95 Miata trying to decide on Engine oil

[Spdfrk1990]

I just recently picked up a 95 Miata with 36k now on the engine. Previous owner had 10w30 mobil 1 in it. That oil is fine but on these 40 degree days here in ohio this week I noticed some cold starting noise.
I was thinking about running 0W30 GC next change since I heard that is a good oil. I know the 0w just has to do with the flow on start up but would the 0w maybe seep past the gaskets easier then the 10w? I never understood the 0w much why doesnt everyone just run it cause dont you want good flow on start up whether its hot or cold out?
How would the GC 0w30 compare to the M1 10w30 at operating temp also.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Startup noise above freezing is more at viscosity than cold flow. Higher viscosity typ exhibit LESS VT noise. GC is too thick for this application IMO, and most likely thicker than 10w30 M1 at 40 degrees!

 

[mechtech2]

When cold/cool, that '0' is way way thicker than the 30 or 40 when hot!
You sound like you have a pretty good grasp of things already.
But a 0-30, 5-30, or 10-30 should all be the same at operating temps. Only the cold flow is better/ worse.

I remember on this forum when a Miata factory engineer said that a X-60 was best for track use with them! Sounds really thick, but apparently they can get really hot locally.

What does this have to do with you? It depends on how you drive it.
You use 10-30? I would use a 0-30, 0-40, 5-30. Something with a smaller first number. This should help your cold start tick, and is better for flow when cold anyway.

 

[Spdfrk1990]

Ok thanks. What about running 5w30 penz ultra all year that is what I run in my 2010 fusion also but in 5w20.

 

[Spdfrk1990]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
When cold/cool, that '0' is way way thicker than the 30 or 40 when hot!
You sound like you have a pretty good grasp of things already.
But a 0-30, 5-30, or 10-30 should all be the same at operating temps. Only the cold flow is better/ worse.

I remember on this forum when a Miata factory engineer said that a X-60 was best for track use with them! Sounds really thick, but apparently they can get really hot locally.

What does this have to do with you? It depends on how you drive it.
You use 10-30? I would use a 0-30, 0-40, 5-30. Something with a smaller first number. This should help your cold start tick, and is better for flow when cold anyway.


Thats what I thought also but so many mixed reviews like the post just before said its not much of an issue above freezing. The car is daily driven and does see some high rpm occasionally. It also runs 4k rpm most the time im on the highway. I would say I have a bit of a lead foot but not too crazy haha.

 

[chubbs1]

Originally Posted By: Spdfrk1990
Ok thanks. What about running 5w30 penz ultra all year that is what I run in my 2010 fusion also but in 5w20.


That would be a VERY good choice. You can just stick with it and forget it as it is a high quality oil with better cold flow properties than the 10w30. Although 10w30 shouldn't give you start-up noise at 40F. (Could be the oil filter)

 

[Spdfrk1990]

Thanks it has a factory mazda oil filter recently changed by PO and I never noticed the start up noise till yesterday when it got in the 40's after being in the 70's.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

I find some synthetic noisier than common dinos, below freezing. There is more to VT noise than flow - it can be the way the oil clings to the rocker gap and wraps the cam lobes. Different blends act differently. I found most 0w I tried VERY noisy on startup at all temps.

 

[Spdfrk1990]

Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
I find some synthetic noisier than common dinos, below freezing. There is more to VT noise than flow - it can be the way the oil clings to the rocker gap and wraps the cam lobes. Different blends act differently. I found most 0w I tried VERY noisy on startup at all temps.


Only 0w30 I ever tried was GC and it was on my 01 SS camaro and it was much louder on start up.

 

[fdcg27]

Dunno.
I have found GC to be quiet at all times in both of our Accords and our Forester, even after sitting outside when the temps were well below 0F overnight.
YMMV.
For the Miata, I'd probably start with a 5w30, although a 10w30 should cause no problems in Ohio from April through November.
This car/engine probably doesn't need GC, but mine don't either, although I have and am using it.
GC would certainly cause no harm, if you want to run it in your Miata.