Oil choices poll - LotusTalk

joe13531 · 02-28-2009, 10:06 PM

I just changed my oil with the standard 5w40 (mobil1). Apparently, this is a diesel truck mixture in the states. In Europe, the 5w40 is considered a performance engine car oil. Has anyone used anything different? I used 0w40 prior to this recent change. Anyone ever use 5w30? 10w40? 15w40? I am not sure there is a major difference performance wise. I have to search little bit to find the 5w40, so it would be nice to use a more common type available everywhere.

Truth be told, I don;t think the oil choice makes much of a difference, assuming all oils are synthetic. What do you guys think?

shadowhusky · 03-01-2009, 04:59 AM

I have used Shell Rotella T Full Synthetic 5w-40 in my Elise for the past year and I use it in my VW Jetta TDI for the last 145,000 miles. I get it at WalMart

- ROTELLA Products

jmiesse · 03-01-2009, 05:41 AM

Read this ...
http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f25/...ictures-69359/

especially posts 3, 4, 7 and 11

RoadDad · 03-01-2009, 07:15 AM

When I buy Mobil1 5w-40 I usually get it at Walmart in 4 quart bottles. Advanced Auto occasionally has a sale on the Mobil1 and I pick up 1 quart bottles to go with the 4 quart bottles.

Typically I use the Havoline 5W-40 though.

Dragon · 03-01-2009, 07:20 AM

Royal Purple 5w30 in mine...

Tracktimeplz · 03-01-2009, 07:29 AM

RP 10w30 here, but it gets nasty hot here for 60% of the year

lotustype74 · 03-01-2009, 08:20 AM

Castrol Sytech 5-40 for me. Guys these oil talks happen all the time. Let the dog lie. Just use a sythtic 5-40 like the owners manual said. Remember this is a Toyota motor not a Toyota F1 notor. If you worry about oil performance just change it more.

qball · 03-01-2009, 08:23 AM

Royal Purple for me...

Sh4rkattk · 03-01-2009, 09:56 AM

Royal Purple 5w40 for me, hard to find in the stores. Also it meets all the lotus specs for warranty approval.

dasmoofler · 03-01-2009, 09:59 AM

RP 5w-40. Expensive, yes. But it's not like I change the oil every week.

RacyTracy · 03-01-2009, 10:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joe13531

Oil choices poll

You could always create a real poll.....

Nikki · 03-01-2009, 10:03 AM

The dealer put Valvoline Syntec 20w50 when they performed the free 1,000 mile service. I recently changed to Mobil 1 5w40 Turbo Diesel Truck and, I don't know if its the placebo effect, but the engine seems to rev easier and smoother. Opinions on motor oil are like a..holes, everyone has one. My take, is that any of the major brand synthetics ranging from 5w40 to 20w50 should work fine.

Scrumpot · 03-01-2009, 10:28 AM

Elf Excellium DID 5W-40 (now "Total") full-syn here.

Green Ghost · 03-01-2009, 10:49 AM

I wouldn’t do 20-50, way to thick. The motor won’t rev freely, and you are probably losing a few miles per gallon too. In the higher rpm’s you are really fighting the oil viscosity (as in the oil is slowing you down). 5-40 like the manual says or if you like, and in cooler places 5-30. The Toyoda manual suggests 5-30. Don’t know why Lotus went higher but I can’t imagine 5-30 would hurt any thing. But if you live in a warmer place (Arizona, Florida, exc….) during the summer I would stick with 5-40.

If you track the car that’s a whole different story and you need to pick a good oil for where and when you are going, and change it a lot.

Scrumpot · 03-01-2009, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lotustype74

...If you worry about oil performance just change it more.

Oh yeah, I also do change my oil every 2,500-3k on the outside as well. Guess I must be one of those.

bobbythejudge · 03-01-2009, 11:08 AM

I have a '73 Lotus Europa TC Special that had 44,800 miles on it and had been stored for 5 years before I got it with Castrol syntec 10/30 weight. The reason he put it in was that mineral oils get acidity and synthetic does not. He was advised by a Lotus mechanic to do so. I have been using it since I changed it before starting it up for the first time in 5 years and the car performs beautifully and has not missed a beat. My pressure is at 54 at start up and when running hot on the highway at 65-70 it stays at 49-50 and have not burned any oil.

Tracktimeplz · 03-01-2009, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scrumpot

Oh yeah, I also do change my oil every 2,500-3k on the outside as well. Guess I must be one of those.

I change mine every 5k, or after a trackday. At 5k my oil still looks like honey though...

bobbythejudge · 03-05-2009, 01:49 PM

I have also been using the Lucas oil stabilizer that was recommended to me as I just changed the oil after 6 months as I have not been driving the '73 that much, about 3 times a week. It says to add 1 quart of lucas to 3 quarts of oil as I use the Castrol Syntec 10/30 . I plan on doing this every 6 months or if I drive it more often. I put 1,800 miles on it since buying this car in August.

jallingt · 03-05-2009, 09:01 PM

When I can't find snake oil I use....
Rotella 5w-40 syn

02-28-2009, 10:06 PM	#1 (permalink)
joe13531 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: SF Bay area Posts: 217	Oil choices poll I just changed my oil with the standard 5w40 (mobil1). Apparently, this is a diesel truck mixture in the states. In Europe, the 5w40 is considered a performance engine car oil. Has anyone used anything different? I used 0w40 prior to this recent change. Anyone ever use 5w30? 10w40? 15w40? I am not sure there is a major difference performance wise. I have to search little bit to find the 5w40, so it would be nice to use a more common type available everywhere. Truth be told, I don;t think the oil choice makes much of a difference, assuming all oils are synthetic. What do you guys think?

03-01-2009, 04:59 AM	#2 (permalink)
shadowhusky Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: East China, Michigan Posts: 344	I have used Shell Rotella T Full Synthetic 5w-40 in my Elise for the past year and I use it in my VW Jetta TDI for the last 145,000 miles. I get it at WalMart - ROTELLA Products __________________ 2005 Elise, Aubergine, Touring Pack, Sport Pack, Hardtop, Quicksilver Exhaust, Cup Air Box, Tilting Clam, Mesh Grills all around - ( fabricated, not purchased ) 55w 6000k HID's, Painted Engine Covers, Center Console, A/C Surround, Polished Shifter Arm, Ball,and E-Brake Handle, Multivex Mirrors. 2008 Jeep Liberty, Jeep Green Metallic 2002 VW Jetta TDI, Metallic Blue, Daily Driver, 155,000 miles and going strong

03-01-2009, 05:41 AM	#3 (permalink)
jmiesse Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 565	Read this ... http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f25/...ictures-69359/ especially posts 3, 4, 7 and 11 __________________ 05 AS Elise. Tour and Sport Pack. Hard Top.Stage II Exhaust, Sport ecu, Pagid RS 4-2s,Toyo R888's, Shifter Matrix brace, Micro Mirror

03-01-2009, 07:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
RoadDad perfututum futūtor Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 6,019	When I buy Mobil1 5w-40 I usually get it at Walmart in 4 quart bottles. Advanced Auto occasionally has a sale on the Mobil1 and I pick up 1 quart bottles to go with the 4 quart bottles. Typically I use the Havoline 5W-40 though. __________________ "Really, you want to maintain a semblance of professionalism since you represent Lotus. Me... I don't need to. Bite me." -Randy

03-01-2009, 07:20 AM	#5 (permalink)
Dragon Hydrocarbons Rule Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Okinawa Japan Posts: 1,742 Images: 2	Royal Purple 5w30 in mine... __________________ 2006 Exige; BWR Supercharger, Adj Sway Bar, Ohlins Suspension, BSK Oil Catch Can, Moroso Oil Pan, ORC Clutch, Custom Exhaust, Black Volk Racing CE28N's w/ Toyo R1R's, 2 piece rotors, Pagid Blue Pads, BSK Wet Carbon (Side Skirts, Front Lip Spoiler, Gas Cap Cover, Center Console, Door Panels), Dry Carbon rear Diffuser, Harness Bar, BWR Gauge Mount, OMP Superquadro steering wheel, LETSLA Short Shifter, V2arms, Rear Tow Link Brace, RLS Battery Bracket, BOE Tow Bar, Stickers.

03-01-2009, 07:29 AM	#6 (permalink)
Tracktimeplz Race lines on the mind Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Northwest Florida Posts: 1,085	RP 10w30 here, but it gets nasty hot here for 60% of the year __________________ 2003 Honda S2000 - Suzuka Blue 2005 Magnetic Blue Elise Forcefed 275 turbo - Sold 05/20/09

03-01-2009, 08:20 AM	#7 (permalink)
lotustype74 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Illinois Posts: 85	Castrol Sytech 5-40 for me. Guys these oil talks happen all the time. Let the dog lie. Just use a sythtic 5-40 like the owners manual said. Remember this is a Toyota motor not a Toyota F1 notor. If you worry about oil performance just change it more.

03-01-2009, 08:23 AM	#8 (permalink)
qball Wizard of Pugz! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 4,513 Images: 3	Royal Purple for me...

03-01-2009, 09:56 AM	#9 (permalink)
Sh4rkattk A pound at a time. Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: LA SFV Posts: 559	Royal Purple 5w40 for me, hard to find in the stores. Also it meets all the lotus specs for warranty approval. __________________ 07 Exige S - PhB., TP, TP, LSD, S111 Rear Panel Delete, 2Bular De-Cat, 2Bular 8x24 Burnt GT3, Custom AEM Intake, 6k HID's, Schroth 4pt ASM Harnesses, Milled Steering Arms, Bronze Volk TE37 w/ RE-01R's, Carbon Craftsquare Mirrors, Carbon Front Lip, Benetec Dry Carbon Undertray/Diffuser

03-01-2009, 09:59 AM	#10 (permalink)
dasmoofler Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: SE WI Posts: 3,088	RP 5w-40. Expensive, yes. But it's not like I change the oil every week.

03-01-2009, 10:03 AM	#12 (permalink)
Nikki Nikki Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 249	The dealer put Valvoline Syntec 20w50 when they performed the free 1,000 mile service. I recently changed to Mobil 1 5w40 Turbo Diesel Truck and, I don't know if its the placebo effect, but the engine seems to rev easier and smoother. Opinions on motor oil are like a..holes, everyone has one. My take, is that any of the major brand synthetics ranging from 5w40 to 20w50 should work fine.

03-01-2009, 10:28 AM	#13 (permalink)
Scrumpot Live on the edge Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 757	Elf Excellium DID 5W-40 (now "Total") full-syn here. __________________ '08 Exige-S Club Racer Desnorkelled, Stage-2, HID's, DRL Defeat, Sector111 Tow-hook & Fire Extinguisher, Deeply Fettled Roof S/C Air Intake, Schroth Prof II ASM 4pt Harnesses, RLS Lightweight gunmetal coated intercooler tubes, Saikou-Michi catch-cans, dual-SPAL hi-perf intercooler puller-fans, custom painted engine cover Last edited by Scrumpot : 03-01-2009 at 10:58 AM.

03-01-2009, 10:49 AM	#14 (permalink)
Green Ghost Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: orange county Posts: 1,184 Images: 26	I wouldn’t do 20-50, way to thick. The motor won’t rev freely, and you are probably losing a few miles per gallon too. In the higher rpm’s you are really fighting the oil viscosity (as in the oil is slowing you down). 5-40 like the manual says or if you like, and in cooler places 5-30. The Toyoda manual suggests 5-30. Don’t know why Lotus went higher but I can’t imagine 5-30 would hurt any thing. But if you live in a warmer place (Arizona, Florida, exc….) during the summer I would stick with 5-40. If you track the car that’s a whole different story and you need to pick a good oil for where and when you are going, and change it a lot.

03-01-2009, 11:08 AM	#16 (permalink)
bobbythejudge Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: south Texas Posts: 27	I have a '73 Lotus Europa TC Special that had 44,800 miles on it and had been stored for 5 years before I got it with Castrol syntec 10/30 weight. The reason he put it in was that mineral oils get acidity and synthetic does not. He was advised by a Lotus mechanic to do so. I have been using it since I changed it before starting it up for the first time in 5 years and the car performs beautifully and has not missed a beat. My pressure is at 54 at start up and when running hot on the highway at 65-70 it stays at 49-50 and have not burned any oil.

03-05-2009, 01:49 PM	#18 (permalink)
bobbythejudge Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: south Texas Posts: 27	I have also been using the Lucas oil stabilizer that was recommended to me as I just changed the oil after 6 months as I have not been driving the '73 that much, about 3 times a week. It says to add 1 quart of lucas to 3 quarts of oil as I use the Castrol Syntec 10/30 . I plan on doing this every 6 months or if I drive it more often. I put 1,800 miles on it since buying this car in August.

03-05-2009, 09:01 PM	#19 (permalink)
jallingt Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 521	When I can't find snake oil I use.... Rotella 5w-40 syn __________________ 2005 Bordeaux Met #21 (HT, Touring, Quicksilver ext, TRM F1 wheels, Stan Stud, HID lights, BWR S/C,Filled motor mounts, catch can, no camber shims, Tillett saddles) 2004 Audi S4 Sedan (Tip, GAIC Chip, AWE Cat-back, Team Dyanmics Pro 1.2 wheels, H-sport sway bars) 2002 F-350 (Powerstroke, 4x4, Banks power pack, 6th alternator) Couple nice bicycles, way too many snow skis.

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