"What is the best oil?" sticky

[jtaylor]

Well, since I am new I will say Hi!
Ok I am strongly thinking about Redline 5w20 oil.
But in order to recommend an oil, you guys said you need a lot of info:
2008 Honda Accord Coupe V6
-K&N SRI
-Magnaflow dual catback
-6800RPM redline
I live in Southern California
I have tried several oils
-mobil 1 5w-20 was literally BLACK after 5000 miles
-amsoil signature 0w-30, good stuff
-royal purple 5w-20, i have only 2000 miles on the oil
and the engine is already sounding rough
I drive pretty aggressively on the weekends, always trying to practice corner entry and whatnot, pounding the rev limiter, and I need an oil that can put up with that for 3000 miles. The car recommends 5w-20, but because I drive so spiritedly, I thought a slightly thicker oil might be beneficial, hence the uber-premium and thick Redline 5w-20.
Any thoughts or other suggestions?

 

[DieselTech]

IMO redline is the way to go. I love it and their customer service is awesome also.

Checkout the UOA section. I recent redline UOA was posted today with over 10,000 hard miles on it.

Also oil color means very little in the condition of the oil

 

[Ben99GT]

If you are willing to pay the price for it (and it sounds like you are), go for it. IMHO, it's a big step up from everything you've tried so far.

 

[dsmith41]

Redline is made for your application. If the price doesn't bother you, go for it. Do a UOA to see if you really need to change it at 3k miles though. You might be able to go 5k. Also, 5w-20 will probably be okay if that is what it's spec'ed for.

 

[Ben99GT]

Dumping Redline in 3000 miles would be a waste in that car and usage. I'd double that OCI at a bare minimum, RL 5W-20 is a seriously tough oil. It's likely the most robust and shear stable 20-weight you can buy, period.

 

[sangyup81]

If cost is a Factor, Castrol EDGE 5w30 is similar to a 5w20 when not in Operating Temperature but is 5w30 when at Operating Temperature

Otherwise, go with Red Line

 

[hate2work]

Like others have said, if you don't mind paying for it, RL is the good stuff. Amsoil makes a very good 5W-20 as well.

 

[Audi Junkie]

I feel that engines connected to a manual transmissions place different demands on the oil than automatics. Think about it, granny driving an automatic that shifts at 2500rpm under low load verses the driving of our new friend.

Although a 20 weight may keep the engine from grenading, I find that thicker oil, 10w-30 (dino) in particular provides a more rewarding experience in terms of engine smoothness and quietness and possibly better wear protection too. I'd go so far as to say even a ...german syntec may be most pleasant.

Now, the OP should really considering doing some lab work on his used oil. He is in So Cal, and it is summertime, so I would strongly suggest trying a 30 weight, do a UOA and compare to a 20 weight under more moderate temps. Unless he does super-short trips, 10w-30 dino or synth would be The One.

 

[Ben99GT]

Originally Posted By: Audi Junkie
Although a 20 weight may keep the engine from grenading, I find that thicker oil, 10w-30 (dino) in particular provides a more rewarding experience in terms of engine smoothness and quietness and possibly better wear protection too.


RL 5W-20 has a higher HTHS viscosity than almost any 10W-30 dino you can find.

 

[Audi Junkie]

I know. I see you use a lot of Redline and also know you are a experienced poster here. I just don't see the benefit of "the best" oil in the mundane application of a stock(ish) Honda engine.

I'm cheap, not poor. I understand caring a lot for your personal car, but I buy oil on sale and generally use the most basic oil I can for the application at-hand. That's just me.

Motor oil is a consumable, just like fuels. I won't over-pay. Talk to me about gear lubes, that I can see spending on a premium product.

 

[jtaylor]

thanx so much guys. It's really nice that I can actually talk to people about engine oil and not have people get mad at me for it. Thank you BOB! haha