1. 5,000 mile intervals
2. I'm driving the car in "city conditions" (short trips, traffic, etc).
3. Money is not an issue.
4. I'd like to be warranty compliant, but I've heard from *Many* Ford mechanics that I should stick with 5W20, because the clearances are so tight in the newer engines (01 and up) that a 30 weight oil might not flow as easily. I've personally checked at Six different dealership and spoken with six different Ford Master Techs. on this issue.
My Ford dealer, due to the fact that he is a family friend, will not viod warranty, but The car was "engineered" for the 5W20 viscocity. I have not been able to find a "True" synthetic oil in the S.F. Bay Area, so without going with a XW30 oil, I've decided to go with the Amsoil XL7500 line.
From what I understand from fellow Mustang and Lightning drivers, Amsoil is a excellent quality oil that supercedes the performance of Motorcraft in extended interval applications. Plus, it's API approved for use in my vehicle, unlike Red Line.
About the clearance issues with newer Ford trucks and cars, I know that the 00 and older Ford vehicles with the exact same engines called for 5W30 viscocity: my father has a 97 Lariat (4.6L) that calls for that viscocity. With 5W20, I would hardly think that Ford (Backing their vehicles with 100,000 mile warranties would recommend or suggest an oil that is detrimental to their engines. On that note, I am comfortable using the Amsoil. I assume that it has been tried and proven on these vehicles.
I also think that given the city driving, Amsoil will give me better high temp. and sludge protection.
I'd still like all your imput.
Thanks again.
-Matt
[ July 21, 2003, 09:12 PM: Message edited by: mf150 ]