Anecdotal-y speaking, I use Valvoline VR1 racing oil (non-synthetic). The engine runs smooth and quiet. There was a noticeable change in the valve train noise and the previous oil had only been in the engine for 3 months.

It may just be marketing hype but the ZDDP provides additional wear protection

http://www.valvoline.com/faqs/motor-oil/racing-oil/

http://www.valvoline.com/products/consumer-products/motor-oil/racing-motor-oil/6

http://www.jegs.com/i/Valvoline-Racing/949/VV205/10002/-1?parentProductId=761749

In my Honda I'll run Mobile 1. Simply switching to Mobile 1 in that car gained me 3 mpg on average. I only use synthetic in that car, it does help keep the carbon buildup down in the EGR system and intake. The gas mileage increase was enough for me to keep using it, and the fact that Walmart has it in 5 quart jugs for 22.50 to 24.50

When i got my Z from California, it was leaking oil from every seal possible. I changed seals and oil to Mobil 1 10W-40 semi-synthetic and 80% of the leaks disappeared. Only oilpan seal is leaking. My other datsun also seems to run well with 10W-40, its thick enough.

Isky Cams recommends. 1) BradPenn. Penn- grade 2) Pennzoil "GTP" racing oil 3) Valvoline VR1 racing oil In that order. All contain generous amounts of zinc/phosphorous.They strongly recommend not using synthetics during break in. If you must use synthetic, they recommend 1) Amzoil (red) racing oil or 2) Joe Gibbs Performance Racing Oil. They have some experience in this regard. Pay your money and take your chances......everyone has their own opinions, and they probably think they are right.

We had this argument several times in our Automotive class in high school, early 70's, when things were more simple. Our instructor would then tell us, "If you can TASTE a difference, then there is probably is a difference." Of course, none of us would taste them to see if he was right.

Bonzi Lon

I particularly like Sweet West Texas Light crude!

Ha! Oil should be added to politics and religion as being taboo forum topics.

I think im going to 2nd this.

Edited March 25, 201114 yr by Arne

I just use the cheapest and I dont see much of a difference other than the consistency. I think 5W-30 is the best for most passenger cars, so thats what I go with.

Edited March 25, 201114 yr by tymarbry

I just use the cheapest and I dont see much of a difference other than the consistency. I think 5W-30 is the best for most passenger cars, so thats what I go with.

That would really depend on the age/mileage of the engine it's used in. For instance, 5W-30 is too thin for a high mileage engine and it will burn/leak faster than something heavier.

sorry everyone, i didn't know oil was a touchy subject!

sorry everyone, i didn't know oil was a touchy subject!

Now you know

Now don't go start a "what's the best song?" thread, it will have the same kind of reaction

Now don't go start a "what's the best song?" thread...

Oh, that would have to be the one that got sung on almost a daily basis on the Gong Show...

Feelings.... Nuttin' more than feelings....

Trying to forget that... ridiculous song....

Feeeeeelings! Whoa whoa whoa Feeeeeelings!

I wish I never heard that song....

But now it's stuck in my head.... Whoaoaoaoaoooah...

Oil drops...

Synthetic Mobil 1 Oil drops...

Lahdedah detergent...

And ZDDP!

Edited March 26, 201114 yr by FastWoman

the sae three ball wear test and moisture suspension tests tell the tail. Amsoil wins both. Change it in the spring and run it all year.

For those who don't know the moisture suspension test determins how much H2O oil can hold in solution at 70 deg. f. compared to what is left after the oil is heated to 220 deg. f. as measured in a Rotrode Spectrometer.

Edited March 26, 201114 yr by 5thhorsemann