Help with chosing Viscosity.

[Vspec]

Ok so I sold my 2003 Nissan SER Spec-V and purchased a 2004 Subaru WRX STi.

Im finshing out the Rinse Phase of a Auto-RX cycle on the engine now.

I want to go and switch from the Havoline 10w30 im using now to Redline Oil, I know that Redline oil is very sheer stable so I need help chosing viscosity.

I live in South-Eastern PA and temperatures have been as high as 101 degrees F.

I dont know if I should go with 5w30 or 10w30.

If I go with 5w30 should I add some VSOT? I have plenty.

 

[simple_gifts]

Either one is ok, I have cold started Red Line 10w30 @ 0 F and pressure was up in no time.

 

[Clyde65]

I can tell that you really want to use Redline 10w30; so why not use it? As far as the VSOT goes, it's for doctoring conventional oil; you don't need it for Redline.

 

[Vspec]

Its not so much that I really want to use one or the other, I want one that can hold up to high temperatures, lubricate effectively no matter at 80 degrees ambient temperature or 210 degrees heated by the engine.

I want as fast a turbo spoil as possible, and I dont want to worry about engine wear. Oil will be changed religiously at 3,000 miles for the first oil change and have Blackstone Labs report on it and effectively extend each OCI until I reach a good point.

I know I know, 3,000 OCI on redline is crazy stupid but at that time I would have just finshed a rinse cycle on auto-rx, and the first few redline oil changes always show high wear levels, and then very very low levels.

 

[blupupher]

I have started to feel that you should use the lowest w rating there is, just makes start up that much easier.

As for the 3000 miles interval, you sound like you have a plan to extend it based on UOA. While 3000 miles is probably a litle short, it is a starting point.

 

[AndyH]

I vote for Redline 5w30.

 

[Clyde65]

quote:

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Originally posted by blupupher:
I have started to feel that you should use the lowest w rating there is, just makes start up that much easier.

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[Vspec]

Clyde65 has a displeasement with the statement of the lighter the better.

Car to elaborate past cool emotacons? lol

 

[Clyde65]

I'm the minority on this board. I believe in the thickest oil possible for a specific application. I just believe thicker oils provide better protection for engines and keep them running smoothly. I'm 41 years old and probably a tad old fashion. I like my 10W-40 oil.

 

[shanneba]

There isn't much difference between 5w30 and 10w30 Redline in the spec sheet. If it gets down below zero where you live go with the 5w30 year round.

code:

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5w30 10w30

vis 100C 10.6 10.7

vis 40 62 70

VI 162 142

HTHS 3.8 3.8

CCs poise 60@-30C 65@-25C

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[Vspec]

During winter it hits below Zero sometimes, but right now its roaring summer temperatures.

I suppose I'll go with the 10w30 for Summer, and use 5w30 for winter.

A common practice.

 

[TallPaul]

quote:

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Originally posted by Clyde65:
I'm 41 years old and probably a tad old fashion. I like my 10W-40 oil.

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I'm 48 and like my 10w40 for the F150 where oil pressure is running a tad lower than spec without it. For my other vehicles I run 10w30. I won't run 5w30 because I am a thick oil person and if I need better cold starting than 10w30 then I will go with synthetic 10w30 before moving to a 5w30. Just my personal bias though, I guess.

 

[dave1251]

5w30. It will be great and I am willing to bet a soda that it will not shear.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

I would use what's prescribed in your owners manual. If it offers more than one viscosity, Pennsylvania is considered a northern climate - so pick the thinnest viscosity recommended.

 

[another Todd]

I thought you were supposed to use dino for the ARX rinse. Using RL might be a waste.

 

[dave1251]

Todd he is using Havoline 10w30 right now.

Also Redline does not need anymore additives its plenty robust enough right now.

 

[blupupher]

quote:

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Originally posted by Clyde65:
I'm the minority on this board. I believe in the thickest oil possible for a specific application. I just believe thicker oils provide better protection for engines and keep them running smoothly. I'm 41 years old and probably a tad old fashion. I like my 10W-40 oil.

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I am old fashioned also, but I also am able to learn.
There have been several examples of a 5w-x oil that is as thick or thicker than the 10w-x (where x is the same) of the same brand and type of oil. Why not have the best of both worlds? Quick flowing at start-up, and "thick" at temp?

Remember, a 5w30 (or 40 for that matter) and 10w30 oil are still 30 weights.

 

[Vspec]

So the plot thickens more.

I know Redline makes a ****ed fine oil. So im still at a no idea what to do for viscosity.

Owners manual specs either 5w30 or 10w30.

Also I have used Conventional on both Clean and Rinse with Purolator PureONE oil filters.

Any more input?

 

[dave1251]

5w30 redline will have a tough time to shear. What if its 101F outside. How hot is your engine? I bet your oil temp is easily twice that and all of the oils have protected it fine. I know that a lot of conventional and synthetic oils are not shear stable but they protect fine. Go with 5w30 for a couple of OCI's and follow what your UOA tells you and dont worry.

 

[427Z06]

quote:

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Originally posted by Vspec:
I suppose I'll go with the 10w30 for Summer, and use 5w30 for winter.

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What's wrong with this plan? Forget the VSOT, not needed with Red Line.