Oil

[dtownmil]

I've seen a lot of threads saying to use 0W-40. Is it totally unadvisable to use the more available 5W-30 Mobil 1?

Just keeping an eye out for oil on sale, I've seen 5W-30 in 5qt jugs all over the place, but almost no 0W-40 or 50 anywhere.

Also, Autozone seems completely baffled by the fact that I want a different type of oil than what they have on the shelf. I believe the employee's comment was "what the heck kind of car is it, a formula 1 car or somethin'?" Perhaps he'd have been able to help if I had a Mustang!

Any advice on where to shop for oil?

2000 Boxster 2.7L

59K

[Loren]

Porsche publishes a TSB once a year that lists "approved" oils.

That list is currently 11 pages long.

For the most part all the approved oils are 0W-40, 5W-40 and 5W-50. You do NOT want 0W-30 in your modern Porsche.

popular approved brands are: Mobil 1, Castrol Syntec, and Pennzoil Synthetic European Formula.

Contributing Members here can view all the Porsche TSBs as well as many other special areas.

[dtownmil]

So using a basic Mobil 1 5W-40 from the local Wal-Mart is ok?

[pk2]

Huh, finny thing, I bought an oil drain pan at Kragen (Autozone clone) a few weeks ago. The guy at the counter asked me" what's that for?" .

Regards, PK

[Loren]

So using a basic Mobil 1 5W-40 from the local Wal-Mart is ok?

Yes, Mobil 1 5W-40 is an approved oil.

[phillipj]

Just stick with what Porsche recommends. Most people run the 0-40 while some in hotter climates use the 15-50. Look at the porsche approved oils.

You cannot go wrong with 0-40. I get mine at Pep Boys. They usually have it in stock.

Good luck

[phillipj]

Huh, finny thing, I bought an oil drain pan at Kragen (Autozone clone) a few weeks ago. The guy at the counter asked me" what's that for?" .

Regards, PK

:huh: :huh: :huh: :clapping:

[dtownmil]

I am having a hard time finding 5W-40 Mobil 1 anywhere. The only 5W-40 I find says it's for Turbo diesel trucks.

I have found some 0W-40, but I'm not sure I like the idea of such a thin oil upon startup?

[70Sixter]

I am having a hard time finding 5W-40 Mobil 1 anywhere. The only 5W-40 I find says it's for Turbo diesel trucks.

I have found some 0W-40, but I'm not sure I like the idea of such a thin oil upon startup?

I don't believe they sell it in the states. I went with 5W-40 Motul 300V after much research into oil formulations and API ratings. The older formulations are listed as out of date on the API website. It is not on the Porsche approved list Loren referenced. Worth the price of contributing membership, by the way!!

Manufacturers are specifying lower ZDDP levels (probably at government insistence) to avoid pollution that might result from "damage" to cats. I decided to risk replaceable cats over internal engine operation and life. So far so good, and engine really seems to have less clatter.

Absolute truth? Not sure, but convinced enough by LN Engineering's research findings. Talk to Charles Navarro at LN if you have doubts.