oil change, what weight?

[GimmeTheSpeed]

hey guys, tried to run a forum search before I aske the NEWB question... surprisingly found nothing. Just curious what's the recommended oil I should use for my 96 GTS. I bought 7 quarts of Mobil 1 full syn 5/30. Wasn't sure if I should have got 10/30 as my car is high 40K's mileage wise.

 

[GimmeTheSpeed]

guy at AutoZone said 20/50 VR Racing oil! I've never even heard of this stuff... Any opinions?

 

[GimmeTheSpeed]

RedLine 10/30? lol so many options.

 

[ViperJohn]

I pulled out the owners manual on my 02, since you are in California, you want to go with 10W-30 Mobil 1.

5W-30 should only be used if the aniticipated temperature you will be driving the car in will be below 32 degrees F.

 

[GimmeTheSpeed]

Thanks John, any purpose of that VR Racing oil?

 

[ViperJohn]

Thanks John, any purpose of that VR Racing oil?

It would probably work and be fine. But look at this way, your motor has 40,000 miles on Mobil 1 and hopefully you have had no problems. The car came with Mobil 1 from the factory, why change? I don't believe anything else would offer any better protection.

While I am not a petroleum expert, I would be concerned the 20/50 would not have the proper viscosity for the motor under certain temperature ranges.

 

[GimmeTheSpeed]

I'm with you on that one. Not like it's adding power, it's for protection... and Mobil 1 syn is as good as it gets... 5.99/qt it better be Thanks again John.

 

[Randy]

I use Mobil-1 15W50. I've used it for 70k miles in my '95, and put it in my '00 the firt time I changed its oil around 18k miles ago. Of course, my driving habits may not reflect yours - I drive it year 'round, every day it doesn't rain to work, often in stop&go traffic in 90 degree weather and above - the lowest temperature my car sees is in the low 40's high 30's in what we get that passes for "winter" around here.

 

[Mark Hahn]

I second the opinion that in Cal. I would go to a thicker oil. If you want to stick with Mobil 1, use the 0W40 as it has much better HTHS (High Temp High Shear) rating. Just check the Mobil 1 website. Although a much better oil is Redline in either 10w30 or even 10w40 in the Sacramento summer. Redline is definitely going to cost you a couple dollars more a quart than Mobil 1 but worth the protection if you ask me. MGH

 

[Gerald Levin]

I'm with you on that one. Not like it's adding power, it's for protection... and Mobil 1 syn is as good as it gets... 5.99/qt it better be Thanks again John.

Gimme, I think Walmart sells Mobil 1 synthetic in 5 quart containers for less than $4/qt.

 

[v10kingsnake]

look at your factory fill cap on the vavle cover. you can use 5 or 10w30 no big deal really. and 40k on a viper is also now big deal. these cars tend to be maintained 10 times better than any other car with similiar miles for one main reason, the owners tend to love their cars!

 

[Anaconda]

I bought 7 quarts

That's not enough oil.

 

[v10kingsnake]

you need to read your manuel and if you did you would see that anaconda is correct, looking to shave weight by putting in a couple less quarts is not a good idea.

 

[IL96RT10]

I thought our cars require 11 quarts 10 in the pan and 1 in the filter

 

[Frank Parise]

Mobil 1 is the only way to go. 10-30 for street Vipers. 15-50 for race Vipers. Don't let anyone other than the factory convince you otherwise.