The owner's manual says 10w-40, but gives no other specifics. The reason for my question is this: My Esprit specifies Valvoline 20w-50 RACING oil because "racing" oil has an otherwise illegal level of anti-scuff agents (like Zinc) to prevent excessive cam wear. I'm told roller rockers eliminate this need, but I don't know if the 348 has roller rockers. Anyone know? Does the 348 use roller rockers? Is there a preferred oil that a Ferrari dealer would use?
There has been a boat load of discussion about this in the past. Do a search. After I read all of it a few years ago, I decided ti use Mobil 1 0W40.
The 348 does NOT have roller rockers, in fact, it doesn't have rockers at all. It has cam lobes acting directly on the shims in inverted buckets. I've been using Castrol 20/50 for years.
Royal Purple 5W30, always. Has never let me down. Red Line Superlite shockproof in the gearbox. --Mike
First of all: not all racing oils have extra anti-wear agents (ZDDP, etc.) Second: none of this is illegal stuff. Third: you really don't want to be using any oil with a starburst symbol on the can in a Ferrari. Fourth: The only thing illegal would be putting a starburst label on a can of oil with high levels of ZDDP, or viscocities above 10W-30. But, you know, there is a reason for the OIL TEMPERATURE gauge in the car. It can tell you if you are using an oil that is too thin or too thick. When used properly. If your oil pressure at idle (hot engine) is above 50 PSI, the oil is simply too thick. If the oil pressure at 4000 RPMs is under 70 PSI, the oil is too thin.
In the UK...........Castrol GTX Magnatec 10w-40 (having read the 'tons' of blurb on this I decided to stick to the recommended viscosity range).
Don't need specs when I have results. 3 race cars, 4 high performance street cars. I have torn down my old LS1 Corvette motor which I open tracked hard and have found no excessive wear which I attribute to RP. There was even noticeable heat reduction in my 428FE which I ran in my Cobra replica when I switched to RP. Just my .02 --Mike
I have never read it put so precise like that. Now I have to check my car this weekend. <50 at idle >=70 at 4000 RPM Kai
Remember this is for 348s and F355s and does not extend to any and all Ferraris older or newer than 348s and F355s.
