Too much reading... My head is ready to explode...

[swampy_swimmer]

I have 2002 Toyota 4Runner Sport. Bought with 95K on it, right away changed the conventional oil that was in it with Valvoline Full Synthetic 5w30 (manual recommended). Everything is good but after reading all that stuff from Oil University that Bob put upfront I was about to change it with 0W40. Then I read some staff on the Valvoline site and wanted to go with MaxPower syntethic, after that I came accross Amsoil site and thought they're the best.... You see where it's going right? I don't drive much during the week, on weekend I do ocasional off road (not heavy one), on the beach mostly. Otherwise I'm regular driver, not down to floor kind of guy. Can you guys recommend something for the goog like me, or I'll just stick with what manual says to use.
Thanks a lot.

 

[Drew99GT]

Don't worry, it gets better.

Don't change a thing. Valvoline synthetic is a great choice for your ride.

 

[volk06]

Originally Posted By: swampy_swimmer
I have 2002 Toyota 4Runner Sport. Bought with 95K on it, right away changed the conventional oil that was in it with Valvoline Full Synthetic 5w30 (manual recommended). Everything is good but after reading all that stuff from Oil University that Bob put upfront I was about to change it with 0W40. Then I read some staff on the Valvoline site and wanted to go with MaxPower syntethic, after that I came accross Amsoil site and thought they're the best.... You see where it's going right? I don't drive much during the week, on weekend I do ocasional off road (not heavy one), on the beach mostly. Otherwise I'm regular driver, not down to floor kind of guy. Can you guys recommend something for the goog like me, or I'll just stick with what manual says to use.
Thanks a lot.


You mean Maxlife synpower?

 

[Donald]

If its not a $$ problem, use what is listed on the Amsoil website for your vehicle. Order and its at your door in a day or two.

Below that are many quality synthetics including M1, Valvoline, Pennzoil, and some fancy ones like Redline.

I use PU from Walmart as I think its one of the best oils that is easily available and at a good price per 5 QT bucket.

Save your sleepless nights for when you get your first UOA back.

 

[kam327]

I'm new to this site too and one thing I've learned since joining a few days ago: 99% of drivers will be just fine with a name brand conventional oil. I plan to keep using Motorcraft Synth Blend.

 

[OtisBlkR1]

there all decent, buy whats on sale and stick to a decent schedule.. happy motoring !

 

[swampy_swimmer]

Thanks guys.
[/quote]You mean Maxlife synpower?[/quote]
Yeah, Maxlife or Extended life full synthetic.

What about the weights? Is 0 weight really so much better than 5?

 

[2KBMW]

Welcome. I've been a member here for nine years
and I never get tired of it. Enjoy it and take your
time. I'm a big fan of Valvoline Maxlife myself.
Any high mileage oil will be great to use.

 

[Astro14]

The best oil is the one you can get on sale...

;-)

Everything I have in my cars was bought for less than $4/QT...often as little as $1/QT...on clearance...

 

[HerrStig]

T6 5-40 for a "higher mile engine".

 

[swampy_swimmer]

excuse my ignorance. What's T6 stands for?

 

[beast3300]

Originally Posted By: swampy_swimmer
excuse my ignorance. What's T6 stands for?


Rotella's full synthetic in the 5w40 flavor is T6. Their blends are T5, and straight weights like 30 are T1 I believe.

 

[swampy_swimmer]

thanks, my car's manual calls for 5W30 though

 

[KB2008X]

Originally Posted By: swampy_swimmer
What about the weights? Is 0 weight really so much better than 5?


No, 0 weight is not "really so much better" than 5. For the vast majority of drivers and engines there is no advantage to using anything other than what the owners manual tells you to use.

Now, for some drivers and engines there is an advantage to tweaking the factory recommendation, but it's a small group and if you have to ask, you can be assured that you are not in that group. Be glad you're not.

The only choice you have to make is the brand.

Keith

 

[KB2008X]

Originally Posted By: kam327
I'm new to this site too and one thing I've learned since joining a few days ago: 99% of drivers will be just fine with a name brand conventional oil. I plan to keep using Motorcraft Synth Blend.


Yes ! You are 100% correct, kam327. If only others could get that, too. I suppose it just takes time.

Keith

 

[swampy_swimmer]

Thanks Keith. Just what title says: Tooooo much reading...

Wait, what about better performance at start up?



Nah, just kidding.

Thanks everyone.

 

[WMSmotorhead]

A 0w is better than a 5w if your driving in the Arctic. If you're not, 5w is fine.

 

[dave1251]

You made a fine choice.

 

[ottotheclown]

You say NY which area? Bronx or Buffalo? Answers might need that info. Motorcraft is great.Honda is using the same blend breakdown in their Honda oil they put in most of their cars. Older ones that is.

 

[ABerns]

Originally Posted By: KB2008X
Now, for some drivers and engines there is an advantage to tweaking the factory recommendation, but it's a small group and if you have to ask, you can be assured that you are not in that group. Be glad you're not.


Well said! This is the advice I always give the non-BITOG friends that ask me. I tell them unless they know of a specific reason why they need to run X, just get whatever name brand is on sale.

To the OP: good advice has been given so far. I have nothing to add