5W50 or 10W40..??
 

Hi guys,

I'm getting close to the time of my second oil change. So far I've been using the oil the dealer has (Castrol Synthetic 5W30). I am planning on switching to Red Line Oil but can't decide between 5W50 or 10W40.

According to Red Line, 5W50 is popular in high performance engines on high temperature climates. I understand 10W40 is to be used in high temp. climates as well and when you "abuse" the car.

I live in Panama, Central America. Average temps. are always between 85F-90F year-round. I sometimes do engage in some aggressive driving but never track the car... This is also my daily driver.

I have my mind set on Red Line, just not sure whether to go 5W50 or 10W40 in my specific case.

I already got a FilterMag SS250, a Project Kics Magnetic Oil Drain Bolt, and a K&N HP-1008 filter waiting for the next oil change. Only deciding on the motor oil itself.

On another note, I'm also planning on adding Water Wetter to my cooling system. Any guidelines on what's the correct procedure on this..?? I know I need to flush everything out but what quantities of water wetter and how much water..??

I appreciate any help I can get! Thanks again!

Nobody? Any help appreciated! :confused::confused:

As a rule of thumb, you can increase your viscosity level by 1 ( going from 5W-30 to 5W-40). However, I don't feel comfortable doing this on new engines as their close tolerances might not allow for adequate lubrication with a thicker oil.

Also, there is no such thing as too thin of an oil on startup. Even if you are in Panama where you have really high temperatures, your engine will always pump an oil with a lower "winter" number (the 5 in 5W-30) better. Startup is where a lot of wear occurs as parts aren't fully protected by oil.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is that I see no reason why you shouldn't stick with 5W-30. By going with a high quality synthetic, you'll be more than covered in your application.

Redline doesn't market a 5W-30?

:iagree:...Stick with the recommended Viscosity...

Try 5W-50 0r 10W-40 and let us no what happens.

In europe we are using castrol TWS 10w60 or shell helix ultra racing 10w60.

:iagree: Or let us know how much it costs you to fix the valve train issues.

So pretty much everyone agrees I should stick to 5W30. Red Line does have 5W30 so I'll stick to that. I appreciate your input.

Any comments on the Water Wetter for the cooling system? Thanks again!