Help choosing the proper oil for my next change

[BoomerRoadie]

Hi again,

This is getting confusing now....

I spoke to my mechanic about doing the oil change. He encouraged it, gave me a few pointers and said I should stick with an A40 type oil in either 5W40 or 5W50. He personally uses Total Motor Oil 5W40 for all his clients. He said it has zinc added to the oil and his studies show it improves long term wear. Again, I live in Arizona. I'm not sure how much of an impact that really is...

But he said, if I were you doing my own oil change this weekend, I'd just go get Mobil 1 synthetic in one of those weights and you'll be good.

Ok fine.....

So when I search Amazon for Mobil 1 5W40, I can only find it in the 1 quart packs. Same goes for the 5W50. I guess that's not a huge problem....Same goes for Pennzoil.

The Total Motor oil is twice the price as Mobil 1 and about the same as DT40.

You guys count here....are you still cool with a 5W40 or 5W50 synthetic oil and it NOT be one of the fancy brands?

[VGM911]

BoomerRoadie,

Have you asked your Porsche dealer what they use when they do oil changes?

[78F350]

I made my decision based on lots of reading of other people's knowledge, internet hype, and a desire not to waste money. It was not because of anything I know or have experienced.
0W oils seem to be more about maximizing mpg and meeting emissions standards rather than protecting engines from wear.
Oil formulations change, so what you read from five years ago about an oil, might not still be correct today. >Have they been changed to benefit the consumer?
Everything that I have read about JGDT40 leads me to believe that it is an excellent choice, but is marketed to a price point above it's value.
I made my choice to use Shell Rotella T6 5W40 based on consistent reviews from people who analyzed it long term and showed good composition and low engine wear. No doubt there are better oils, but it is good and easy for me to acquire.
For you, Boomer', with one Boxster to dump oil in, I choose Castrol Edge 5W-50.

[rexcramer]

If you live in the ridicuously hot parts of AZ, you can move up to the 5W40. If you spend any amount of time in excessively colder areas, stick with the 0W40.

All of the higher priced oils, i.e. Gibbs DT40, Motul ot Total are excellent products. They all have higher levels of Zinc in them that have been proven to be a beneift to the M96 engines. If you can afford them, use them. Some people do an oil flush, prior to upgarding to the pricey stuff first. Check each manufactuer for a suitable flush oil. It is usually a break-in oil. But that adds another oil change and filter to the cost.

If you are on a budget, use the Mobil 1. If you think your engine is suspect, send an oil sample to a testing lab and get an idea whats in your oil now. I use Blackstone. I also use Mobil 1 0W40 from Walmart.

Having typed all that, Release the hounds...