Z Oil Change: Miles or Time?

Shamrock

Sorry, I meant if the gt-r oil will damage my z engine. I didn't phrase it write. What is the difference etween the the gt-r oil and the z oil? What is a oil based ester? Thanks


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JARblue

From his link above, the GT-R uses 6-quarts Mobil 1 Synthetic 0W40. For the Z I use 5W-30, which is recommended by Nissan. If you have 0W40 in there now, I'm not sure whether you should immediately change it out or not. I know I would just because I'm like that, but perhaps someone else can weigh in with a more precise answer.

I believe it is "ester-based oil" and there are numerous threads on this topic already.

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370Z Purist

Typically a heavier weight oil is better suited for warmer or hot climates. A few people who drive in colder weather will convert to 0W-20 or 5W-20. I personally run 5W-30 since it's the recommendation, and since I typically warm the car and the oil to at least 180 until driving harder (keeping RPM under 3000, etc.)

There's no real need to change that oil immediately, since you're apparently in Israel and I'm guessing it stays pretty warm there.

Ester oil is nothing really special; it's any synthetic oil with an added ester base. In the Z it will reduce or eliminate valvetrain noise. It's also reputed to be more durable for higher performance engines, but proof is far and few in between.

I also noticed you started a new thread completely. The things that members have written there are good pieces of advice. Me, personally, I'd just wait 3k miles and change the oil back to 5W-30 using whatever oil you want. I'd stick with a synthetic, and this way, you don't waste your new Mobil 1 oil.

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-Phil

"Since one of my brake light bulbs just went out, the forum told me that my piston rings are about to blow."

Shamrock

Purist, I don't understand why you say to stick with a synthetic my next oil change as to not waste my Mobil 1. Also from what I understand Mobil 1 is ester based. 1. Why is 0W40 used in the gt-r if technically 5w30 is better?
2. Is it ok to go back to 5w30 after 0w40 or will it affect my engine seals?
3. Isn't the difference between the two oils that the 0w40 is better for cold starts and has a thicker viscosity at higher temps? If so why is this not preferable?
4. What does this mean? "all 0w oils lose ability at operating temperature to enable them to get down the the 0w acting?

Totally confused here

JARblue

I didn't see anyone state that 5W-30 is better than the 0W-40. And I certainly didn't see anyone state that 5W-30 is better for the GT-R.

It's fine - it won't affect your seals.

Bob the Oil Guy is a wonderful resource to better understand these differences.

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Shamrock

Purist is saying to go back to 5w30. He's saying that because he believes it's better for the z. I don't understand why it's better. I don't understand why there is less valve train noise with the 5W30. All I want is what's best for the car.

JARblue

Nissan recommends 5W-30 for the Z. Nissan recommends 0W-40 for the GT-R. The two cars aren't really in the same league, so I'm not sure why you're questioning whether 5W-30 is really better for the Z. Nissan recommends it for the car they designed and built - what more do you want? It sounds like doing the research yourself is the only way you'll be satisfied with an answer.

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Shamrock

I understand that Nissan recommends the 5W30 for the z. I don't yet understand why the 0w40 is not better. They may see not need to pay extra for the 0w40 but I still haven't heard which is better. I have heard what's good but not what's better.

MacLean

Shamrock, I'm curious as to why you didn't do your research before hand on wanting the oil that is put in the GT-R. Both cars are completely different & in different leagues to begin with. It is like wanting to put oil from a Ferrari 458 Italia into a Fiat 500 Abarth even though Fiat owns a percentage of Ferrari. Stick with what is recommended, or just go with synthetic oil from Redline, Mobile 1, Valvoline & etc........

Shamrock

My friend has owned a Z for two years and he told me to ask for the gtr oil. The oil I put in is Mobil 1 but 0w40 and not 5w30. The only question is what is the difference between the two besides viscosity? Which protects the engine more? One has an ester and one doesn't? Guys, from a purely mechanical point of view which is better for the z? Who cares about value. Who cares about dealer recommendations. Which is the better?

LinPark

It really depends what sport you enjoy the most - if Golf is your thing then choose the 0 but if baseball is your thing then go with the 5.

Now stop hi-jacking this thread - it's meant to discuss Miles vs Time.

JARblue

Why don't you ask your friend since he's the one whose advice you took originally without your own research?

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370Z Purist

Shamrock, you've completely hijacked the thread, and I don't see why you still post on this thread when you've got your own specific one for your specific question.

Unless you care to do the research like many others have, anything that anyone might tell you could be true or false, and either way, if you don't understand what they're saying, you don't learn anything anyway. You might even learn the wrong thing.

Here's what I can tell you.

0W40 is thinner at cold temperature, and thicker at operating temperature. This is only in comparison to 5W30, which is a bit thicker at cold temperatures and thinner at operating temperature. I recommend running a generally thinner oil since it has to do with how motors are manufactured and how the Z typically runs a hotter oil temp and various other miscellaneous factors that would be lost on laymen such as us. I'm not even sure if I'm completely correct in saying that. Hence, I would recommend 5W30 Nissan Ester Oil, as it is the factory fill, is not some cheap dino or baseline synthetic that comes on a Camry or similar, and because as far as I know, the oil was specifically created for use in the 370Z. Forum members have also noticed a much quieter valvetrain, and for that reason, is good incentive to go with the OEM fill. After all, why would the manufacturer recommend a specific oil or even a specific oil weight if there was no reasoning behind it?

Mobil 1 is not ester, period. I stated this in your thread.

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-Phil

"Since one of my brake light bulbs just went out, the forum told me that my piston rings are about to blow."

IDZRVIT

My understanding of Nissan ester oil is the micro diamond particles and not so much the ester that makes this oil unique for the Z. The diamond particles in the oil will polish the bearing journals with continued use. The smoother finish on the journals will reduce friction and hence, reduce heat. I don't use this oil. I use Mobil 1 5W-30 and my drivetrain is quiet.

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rebe945

I to have very few miles so I change right prioir to Winter storage and in April.