which motor oil should I use?

I'm currently running regular 5w30 with my turbo and want to switch to synthetics. Which grade and brand do you guys recommends for turbo application. Will there be any noticeable differences?

I would personally recommend Mobil1, not just because it is popular but because it is the only TRUE synthetic motor oil that I know of. Many others claim to be synthetic but are really organic lubricants created under very closely controlled conditions. A full synthetic is much less likely to "coke" in your turbo bearings and kill your investment so it is a very good idea. The source I read suggested 20W-50 as a good choice for turbocharged engines.

I second the opionion to use Mobil 1. I use it in my Acura. Porsche and Corvette recommend Mobil 1, so that should tell you something.

I use to use Castrol Syntec in my last car, and I am 99% sure that it contributed to problems that I had, after running it for 2-3 years.

Mobil 1.

I'm convinced that my car wouldn't be running w/o it.

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96 Integra RS w/JRSC @ 9psi (Thanks Endyn)
JR BTC, ST Rear SwayBar, Eibachs, 15" Eneki's,
mad girlfriend, no money, Mugen and DC stuff.

Maybe it's psychological, but my car seems to feel smoother under acceleration with Mobil 1. Again, maybe I'm on crack, but that's how it feels.
Very good for your engine, as well.

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by VTECPWR:
I second the opionion to use Mobil 1. I use it in my Acura. Porsche and Corvette recommend Mobil 1, so that should tell you something.

I use to use Castrol Syntec in my last car, and I am 99% sure that it contributed to problems that I had, after running it for 2-3 years.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Can you elaborate on the problems you had with Castrol Syntec? I ran it for many years in one of my older cars and never had any trouble.

Thanks,
Sonny

Ive been using Pennzoil 10w-30 (non-syntec) since I got my turbo setup.
Actually, since the motor swap and the first month of turbo, I used Mobil 1 5w-30. When I switched over, I did not notice any difference, however the oil seemed to get dirty faster.
I now change the oil more often (about every 1000-1500mi).

Paul

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12.42@112
Turbocharged Stock B18C1

www.alpharacing.com

The main reason I switched to Syntec from Mobil 1 is that there were many people reporting leaking problems after switching to Mobil 1. I don't remember the specifics, but it had something to do with Mobil 1's interaction with the seals.

I ran Mobil 1 for about 8000 miles and had no trouble. Since installing my Type R head (about 5000 miles ago), I've used Syntec 5w30 and have had no trouble. The oil always looks really clean even after 2000 miles.

Cheers,
Sonny

I prayed at the Mobil 1 altar for many years, but now that some of the racers have converted to the House of Royal Purple, I too took the road less traveled. This stuff is great, and especially on a turbo car (my 3000GT) you can tell a difference. The turbo's spooled up a little quicker, and the car feels stronger. The testimonials and dyno graphs at their site are pretty impressive. When one of my main buddies (used to race IMSA, has national trophies for SCCA, runs his own race biz) in town here switched, I followed quickly. I love the stuff in my 3000, and the Teg is soon to follow http://www.hostboard.com/ubb/smile.gif

Can someone tell me why oil "looking clean" has anything to do with the oil? The cleanness of your oil tells you something about the oil filter and your engine... but not the oil.

I also had problems on my Legend with tapping noises when I ran syntec; adding ATF to the oil got rid of the tapping, so maybe the Syntec is just particularly low in detergents. Which is another reason to keep it away from your turbo.

After running Castrol for a while I started to hear a loud tapping from the engine. There were a couple of other problems, but it has been several years so the tapping is the biggest problem I remember. My gut feeling at the time, was that I was on the verge of having major problems, which is why I bought a new car.

On some of the other boards I have heard some other people complain about Castrol Syntec. But it has been a good while.

Non-synths tend to get dirtier faster, especially under extreme heat conditions. They tend to break down and gum up; when this happens, the oil loses its ability to suspend particles and get them through the filter.

I actually use Amsoil, after extensive research on the subject - Mobil 1 was took a second place on my list. I also use their bypass filter - even when I change the oil after 10K it looks like new!!! They say you can get up to 25K between oil changes under normal conditions, so 10K is more than enough for my car. Yes, oil is much more expensive, but then I rarely have to change it, plus it's much better for my engine in the long run.

Here's a great link - check it out. http://www.vtr.org/maintain/oil-overview.html

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Andrew West
Santa Barbara, CA
2001 4-dr GSR, 6psi JRSC, AEM CAI, DC 4-2-1, Greddy exhaust, B&M FP Gague

What do you guys think of Red Line 5w30??

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97 Acura GS
JRSC (6psi)
Walbro Fuel pump
CarTech FPR
MSD 6AL ignition, coil, distributor, wires
APEX AFC
DC Headers
DC Exhaust
CAI
AEM Cam Sprockets
Jet Racing ECU :)

Rice burning Sleeper :)
San Jose, CA

I use the RedLine myself, it is also a full synthetic not a mix like Castrol Syntec (which I used a long time ago). Pay out the ass every 3000mi. but it's peace of mind (which might be all these "special" oils are worth)

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Much love to the imports :p