Looking for a good dino. for my '87 911 Carrera and thought these two might do. Car is in southern California, so the viscosity seems appropriate.
GTX 20W-50 vs. Valvoline VR1 20W-50, which is best?
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If you look at the spec sheets I believe the VR1 has a lot more zinc/phosphorus than the GTX.
Sure you need 20w50? How about 15w40? What does the car specify? Do you have an oil pressure gauge? You can use the lowest viscosity specified for the car that gives good oil pressure.
Sure you need 20w50? How about 15w40? What does the car specify? Do you have an oil pressure gauge? You can use the lowest viscosity specified for the car that gives good oil pressure.
15W-40 is spec. but that is for northern Europe (Germany), So. Calif. is so much warmer most of the time. It is common in Porsche circles to push 20W-50 (dino.) for the early years.
If you want a conventional oil try Delo 15W40. It has a better additive package then either Castrol GTX 20W50 or Valvoline VR1 20W50. Most 15W40 also retain their viscosity better. Mobil-15W50 is also a good choice if you like synthetic. The Porsche owners groups are kind of flakey when it comes to M1 15W50. Some swear by it and others swear at it. I have used M1 15W50 a lot and never had a problem with it.
JHZR2
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The difference in oil temp between 70F and 110F ambient is quite small if all systems are working properly.
I agre with John - Idbe running Delo 15w-40 for conventional or M1 15w-50 if I wanted to go syn.
Even in LA, 20wt oil is VERY thick at cold startup with 100F ambient temps.
If youe set on using 20w-50, no problem, lots of people have in the past and do today. Probably the castrol formulation is similar to what is used in Europe (if there is any difference at all), but both will perform well. In the end all, if there is any difference, you really need to gauge by UOA performance.
JMH
I agre with John - Idbe running Delo 15w-40 for conventional or M1 15w-50 if I wanted to go syn.
Even in LA, 20wt oil is VERY thick at cold startup with 100F ambient temps.
If youe set on using 20w-50, no problem, lots of people have in the past and do today. Probably the castrol formulation is similar to what is used in Europe (if there is any difference at all), but both will perform well. In the end all, if there is any difference, you really need to gauge by UOA performance.
JMH
Why not use Mobil-1 15W-50?
JHZR2,I don'd understand the 20wt. oil is VERY thick statement ,What does that mean?
If you like DELO, its on closeout at AAP....but only the quarts.
I think he's talking about 20w-50 @ ambient temp. 15w-40 prefered grade in Germany is a good summertime grade in northern and southern climates.
Triple_Se7en
$50 Site Donor 2024
The one that is on sale in this-case scenario.
Hi there,
I agree with the comment based on price. My 86 VW Jetta loved Castrol 20W50, but any brand name 20W50 is good. Havoline is reputedly very good. I personally used Mobil mineral oil most as it was the cheapest from Kmart.
I would rather use cheaper oil at first and do short change intervals to clean up the engine rather than do extended drains. Remember to check oil levels given that your car may be leaking or burning oil, especially if you like spirited driving.
You can also consider using 20W50 High Mileage engine oils for extra protection and conditioning.
You will find the engine will be more sluggish until it warms up with the 20W50 which is a good thing because you should not rev it up cold.
W115nut
I agree with the comment based on price. My 86 VW Jetta loved Castrol 20W50, but any brand name 20W50 is good. Havoline is reputedly very good. I personally used Mobil mineral oil most as it was the cheapest from Kmart.
I would rather use cheaper oil at first and do short change intervals to clean up the engine rather than do extended drains. Remember to check oil levels given that your car may be leaking or burning oil, especially if you like spirited driving.
You can also consider using 20W50 High Mileage engine oils for extra protection and conditioning.
You will find the engine will be more sluggish until it warms up with the 20W50 which is a good thing because you should not rev it up cold.
W115nut
Hands down, the VR1 20W50 is much better than GTX 20W50. It's the best 20W50 dino oil you will find and is made for racing conditions and has it's additive package modified accordingly. If you want to run a dino racing oil, any of the VR1 series will work great and they also come in thick straight weights, 40, 50, 60+ if you expect to see high oil temps.
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