I am a new (2000 mile) 2011 Z owner. I just replaced the factory oil with Mobil 1. The normal oil temperature before the change was 205, but now runs at 220 during regular driving. I was expecting an oil temp drop changing to synthetic but instead got the 15 degree rise. Any ideas why this would be and is it OK given the oil temperature issues I have read here? Knowledgable responses would be appreciated.

^^ likely unrelated. You might see drops in oil temps going from old oil to new, but you'd see that no matter what oil you changed to. Not clear why yours would rise given the assumption that the ambient temps and humidity were more or less the same as before. In any event, 220 is nothing to worry about.

Just so long as you're using a synthetic oil with the correct viscosity you're going to be OK. I personally use the Wal-mart brand, SuperTech full synthetic oil on my personal cars. We won't void any warranties if you car comes in with Amsoil, mobil 1, Redline, RP, or any other synthetic oil so it's just personal preferrence. Main thing is to change it on time.

You won't be able to do much "spirited driving" with that temp that high before goin into limp mode. Oil doesn't effect the tempature of the engine as far as going from nissan's oil to mobil 1. I thought that same thing but the Z's come with a ester based oil from factory and mobil one claims to have ester in there oil. If you research you will find that Mobil 1 full synthetic is a ISLAG GF-5 and Nissan runs a ISLAC GF-6.

actual ECU controlled "limp mode" doesn't kick in until around 270-280. I've had plenty of spirited 10-15 miles drives where I started at 220 and ended at 240 or so. I've come nowhere close to limp mode and I live in Texas.

That said, some people (myself included) have noticed at times some sluggish low RPM response when the oil is > 220. I don't know what that is, but it isn't limp mode.

Hey Z QUALITY......interesting note you wrote about voiding warranties. You "indicated" that a full synthetic is required to not void the Nissan warranty, however, my Nissan dealer's normal oil change for my new Z is regular, non-synthetic oil. I have free oil changes for life as part of my purchase, but paid an upgrade difference for the Mobil 1. My dealer didn't even offer the Nissan, ester-based, synthetic oil everyone talks about. My dealer/service manager thought my whole conversation about oil was pretty silly.

Not to be a stickler ....Ok I'm being a stickler ... but Z Quality never "indicated" that synthetic is required for warranty. He said if you use synthetic, you won't void your warranty which is true -- (assuming the synthetic meets the viscosity and other requirements outlined in the warranty document). You are also right that any oil regular or synthetic will not void the warranty as long as it meets their specifications.

:tiphat:

Indeed, Synthetic is not required at all. This thread was about different synthetics and that I why I worded my reply the way I did. Youc an use any oil that you choose. We don't care if it's Castrol 20W50 or Redline 0W20. All that we ask is that you change it regularly. Beyond that, it's personal preference on what oil you choose to run. I personally stick with the recommended viscosity and run SuperTech synthetic in my 2011 Nismo.

Hey Guys....sorry I misread Z Quality's reply....obviously, I'm just learning, but trying to do the right thing.
Another question....5W30 is the specified oil for the Z, but I keep reading about the advantages of other viscositys (sp?) such as Mobil 1's 0W40.....what do you guys think about this?

Follow the recommendations in your Owner's Manual. It's far better advice than you'll get anywhere on the internet unless you have a specific use for your Z other than normal day to day driving and occasional spirited driving. 5W-30 covers a broad range of outdoor temperatures so don't get all hung up on what is the best oil for the Z - because there isn't any one best oil! It's personal preference and dino oil is perfectly fine for your Z. For now, use 5W-30 until you educate yourself on the types and usage for different weights of oil.

Btw, to answer your question - is Mobil 1 bad? You should rephrase the question and ask if anyone has lost an engine using Mobil 1 that was directly attributable to the oil breaking down during normal use. I have not heard of anyone and I will continue to use Mobil 1 in all my vehicles.

Truth in Advertising: BP v. Royal Purple

Been posted before, but just a little food for thought on royal purple...

That is because your car is retarding the timing to make the car sluggish. This was brought up in another thread on this site. It took me less than 2 minutes to get from 235-260 doing some canyon carving in the high deserts here in cali. A.T. was 103 and when i got into palm springs it was 116. I was able to do about 70seconds worth of wide open throttle going up this canyon road and it shot up to 260 in no time. I had to baby it for the next 20 minutes to get her to cool down. I too did notice it getting sluggish.

This is from Mobile 1:

http://www.mobiloil.com/usa-english/...Ester_Oil.aspx

:iagree:

It seems that all of our cars have unique quirks or characteristics. My car heats up to 220 fast, but is slow to rise to higher levels. I've certainly never hit 260. Perhaps the 'verts -- being less aerodynamic -- get more air running through them. Also, temps were not hitting 116 -- though they were pretty close this summer ...

Also people mean different things by "spirited driving" I've never kept my revs wound up to 7k for 15 minutes straight ... more like 4-5k spurts on the twisties during my Lime Creek Drive runs