The reciepts for my 1995 F355 reflect oil changed, by the dealer, approximately every 3,000 miles. It seems a little sacreligeous to jump ship now just to save a few bucks. Is there any reason not to continue to use the factory fill Shell Helix oil? thanks, JM
Hard to get, very expensive and a very average product. From the foaming I have experienced from it and the hot oil pressure problems I would never use it by choice.
To understand oil better, read these articles of mine: http://ferrarichat.com/forum/faq.php?faq=new_faq_item#faq_haas_articles Testing used engine Shell Helix Ultra oil shows that it performs well but thins fast. Maybe this is good but I would prefer to use an oil that is 30 grade and stays that way than use a 40 grade oil that thins to some unknown 30 or 20 grade level. Many are using 0W-40 but in newer, unworn engines it may be that a 30 grade oil is better. The Maranello 575 shipped from Ferrari with 30 wt. oil in the engine. It comes that way. aehaas
I use Redline 5-40. In this climate it is a great year round choice. We go from about 30-110 degrees with quite a lot of 85-100 during the peak season. My experiences at Bonnevile have made me a believer. What Ali says about the Shell makes sense from my observations. On hot days in hard driven cars and on track days I have seen way too many cars running Shell lose oil pressure at idle to the degree the warning light comes on. Ferrari's response to that problem was very typical. Rather that getting rid of Shell (that would cost them a couple of hundred million and we sure wouldn't want to lose that income endorsing a questionable product) They suggested going to 10-60. Just another Ferrari Band-Aid.
As an aside after a major block cleaning and rebuilding in my Studz we experienced coolant foaming. It seems even thoroughly rinsed block cleaner hangs around and can cause foaming. We spoke to anti freeze guys who recommended adding "Rug Doctor" anti foaming, driving for a while and flushing. Seemed to work fine. (Not for foaming oil)
