UOA @12k miles, synthetc vs. regular oil
 

My Z is now at ~12k miles. Until about 5,500 miles I would just go to the dealership for the standard oil changes at 3k miles or less.

I was curious to see the difference between using synthetic & regular oil. Although I think the results are somewhat skewed because of the engine still breaking in. Either way I'm pleased with the oil/filter combo, it's keeping my motor healthy. I used the same combo again with the last oil change, but I might try something else off the shelf next time. Maybe Pennzoil Platinum and K&N filter or PP w/ a Purolator filter.

1st UOA
10/2009
regular oil & OEM oil filter at the dealership
~3k miles & ~3 months of use (NJ)
80% city / 20% highway

2nd UOA
3/2010
Castrol Syntec 5w-30
K&N oil filter
~3k miles & ~6 months of use (NJ)
25% city / 75% highway

3rd UOA
5/2010
Castrol Syntec 5w-30
K&N oil filter
~3k miles & ~2 months of use (FL)
25% city / 75% highway
Note: replaced air filters with OEM at about 13,800 miles.

4th UOA
7/2010
Castrol Syntec 0w-30 aka "German Castrol"
4200 miles & months of use
25% city / 75% highway
~30 passes at the 1/4 drag strip

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a...70z/D90482.png

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a...70z/E06088.png

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a...70z/E11950.png

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/a...g?t=1279845517

so what your saying is buy redline oil right?

Sure, if you want to spend the extra money. Redline 5w-30 is $10/ qt versus the $22 I paid for the 5+ qts of Castrol Syntec 5w-30.

That and I just prefer to use off-the-shelf fluids for something changed as often as engine oil. But for diff & trans (something not as often), I use brands like AMSOIL, Motul, Redline, etc.

thats why my friend we have amazon

Yes but it still comes out to a bit more than $10/qt even if you buy in bulk from amazon. More than I want to spend for motor oil, 370Z or not. I will try other off the shelf "normal" synthetics and have them tested but I don't feel the need to spend that much on motor oil.

Give German Castrol a try. 0w-30 European Formula. Can be found at your local Autozone and sometimes Pep Boys.

Good stuff!! yeah, oil is completely personal preference. I myself use redline but that's only because it helps me sleep at night. No evidence stating one oil is better than another. Thanks for the useful info +rep!

your regular oil was the nissan ester, correct? the changes look excellent!

It was not Nissan ester oil, just the regular stuff.

how much do the tests cost?

i think it's $22.50 from blackstone...

FYI: Pureone by Purolator's your best bet, oil filter-wise, according to an engineer who tested them ALL on the market. I'm just passing on the info', man.

so that can be added to his oil change price here and there so he is still paying a little extra for his changes if he keeps getting tests done.

It's another $10 for the TBN test, I wanted to see how the oil would be after 6 months & 3k miles. And I don't mind paying for the testing, I get some good info out of it. More than likely I'll keep testing my oil, I'm a bit of a nerd.

I have less than 500 miles on my Z, when should I make the first Oil Change, and what oil do you prefer...... I have always used Mobil 1 Syn... also does the syn effect the oil temp. issues ?