Z Oil Change: Miles or Time?

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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"America.... still builds rockets!"
Vette: 355 cid, 400 rwhp
'13 CTS-V Coupe: 6.2L LSA, 556HP

rebe945

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

LinPark

Oil change is done, sample is taken, and I will mail it out on Tuesday. I'll post up the report once I get it back.

JARblue

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LinPark

As promised, here is the oil report that came back:



I did add the Stillen G3's during this sample so I'm guessing the silicon came from the new air filters on those - not sure why it was even raised given that the silicon is much less than the previous sample. Other than that it looks pretty good - if I stick to his suggestion of 5,000 miles, this oil will stay in the car for almost 2 years. I doubt I'll do that, but would be very interesting to see what would happen - any volunteers?

JARblue

+1

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IDZRVIT

Guessing the silicon may have come from fine particles of sand. Blackstone suggested this in their comments - abrasive silicon. Check your air filter for damage or not fitted properly.

__________________
"America.... still builds rockets!"
Vette: 355 cid, 400 rwhp
'13 CTS-V Coupe: 6.2L LSA, 556HP

LinPark

You could actually add it up from the oil report since all 3 of them are shown - I'm at 1,173+1,963+3,124 = 6,268 - actually drove the car this past weekend so I am right at 6,300 today.

Will do - just seems odd that the amount is half what it was last time after 50% more usage - maybe I'll give them a call and see if he was looking at the wrong row or something. Wouldn't be unheard of to find "abrasive silicon" on the west coast of Florida. Thanks!

370Z Purist

Wow, 14 months and only 3100 miles? I change every six months regardless of mileage. What does your odometer read?

__________________
-Phil

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