Oil Recommendation?

[siefert]

I have a MAzda 3 witha 2.3L gas engine 160hp/155 ft/lb torque at the crank. (MTX) Drivine exlusively in arizona/nevada environments (rarely below freezing temps even at night). I drive it pretty hard and was wondering what kind of oil I should use? Manufacturer recommends 5w-20 but I was wondering if there is something that can protect as well as woirk better than Mobil 1? Thanks.

 

[vad]

RedLine
It costs more though.
$7 per quart.
I just noticed that they don't carry 5w-20 anymore.
Hmmm...

 

[siefert]

I heard redline isn't as good as it is cracked up to be. Don't know if that is a true or false statement just a rumor. (Thanks for the welcome)

 

[mshu7]

I have the same car ('05). I do mostly highway driving. Motorcraft 5w20 is a synthetic blend that has gotten great used oil analysis on here and it's cheap for what it is.

If I was going to use a full synthetic, I'd probably just go with Mobil 1 5w20.

I always use WIX filters also.

 

[siefert]

Do they have a cartridge or did you change it to the spin on kind?

 

[John_E]

In an engine calling for 5W-20, I would strongly consider Mobil 1 5w30, which barely makes the 30-weight viscosity class at full operating temperature.

 

[mshu7]

Siefert, I orginally had the cartridge filter but did the spin-on conversion. Spin-on to me is just much more convenient.

 

[thooks]

I'd go with Mobil 1 5W30 and a Wix/Napa Gold/PureONE filter and be done.

I'd keep an eye on the air filter and do an UOA once a year to make sure the dust/sand/dirt is staying out.

 

[Maxima]

Try change oil at Firestone Tire Shop. They will get you Kendall GT-1 (PhilipConoco, Motorcraft) syn-blend oil and Firestone (PureOne) filter for only $12.99 if you have a credit account with them. I believe Ford and PhilipeConoco developed the first 5W-20 syn-blend oil. The GT-1 is priced at dino level and are better than other dino but less than 100% PAO MobileOne. Just change it at 3K OCI and they will also top the fluid and check the tire pressure.