During the warranty period it seems that FNA (and therefore the local dealership) require using Shell Helix (at 17.95/qt). After the warranty period what synthetic could be substituted in a 575MM or 360 and at approx what price/qt?
Hi Marty! I am using Mobil 1 synthetic 0w-40, and I know many others are as well. The other popular alternative is Valvoline synthetic 5w-40. Both sell for around $5 per quart. These are the two most popular ones to use in place of the "liquid gold" of Shell Ultra Helix. See you soon! Dave
Hmm... i seem to recall someone here saying it was illegal to demand a customer use 'X' brand of oil or void warranty. Use Mobile 1 synth 0W-40, save the $$$ for a nice dinner out and enjoy the drive
I have a local quick-fit workshop that charges 70 EUR for an oil change with Helix 0W-40 .. .. hell, even gasoline is only slightly cheaper over here
True. Quoted from the Amsoil website: "The manufacturer is required by Federal Law to cover all equipment failures it would normally cover as long as the oil meets API service requirements and specifications and was not the cause of failure. In addition, the Federally mandated Magnuson - Moss Act states that a manufacturer may not require a specific brand or type of aftermarket product unless it is provided free of charge." "Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Improvement Act and general principles of the Federal Trade Commission, a manufacturer may not make its vehicle warranty conditional on the use of any specific brand of motor oil, oil filter or any other component, unless the manufacturer provides it to the customer free of charge. An equipment manufacturer can obtain a waiver if it proves to the FTC that its equipment will function properly only if specific brands of motor oil, oil filters or other components are used. The FTC must be satisfied that this is in the public interest, and this waiver must be published in the Federal Register. This is considered a "waiver" of the prohibitions on conditions of written warranty. If an OEM requires a customer to use its motor oil and oil filters, the customer should demand the products free of charge. If the demand is refused, the customer should ask for a copy of the warrantor's approved FTC waiver. You should also be aware that you may have additional rights under applicable state warranty laws, which can vary from state to state."
An independent guy I've used insists on the Helix. He's serviced in excess of a 1,000 Ferrari's(he worked at the dealer) and says that's what he recommends.(can't remember the exact reason he gave other than it's more compatible) Anyway, he'll put in anything you want, so he could really care less but this is advice.
Few of our F cars are going to get enough mileage for the oil to make any difference. now if it was you daily driver and you did 15K a year, just maybe Helix or even Mobil 1 would make a differnece to you overhaul bill, which you would be anticipating in oh...8 or 9 years time! For the rest of us, its affectation. Use new oil, the right weight and the brand, any brand will do. Owners of 250 GTOs and 1970 or earlier and track driven models excepted of course.
