer to warm up to operating temps and observed a loss of mpg compared to both a 0W-30 BMW branded bottle oil and even a 5W-40 Valvoline Euro oil. If it was a track modded and focused car (aero/tires) I'd go 5W-40. If I lived somewhere with near freezing temps, I'd probably go with 0W-30.

Disclaimer: I am an Internet villiage idiot.

I'm thinking just before a track day use 5w-40 then change again to 0w-20 for daily

 

[VR30Infection]

I am just going to throw this out there because it seems some don’t understand the oil viscosity numbers. An “SAE-30” will act the same as a “5W 30” or a “10w 30” within the engines normal operating temperatures. The “W” number is what the oil is like during cold temps. If you don’t ever drive the vehicle in cold climate conditions, then the “w” weight of the oil is meaningless to you. Also. If you run an ethanol blend, you want a higher viscosity as well. Nissans suggested oil doesn’t take into consideration any changes from stock. Hope this helps.

 

[MacCool]

I am just going to throw this out there because it seems some don’t understand the oil viscosity numbers. An “SAE-30” will act the same as a “5W 30” or a “10w 30” within the engines normal operating temperatures. The “W” number is what the oil is like during cold temps. If you don’t ever drive the vehicle in cold climate conditions, then the “w” weight of the oil is meaningless to you. Also. If you run an ethanol blend, you want a higher viscosity as well. Nissans suggested oil doesn’t take into consideration any changes from stock. Hope this helps.

Yup. Easier and more accurate to just follow the engine manufacturers’ recommendations.

 

[VR30Infection]

Yup. Easier and more accurate to just follow the engine manufacturers’ recommendations.

Yes.

 

[GoldenUniverse]

Based on what I’ve read, would it be best to do the first oil change at 1,200 miles using AMSOIL 5W-30/5W-40 with a 15208 9E01E oil filter? The engine has no modifications. Am I on the right track for ensuring the vehicle’s long-term performance?

 

[DEUPRA]

Based on what I’ve read, would it be best to do the first oil change at 1,200 miles using AMSOIL 5W-30/5W-40 with a 15208 9E01E oil filter? The engine has no modifications. Am I on the right track for ensuring the vehicle’s long-term performance?

What has led you to these conclusions? Why amsoil? Why 5w-30/40?

 

[GoldenUniverse]

What has led you to these conclusions? Why amsoil? Why 5w-30/40?

This is the most commonly discussed oil I've seen mentioned on other pages. So I would assume it works best since others use it.

 

[DEUPRA]

I'm thinking just before a track day use 5w-40 then change again to 0w-20 for daily

How many times do you plan to change your oil and track annually? If you did 2 track days separated by 3 months, does that mean you'd do 4 oil changes in that 3 month period?

 

[Thefunk]

How many times do you plan to change your oil and track annually? If you did 2 track days separated by 3 months, does that mean you'd do 4 oil changes in that 3 month period?

Good question. I haven't crossed that bridge yet. I've only done one track day so far and it was a hot day. My oil temp peaked at 251F. The car felt sluggish at the final session. Idk if that is because the oil was so hot, probably the air being so hot going in. But if there's no harm in leaving the thicker oil in after a track day then I'd just leave it. I was just spit balling when I said I'd go back to 0w-20. Good point.

 

[DEUPRA]

Good question. I haven't crossed that bridge yet. I've only done one track day so far and it was a hot day. My oil temp peaked at 251F. The car felt sluggish at the final session. Idk if that is because the oil was so hot, probably the air being so hot going in. But if there's no harm in leaving the thicker oil in after a track day then I'd just leave it. I was just spit balling when I said I'd go back to 0w-20. Good point.

Your car was probably heat soaked and I think VR30's need an upgraded heat exchanger to fight that. I don't think cars go into limp mode until getting closer to 300F oil temp, but not sure about the VR30. Online most places say a thicker oil will increase operating temps versus a thinner lol.

 

[Thefunk]

Your car was probably heat soaked and I think VR30's need an upgraded heat exchanger to fight that. I don't think cars go into limp mode until getting closer to 300F oil temp, but not sure about the VR30. Online most places say a thicker oil will increase operating temps versus a thinner lol.

You mean the charged air heat exchanger right? Because I was also looking into a better water and oil cooler.

 

[DEUPRA]

You mean the charged air heat exchanger right? Because I was also looking into a better water and oil cooler.

I’m not too familiar with the Z and VR30 to know what the steps in mods are, so I could be off by saying a heat exchanger will help you. I would think AMS or Z1 Motorsports would be able to give you the best answers for what path to go with if you let them know what your current mods are and what your goals are. I would guess upgraded heat exchanger and intercoolers would be most effective for heat soak.