Oil, synthetic vs. standard | FerrariChat

Oil, synthetic vs. standard

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by [email protected], Mar 7, 2010.

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  1. frank@difelice.net

    [email protected] Rookie

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    Francesco DiFelice
    hello;
    I have a 92 mondial T that i have just acquired. Question I have is would the car benefit from adding synthetic oil in the oil change vs standard?
    Car has been serviced with quaker state 10w 40, and has 17K miles.

    thank you for your advise.
     
  2. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ Lifetime Rossa Owner

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    Terry H Phillips
    Francesco- Ferrari thought so when they put out this bulletin recommending Shell 5W-40 or 15W-50 synthetic for all earlier Ferrari engines. My opinion is the Shell is not that great because of foaming issues. I use Valvoline 5W-40 synthetic and others swear by Redline and Mobil-1 European blend (used by Porsche and Mercedes) in 5W-40 or 0W-40. Do not worry about the 5W or 0W being too thin for your car. On synthetics, that is mostly flow characteristics when cold.

    Any comments on oil usually start a cat fight, so we shall see.

    Taz
    Terry Phillips
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    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  3. haith

    haith Rookie

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    Synthetic is definitely the way to go Francesco. Sensible advice from Terry concerning 0W and 5W grades not being an issue. I would advise a 0W - 40 / 5W - 40. If you are using the car hard (eg: track use) and don't use it in a cold climate a 10W - 50 or 10W - 60 will be ideal.
     
  4. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

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  5. speedmoore

    speedmoore Formula 3 BANNED Professional Ferrari Technician

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    You hit the nail on the head. Most US synthetics are no better than crappy junky generic oils. Look at the Zinc and Phospherous amounts before you select any oil. Most all US oils are now only 800 ppm and that is not enough.

    1200 to 1300 ppm will keep your engine protected. The Euro formulas don't have the EPA mandated lesser amount of ZDDP so that is a good choice. Brad Penn is good. Although Mobil 1 reintroduced their 20/50 as a racing oil and has 1300 ppm. If you want more, their VT Racing oil has 1600/1800 ppm.
     
  6. Mfoncerrada

    Mfoncerrada Formula Junior

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    Ok, there are just so many threads on oil and soooo many details one could almost become a chemical engineer here....
    Question. Own an 84 QV Mondial Cabrio, 25K miles, Southern California, street use, no racing....which oil to use? How often to change?

    I know it's all subjective but would like to hear opinions....I don't think I'm highjacking the thread as it's in line with original question...just specifics about weather, use, etc....Tnx
     
  7. tazandjan

    tazandjan Three Time F1 World Champ Lifetime Rossa Owner

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    Miguel- Change oil and filters annually and use a good 5W-40 synthetic and you should be fine. I like Valvoline 5W-40. Read others' advice on oil types. There is no correct answer, only opinions. If you have a trusted mechanic, use what he recommends, but understand why he is recommending it.

    My car uses all Valvoline lubricants and coolant. My technicians love Valvoline products, and I understand why they like each one. Yours may love something else. Redline comes up frequently as great oil and great transmission oil.

    Taz
    Terry Phillips
     
  8. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

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    Thta's one of teh reasons to use Brad Penn in classic Ferraris...it has a high content of ZDDP...just like the old days...
     
  9. frank@difelice.net

    [email protected] Rookie

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    Thank You all for your input, I have decided to go with Mobil one 0w-40 since it is available at the auto parts place, the most I plan on driving is 1000 miles per year on sunny days.
    No track time, just cruising around upstate NY.

    Spring will be here soon!!
    Frank
     
  10. DonJuan348

    DonJuan348 F1 Rookie Owner

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    Francesco

    Make sure its the european blend...that is VERY important
     
  11. DonJuan348

    DonJuan348 F1 Rookie Owner

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    Also,

    does anyone know the ZDDP of Pennzoil Ultra which is "recommended" by Ferrari?
     
  12. dersark_painclinic

    dersark_painclinic Formula Junior

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    Pennzoil and Quaker stat own by shell.
     

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