What brand/weight of motor oil should I use for my 996 turbo? I live in southern california, but the temperature does go as low as 40F at night. For those of you who live in orange county (I live in newport), where do you get your oil?
thanks,
JB

2003 996tt
2004 bmw x5
2002 bmw m3 (sold-yes, another convert)

 

Use 5/40 Mobile 1. This is approved oil. If you want the list of approved oils by Porsche let me know I will post them. Porsche approves nothing thicker for the new cars. I can see if I can post them here if people would like. It is 5-7 pages long.

 

Please post them and I assume the list is specific to the 996TT or is it generic for all Porsche models. Thanks

 

I wouldn't run anything less that 5W50 but preferably 15W50 in the warmer months. If you're not looking to hang on to the car for high miles, then it won't matter to you unless you enjoy adding oil more often that you should. And, no, there is no difference in the oil requirements for the TT compared to the 996, 997, 993, etc. None of them should be running the Mobil Water in warmer climates. DO NOT follow Porsche's suggestions for extended oil changes or the use of Mobil 0W40 if you are serious about having your engine last and maintain it's performance for many years.

 

Right! I ain't gonna argue with you 1999! Now please be gentle with me.

Explain to me/us why would should not go with the recomended Mobil 1 oil! Just curious 1999!!!

 

It's a conspiracy by Porsche to recommend an oil that will wear the
motor down more quickly but safely so they can sell more replacement
parts and cars; Or it's just that Porsche doesn't keep up with the best,
latest lubrication science like some other experts do, so they don't
realize the danger of that recommendation.


Joe

 

What is interesting is we move over 30 cars through here a day and have a pretty good record of the miles of these cars. A 1/3 of the 996s we service are all over 100K miles and still going strong. All use 5/40 and have since day one.

I have yet to find anyone in this field that builds these motors or any of the new Porsche motors in general that will recommend anything outside of Porsches recommendations. FTR is must also be a conspiracy with VW and Audi. J

 

I have been using Mobil 1 0-40. I have been adding a quart at +/- 1500 miles. Next time I have to add some can I throw in 5-40 or should I drain out the remainder of the 0-40??

 

My dealer said "don't use anything except 0-40"

I'm inclined to rely on PorschePHD at this point.... so what is it? 0-40? or 5-40?

If it helps, I drive my car one or two days a week so some oil might seep off the cylinder walls, and we're starting summer in So Cal. It will be between 70-115 for the next 4-5 months....

 

My dealer uses 5W-40 Mobil 1. The shorter the difference between the numbers the higher the oil film's resistance shear so 5W-40 should be better for hard use than 0W-40.

 

Good stuff Stephen. Would using 5-40 reduce smoking at startup? Also my left boost hose going into the intake Y often has a little oil buildup at that connection. Is this normal?

 

Don't change oil type/viscosity trying to stop smoking. If there's
a leak, thin oil goes through it faster than thick oil. Same for a
bearing. Use the oil specified for the motor and get any leaks
fixed.
Joe Weinstein

 

Mobil 1 5w40 has been available in the US as "Truck and SUV". It is being remarketed as "Turbodiesel". It's the same as Delvac 1 which many consider to be the best mass produced diesel oil available. Being a diesel oil it has extra anti-wear additives, anti oxidants, and detergents which is a good thing. I haven't seen it in stores yet.

 

Stephen,
Is there any reason why one should not use thicker viscosity like 15W50. I was told that all the cup cars uses 15W50.

 

I just started using Amsoil 5w40. So far, so good. My hopes are that the Amsoil won't break down as quickly as the Mobil 1...