New Car - '09 Caliber SRT-4 Recommendations

[92saturnsl2]

As the title suggests, I am looking for OCI recommendations for this application, an '09 Caliber SRT-4 w/ the 2.4L 285hp turbo engine.

Vehicle currently has 83k. 90% of my mileage will be highway with 35 mile commute each way. Won't be working the engine hard except for some brief spirited driving every now and again.

One of my goals is to get the best fuel economy I can, so ideally I'd like to stick with a 30 weight oil that meets specs.

Vehicle manual says to use Synthetic Mobil1 0w-40; my suspicion is that their emphasis is on a minimum HTHS value, thus recommending an oil that meets ACEA A3.

I've seen some Mobil1 High Mileage oils in 10w-30 that meet ACEA A3, as well as GC 0w-30.. For some reason I've always tried to avoid the HM oils. Are there any other A3 rated oils out there? What would you guys suggest? Would there be any harm in running a typical 5w-30 / 10w-30 type oil like 99% of other cars recommend? Do you think synthetic is a requirement or could I use a 15w-40 HDEO in summer..?

As you can see, I'm throwing out a lot of options so I'm open to any suggestions as to oil type, weight, interval, etc. Any input would be appreciated.

 

[tommygunn]

I'd personally stick to a synthetic 30 weight if you really wanna go that way. M1 0W-40 isn't that "thick" for a 40 anyhow so I really don't see you getting a major jump on economy by switching oils. I can't see GC 0W-30 being a "bad" choice for such a thing.

You'll get more economy by driving better. To be honest, you bought the complete opposite of an econobox

 

[DemoFly]

You're going to want a very shear stable oil that can handle high heat.

So basically, a synthetic. Any 40 weight should be great. I'd stay away from 15w40 HDEO's because you're going to want quick oil flow to lines going to the turbo to lubricate the bearings at startup. They heat up very fast.

0w40 m1 or t6 is what I'd run.

 

[dparm]

I would stick with M1 0w40, or maybe try Castrol Syntec 0w30 as someone else recommended.

Unfortunately due to the turbo you may not be able to run thinner oils. Just keep the rest of the maintenance up-to-date to help squeeze out every last MPG.

 

[Since1941]

You can try the new Pennzoil Ultra/Mopar 0w40. The dealer is the only place to get it. However, it is what they are recommending for all the new SRT vehicles.

 

[hooligan24]

M1 0w40

 

[LeakySeals]

Lot of Subaru turbo enthusiasts use Rotella T6 5w40 synthetic. I tried it before on a standard I4 engine that ticked. Ran pretty good on that. Wasn't tight or anything when cold, even in winters here. Cheap too. While I agree to go by the book, if your looking for other options it should be considered.

 

[volk06]

Originally Posted By: DemoFly
You're going to want a very shear stable oil that can handle high heat.

So basically, a synthetic. Any 40 weight should be great. I'd stay away from 15w40 HDEO's because you're going to want quick oil flow to lines going to the turbo to lubricate the bearings at startup. They heat up very fast.

0w40 m1 or t6 is what I'd run.


If is true, then how come truck drivers drive hundred of thousands of thousands of miles on the original turbos with 15w-40?

 

[SLCraig]

I've been somewhat involved in the 2.4turbo community in the past and M1 0w40 was popular, and still a good choice.

 

[dave1251]

If I were in a pinch I would have no problems nor lose any sleep using 15W-40 HDEO for this engine.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Stick with the M1 0w-40. One of the best oils out there, easily available.

Those SRT boys are serious, use what they suggest!

 

[VNTS]

If you want a good xw-30, the Amsoil HDD 5w-30 Diesel rated oil is tough to beat.

I have 6 turbo cars, Amsoil 0w-30, HDD 5W-30, Ultra 5w-30, Mobil1 pick your grade, Rotella T6 5w-40 all work fine.

I thinkg the AMsoil works better only because of the base oil and low NOACK # vs the Grp III stuff. Note I have drive many miles and never had any issues, just sold a Shadow ES turbo with 300K miles. Ran bigger turbo, injectors, cooler etc and 25 PSI of boost. Just keep the drain intervals reasonable think 5K and you will be fine.

 

[kkreit01]

Use what the manual says. Simple.

 

[jjcom]

I wouldn't stray away from the manual in this case. Mobil1 0-40 is a highly regarded oil for applications like this, and your manual even recommends it. I doubt you'd see any noticeable increase in fuel economy by using a lighter oil. I'd probably also feel ok using T6 or another 5-40 oil, but I wouldn't stray into something that could be too light of oil for the application.

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: volk06
Originally Posted By: DemoFly
You're going to want a very shear stable oil that can handle high heat.

So basically, a synthetic. Any 40 weight should be great. I'd stay away from 15w40 HDEO's because you're going to want quick oil flow to lines going to the turbo to lubricate the bearings at startup. They heat up very fast.

0w40 m1 or t6 is what I'd run.


If is true, then how come truck drivers drive hundred of thousands of thousands of miles on the original turbos with 15w-40?

Diesel engines have a far lower EGT than gasoline engines, that is why diesels get long life from the turbo without synthetics.

This is why almost nobody will recommend a conventional oil for a turbo engine.

0w40 sounds fine to me, because the related Mitsubishi turbo engine calls for 0w40 in below freezing conditions.

 

[dave1251]

Originally Posted By: artificialist
Originally Posted By: volk06
Originally Posted By: DemoFly
You're going to want a very shear stable oil that can handle high heat.

So basically, a synthetic. Any 40 weight should be great. I'd stay away from 15w40 HDEO's because you're going to want quick oil flow to lines going to the turbo to lubricate the bearings at startup. They heat up very fast.

0w40 m1 or t6 is what I'd run.


If is true, then how come truck drivers drive hundred of thousands of thousands of miles on the original turbos with 15w-40?

Diesel engines have a far lower EGT than gasoline engines, that is why diesels get long life from the turbo without synthetics.

This is why almost nobody will recommend a conventional oil for a turbo engine.

0w40 sounds fine to me, because the related Mitsubishi turbo engine calls for 0w40 in below freezing conditions.


Ford recommends conventional for a turbo engine.

 

[92saturnsl2]

Thanks fellas, it sounds like I should stay with something that meets ACEA A3 (primarily for the HTHS requirement), which rules out the thinner synthetics and most conventionals.

What do you all think of Mobil1 HM 10w-30? It meets ACEA A3, along with Valvoline Maxlife Syn 10w-30, GC 0w-30, and a couple others. What is it about the High Mileage 10w-30's that meets ACEA A3, while the standard synthetics do not. Thicker xw-30 viscosity at operating temp?

I'm still not sold on the requirement for a 40 weight, especially in winter. Maybe GC 0w-30 is the ticket. There's also a couple interesting Amsoil offerings sold locally that might pay for themselves if drains could be extended. Sounds like a future UOA is in order

 

[SteveSRT8]

You may wish to peruse the specs, as M1 0W-40 is one of the lighter 40 weights already.

Some 30 weights are almost the same or even heavier.

The oil you are considering is for vehicles with a consumption or leak issue and high miles. Don't use it unless you are willing to use it forever. You are also not allowing for that hot day when you use the boost!

 

[Toto]

Originally Posted By: Since1941
You can try the new Pennzoil Ultra/Mopar 0w40. The dealer is the only place to get it. However, it is what they are recommending for all the new SRT vehicles.



This oil is also available for purchase on the Pennzoil web site.
Toto.

 

[mgm13]

Mopar turbo applications are tough duty for oil regardless of which one you choose-I do not recommend any extended drain intervals.5,000 miles is enough and either of the suggested 0-40's are perfect for your app year round.If you don't want to do this you should not have bought a turbo.