What type/viscosity oil do you use in your 355? | FerrariChat

What type/viscosity oil do you use in your 355?

Discussion in '348/355' started by EFerrari34, Jul 19, 2022.

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  1. EFerrari34

    EFerrari34 Formula Junior
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    Jun 19, 2021
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    I understand what Ferrari recommended in the 90's, but I'm curious about what people are really using & experiences.

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. tatry68

    tatry68 Karting

    Oct 27, 2013
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    Chicago Suburbs
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    Stan
    I use penzoil ultra 5W-40
     
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  3. Mike Morrissey

    Mike Morrissey Formula 3
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    I use Red Line 5w-40.
     
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  4. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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  5. Targatime

    Targatime Formula 3

    Feb 22, 2014
    1,450
    Los Angeles
    Amsoil Premium Protection full synth 10w40. Higher ZDDP. The factory spec oil has changed since the 90's, dunno why people are still using it.
     
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  6. Mitch Alsup

    Mitch Alsup F1 Veteran

    Nov 4, 2003
    9,734
    I have been using Mobil 1 TDT 5W40 for 15-odd years.
     
  7. Ferrarium

    Ferrarium F1 Veteran
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    Bingo on that oil.

    Sent using FerrariChat.com mobile app
     
  8. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
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    #8 Rifledriver, Jul 20, 2022
    Last edited: Jul 20, 2022
    Have you ever seen any damage in any Ferrari engine made since 1974 as a result of too little ZDDP?

    I know I haven't.

    The parts protected by ZDDP are typically reused during engine overhauls after simply being washed.
    It is a cure looking for a disease.


    Plain old 0-40 or 5-40 Mobile one works great.
     
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  9. Targatime

    Targatime Formula 3

    Feb 22, 2014
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    I haven't, but I have seen plenty of early 911 engines with this problem. When I tore down my early 911 engine I found cam lobe pitting. Obviously, air-cooled 911 valvetrain is a different design than 355. But there was more ZDDP in 90's oils than today, and there's no meaningful price difference in buying Amsoil, so that's what I do. Probably pointless.
     
  10. Ferrarium

    Ferrarium F1 Veteran
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    Interesting point yes,and I suspect very true, I can't talk to failure but I can say my valve train had more noise when I ran oil that had lower zdp like the factory Pennzoil. Same on my old STP spec c. Maybe it's a red herring. Shims were in spec as well.

    I'll say this if there is questions about oil head over to bittog.

    Sent using FerrariChat.com mobile app
     
  11. johnk...

    johnk... F1 World Champ
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    Jun 11, 2004
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    Read a research paper years ago on ZDDP level and flat tappet engines. Simply stated the conclusion was that higher levels of ZDDP protect longer, as in more running hours, or conversely miles, but not better. I can't imagine that with the typical miles/year Ferrairs are driven there is any more protection provided by ZDDP level of 1300 compared to 900. I have never been concerned about it personally. As long as the oil is the correct type and meets the models required specs, I'm good with any brand, Castrol, Pennzoil, Shell, Mobile..... Use them all in my 355 and 308. Never any problem and I've owned the 308 for 37 years. Can't speak to racing engines.
     
  12. PaulK

    PaulK F1 Rookie
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    Why did you choose this over the Z-Rod?
     
  13. junglistluder

    junglistluder F1 Rookie
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    Mar 23, 2007
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    I use Liqui Moly 5W40 High Tech synthetic. Never had any issues.
     
  14. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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  15. Senshi458

    Senshi458 Formula Junior
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  16. Targatime

    Targatime Formula 3

    Feb 22, 2014
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    A 355 doesn't need that much ZDDP. I can't remember the exact PPM numbers but if I recall correctly the "premium protection" is something like 1200 and the Z-rod is 1400. I wanted an oil that replicated the 1990's ZDDP level.
     
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  17. ShineKen

    ShineKen F1 World Champ
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    Don't you love it when Barry follows up with photos of his car? Legendary.
     
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  18. 308 GTB

    308 GTB F1 World Champ
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    :)

    Here's one with sound, Ken...





    Turn 8 at Watkins Glen International. You can get an idea of how an F355 Challenge sounds as I pick up speed exiting the turn in 3rd gear.
     
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  19. pj911

    pj911 Karting

    Jun 10, 2005
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    I just had a major service on my f355 challenge at a Ferrari dealership and they used Pakelo Krypton XT LA 5w-40
     
  20. SoCal1

    SoCal1 F1 Veteran
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    Seriously, no extra virgin yet?
     
  21. PaulK

    PaulK F1 Rookie
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    Interesting point. I will consider this for my next oil. I was going to do the Z-Rod but that's a good point that you've made.
     
  22. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

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    Last I heard Ferrari does not use Pwagen engines so has no relevance.
     

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