0w/5w/10w-30 Redline in Toyota 4AGE

[DaCookieMonster]

Originally Posted By: used_0il
Your going to do UOAs on a 28 year old Toyota using ten dollar a quart red-line?
Yeah, Wal-Mart opens the oil pails and put #6 bird shot from all the shotgun shells they can't sell in them.
That is why the oil is kept next to the hunting department.

I thought they put it near the guns so that they could defend the holy grail oil from being stolen. Honestly I probably won't do any UOA's, but I might.

 

[DaCookieMonster]

Originally Posted By: barkingspider
I would use RL 10w30 just because that's what the manufacturer recommends. Plus it's hot in CA. I wouldn't dump the 0w40 until after 5000 miles at the least

The 5w30 and 10w30 are almost exactly the same viscosity at operating temp, so I think 5w30 would be just fine.

 

[OneEyeJack]

Originally Posted By: DaCookieMonster
I checked the application guide. It recommends 10w30, but it also recommends using ATF in the power steering. Mk1 MR2's don't have power steering haha. Dave @ redline?


I don't think Dave assembled the application database. He does customer support. You just have to remember that when you're dealing with other people, not everyone knows everything. You must be a bit more tolerant. I know it must be difficult but I'm sure with a little patience and understanding on your part people will learn to listen.

 

[ryanschillinger]

Originally Posted By: used_0il
Well, you started out on the right foot. Why the 2nd doubts on a 30 year old vehicle in a hot climate?
I would use Wal-Mart 15W40 and spend the savings on important things. Like women and beer, but not necessarily in that order.


Agreed!

 

[ryanschillinger]

I would probably just run any good high mileage oil, synthetic preferably, and call it a day. Redline is so expensive that you may as well make a road trip to Walmart and stock up on some inexpensive oil. And toilet paper, bath towels, and any number of other stuff you might need or want.
Joking aside, WM has really good pricing on oil, and quite a selection depending on the store. Their house brand Supertech has good reviews, and that's what I'm running in my 96 civic with absolutely no problems to report. Switched from dino to 5w20 full synthetic at 143k miles. And it's something like $17.50 for 5 quarts.

 

[addyguy]

Just gonna toss this in there...

Had a 1991 Corolla SR-5 coupe with a different version of this engine (the 100hp version of the 1.6 DOHC.).

Got it with about 70k on it, and drove it to 140k in three years. Used pretty well nothing but bulk PYB 5W-30 and a Fram orange can at 3-5k intervals.

Ran like a top, used a bit of oil, but not much. All this to say these engines are very easy on oil, and Redline is total overkill unless you plan to race your MR2.

 

[virginoil]

Originally Posted By: DaCookieMonster
I think I will probably just go for 5w30 because it seems like the best compromise of price, specifications and availability of the three. Thanks for the information

Go for the oil with the OEM approval in the recommended grade for your vehicle.

It will save you money and probably perform better.

 

[DaCookieMonster]

So I put 5w30 Redline in the car, hoping that it would slightly lower oil pressure to slightly improve high rpm flow, but my oil pressure gauge is suggesting the opposite happened. Should I consider going even lighter on the next oil change? It's hard to be absolutely sure what is happening based on watching the factory oil pressure gauge, but I appear to be hitting the pressure relief well before redline.

 

[Shannow]

Why do you want "slightly higher oil pressures to slightly improve high RPM flow"?

What's the basis for what you are trying to achieve ?

You've put an oil in with a relatively high HTHS, and your engine has told you that the bearings NEED less of it.

Why do you want to put more oil through them ?

 

[RoadRaceJosh]

Most passenger car engines in good condition will open the pressure relief valve by 2k RPM, but not universally. Use an accurate oil pressure gauge to be sure of your data before making changes.

 

[Garak]

The Red Line 5w-30 is still a high HTHS oil, as Shannow indicates. Their 0w-30 is closer to an ILSAC style 30.

 

[DaCookieMonster]

Originally Posted By: Joshua_Skinner
Most passenger car engines in good condition will open the pressure relief valve by 2k RPM, but not universally. Use an accurate oil pressure gauge to be sure of your data before making changes.


Ok. In that case, I think I'll stop worrying about whether I have the ideal lubricant in my beloved 28 year old toyota. I think this car warms up it's oil more slowly than my other vehicles so I was making invalid oil pressure assumptions based on only slightly warm oil. I think this 5w30 redline will suit my needs just fine. Thank you to all those who advised me in this thread, even if most of the advice was to buy cheaper oil.

 

[alcyon]

I understand your excitement about your 80s MR2. that is a legendary engine that is also used by another 80's sports classis, the AE86 Trueno. A lot of people just see a 28 year old car, I see a childhood dream.

 

[DaCookieMonster]

I'm glad you see it the way I do.

 

[alcyon]

Awesome cars ! Wish i could afford the AE86.