5W/50

Whats wrong with the grades recommended last month when you asked "What is the most perfect motor oil for the 355??"

 

I was attacked on here by other posters, when I asked such an obvious question such as that. I am glad I am not alone in stating /spotting the obvious.
I based my query on the fact that he has owned his 355 for 9 years IIRC. And i wondered what did he do to the car in all that time, that he did not know the absolute basics. It was an innocent enough query....so I thought. Then it all became twilight zone

 

I run Mobil 1 0w40 European blend as it has higher zinc content than the other (non-racing) grades. If anything, my oil pressure is on the high side with that weight so unless you typically run the oil temps really hot, I don't know why you'd go with the 50...

 

When I used Mobil 1 the oil would foam in the tank. I changed to Napa full synthetic at half the price and it doesn't foam.

 

If your hot oil pressure drops below 20psi at idle, with a 40 wt, I would change to a 50 wt. Otherwise, run the 40 wt. and enjoy a little more performance.

 

You see there is absolutely no need for tha my friend. I see you

 

I would not worry about low idle pressure. That is a constant non-issue on this forum.

If I recall correctly, once warm, the oil pressure needs to be about the same as the tach. 7,000 RPM should get you 70 PSI...etc.

FWIW I have used 5W40 in my 355 and it has been fine on pressures. 50W seems pretty thick for the car unless you are really putting your foot in it.

Redline oil works really well in the 355. It is HORRIBLE in my TR8. I am chalking that up to a high pressure sump system in the 355 that needs a higher flow oil versus the low pressure system in the TR8 that really likes the 10w40 Mobile1.

In both cases I add a ZDDP additive like this: http://www.redlineoil.com/product.aspx?pid=121&pcid=1

YMMV

 

But doesn't the ZDDP additive wreak havoc on the cats? At least that's what I've been led to believe but could easily be wrong.

 

Its the amount of volume at idle that matters, thinner gives you more volume to those tight gaps

Tight gaps and lubrication is a hobby of mine ...

 

While volume must be sufficient, volume alone will not prevent bearing seizure. You must have pressure (depending on engine, around 6-8 psi) to maintain the oil film between crank journal and bearing. This is only at idle. As rpm's rise, the force the oil has to cope with rises. As a general rule of thumb for performance engines, you want 10psi of oil pressure for every 1000 rpm's. Thus if you are at 6000 rpm, you want to see at least 60psi pressure on your gauge, otherwise you risk catastrophic damage.

 

I guess if you were burning oil....perhaps. But as far as I know, it is a not a problem. However, my research was primarily geared toward wear prevention on my TR8 and not preserving the catalytics....the ones on the TR8 are 12 years old and appear fine....and that car does burn oi. Interested to hear what others say on your question.

It is about volume. High pressure at idle can be counter productive.

Hahahahahahahahahahahaha


Must


not


respond

Yes. Zero PSI = bad. I hope I did not convey that pressure was a non issue....just the topic.

You need the flow to keep things cool and lubed. Dropping below 10 PSI at idle on a hot car is not uncommon from what has been posted on this forum previously.

 

I once ran Mobil1 15w-50 and the cold start oil pressure was insanely high. I switched back to Mobil 1 0w-40. I think a 5w-40 or 0w-40 would be preferable, and is within what Ferrari recommends. If you are on the track, then you might do something different.

 

i run Mobil 1 5W-50 and it runs brilliantly in my 348......but i mainly chose it because of our weather here.....its not noticeably "heavier" than the 40 grade which used to be her prior to that...

 

When in doubt, go with factory spec

 

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! - your location says London UK

Shell Helix 5W40 is in every Shell garage with a Ferrari badge on it to reassure you

Now tell me there aren't any SHell garages in the UK !

Halfords also carry that grade in own brand and they have nearly 500 stores in the UK

SHell & Mobil equivalent are also on both Amazon & Ebay

 

Really?

Mail order: I have used these guys many times in the past, and they are excellent.

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-68976-shell-helix-ultra-5w-40-fully-synthetic-engine-oil.aspx​

Mail order / store collection: Used them a couple of times for generic parts for my MINI.

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/car-accessories/engine-oils-and-car-fluids/engineoils/5w40-engine-oil/?521772211&0&cc5_248​

Collection from any Shell petrol station:

http://www.shell.co.uk/home/content/gbr/products_services/on_the_road/consumer_lubricants_tpkg/cars/find_right_car_oils/helix_ultra/ultra/​

Honestly, it's not at all difficult.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

It might help if you told us where it is then.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

I run mobile 0w-40 European blend. No issue . Last oil change I used Castrol because they were out of Mobile . Never again ! It foamed