Oil discussion

[ERA Chas]

Came across this post and reply on a Mazda forum and though I'd present it for thought or discussion. It's well written and lucid by both parties and there's no head-banging or empirical statements involved. Refreshingly, they're not 'ricers'.

I did not post this to commence yet another 'battle of experts' or convert anybody from their preferences. I just haven't seen this expressed this way in any of our oil 'discussions'. (Being polite).

The one poster owns a MazdaSpeed 3 (138" turbo-263HP), the other a modified 120" Evo with 25 PSI of boost. And yes they're both OHC engines as opposed to our pushrods but they're highly stressed (near 2 HP/CI with big heat loads) as opposed to our 1 to approximate 1.4HP/CI motors.

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Quote Originally Posted by DailyDriver View Post

I'm still a bit confused about how one can "like" one oil better than another, and what the "noticeable" differences are? I've used lots of different oils over the years in lots of different cars, I've always done my own oil changes, I've always driven these cars "before and after" the oil changes and put lots of miles on them, etc... I never "noticed" anything different from oil to oil.

As well I never really had any specific "preference" for a specific oil... it all looks and feels pretty much the same when you pour it into the crankcase. I suppose if I had some thorough unbiased reliable detailed test data "proving" that one oil was truly "better" than another (in terms of its lubrication properties, durability, etc), then I'd want the "better" one... other than that, I don't see how it is possible for one to develop a "preference", unless it's just a matter of being influenced by marketing and hearsay. This is not in any way meant to be a "diss" to anyone, I'm just trying to understand why some have oil preferences, at least when not quoting accurate, reliable test data.

In the meantime, I've been using Mobil 1 in my Corvette because that's what the owner's manual calls for. Is it better or worse than anything else? I really don't know. When in doubt, I like to follow the owner's manual though, in most cases you can't go wrong. Since I stocked up on a lot of Mobil 1, I'm using it in the MS3 now also... "seems" just fine. But of course, that statement doesn't really mean anything... all I know is that I pour the oil into the crankcase, the engine runs fine, period. Maybe it's the best oil in the world, maybe it's horrible. I'd have no basis to show or prove one way or the other.

I guess if I tear my engine down at 200k miles and the internals are still in excellent condition, that would show the oil was good. I've sold a lot of cars with over 150k miles, never had an internal engine problem, never burned oil, engines still tight, good performance, no sludge, etc... based on my past experiences, I can say with full confidence that basic old-school "dino" oil served me just fine, as I look back I wouldn't have done anything any differently, there would have been no need. But... none of these cars were turbos, so... I actually AM more interested in running a decent synthetic in the MS3 specifically due to the turbo.... apparently it can get awfully hot, so you need an oil that will not break down too easily in a high heat situation."

" You can do oil analysis which will show breakdowns of what kinds of metals are wearing in the engine etc. I get less wear using Amsoil compared to other synethic oils in my evo (2.0L turbo).

"Mobil 1 is all right, but they're not the best - they're not fully synthetic as their labeling suggests. I felt the same as you, I pretty much thought it was all the same, and I trusted Mobil 1 as that's what the dealer used, what the manual recommended. But I actually and sincerely noticed the car running smoother, maybe 1% quicker, better mpg with Amsoil. The lubrication is just way better, allows the motor to run better. And I always say, at least try it once - If you don't like it you can always go back, no harm done.

For some people its not worth the cost.. for me, I drove my Evo daily, tuned at 25psi etc, and I never had an issue. I loved having just that tiny bit extra of peace of mind.
I will say for most people, yea it might not be worth it. For those who are really particular/anal about their cars, it's worth it for sure. "