So, I think we can put this one to rest? :hello:

Just FYI Folks,

I just had my first oil change at my Nissan dealer and according to my service manager, there is now a specific service bulletin from Nissan regarding making the ester oil highly recommended although not required for the 3.7 engine.

Also interesting is that this oil is apparently a Penzoil Platinum product and qualifies for their current $50 rebate after the proscribed number of oil changes.

Now; I haven't confirmed any of the above with Nissan Corporate but that is what the dealer told me.

My question is, is there a cheaper ester based oil that we can get from an auto parts store that will work just as well?

Synthetic with Esters is easy to get but petro based with Esters is tough. I haven't come across any major brands that do it.

Supposedly German Castrol GTX but stores don't sell it anymore. I'm trying to figure this one out as well.

... maybe Nissan coming out with their own oil is justified after all.

Is this oil new to the 370Z or has it been at the dealerships for several years?

To my knowledge, it's been out since the G37 has been out.

My dealer told me it isnt necessary, however it will make the engine run a lot quieter if you run it. You wont harm the engine by running different oil, its just going to click a lot because of the valvetrain.

I would suggest that if you can hear it, there is some wear happening, albeit not very much. Anything to improve the mechanical knocks/sounds is a good thing.

Red Line Break In Additive
 

So I'm wondering if Red Line's Engine Oil Break In Additive would be a good addition to the oil since it states that "designed for flat-tappet camshaft engines and essential for solid-roller and hydraulic roller valve train".

It also states: "For use in conventional motor oils lacking zinc, phosphorous (ZDDP) and anti-wear additive packages necessary for protecting against excessive camshaft and valve train wear".

It seems a lot of observations on motor oil change are about valve noise. I wonder if this additive with be a good addition at regular oil change intervals. I plan on using a full synthetic (royal purple) so maybe it's not as necessary as with other types of oil?

Mostly the ZDDP issue regarding 'flat-tappet camshafts', etc is about traditional race engines that were designed for oils with ZDDP. Our engine was designed for SM-rated oil with the reduced ZDDP levels, I don't think it needs ZDDP added.

This is what I was told by the master tech at my dealer too.

I assume my 370Z came from the factory with Nissan Ester in it. I've changed the oil twice since then NOT using Nissan Ester (Castrol GTX) and I can hear absolutely no difference in the sound of the engine today (~7,700 miles) versus the day I took delivery (8 miles). Just sayin'

Ester is mostly likely in the Castrol GTX formulation.

I bought the Nissan Ester oil for $9.59 a quart if interested send me a PM and I will get the info and where I bought it

Do we have a list of affordable synthetics that contain esters?