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5W30, 5W20, what's best?

Old 07-31-2013, 11:43 AM
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5W30, 5W20, what's best?

I have an '03 SE with 146k miles. I bought it a few months ago, and I'm still trying to figure out if she's burning oil or not. I hear that's quite common. It looses about half a quart every 3k miles. It does have a leak in the oil cooler (I'm replacing the seal this weekend). Hopefully that'll solve that problem. The last time I had the oil changed, my mechanic used Mobil Drive Clean 5W20. My questions are: should I keep using that? Is it better than 5W30? What's the difference? What would be the most recommended viscosity for this car? Synthetic blend? Any insight on this will be appreciated as I am changing the oil this weekend.
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Old 07-31-2013, 11:50 AM
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Owners manual recommends 10w-30. Some people who live in cold climates use 5w-30 in the winter. Some people on this form use conventional, while others use synthetic. It really depends if you're willing to spend more for synthetic oil.
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Old 07-31-2013, 11:51 AM
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there's a sticky in the "fluids and lubricants" section that you should read.
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Old 07-31-2013, 01:36 PM
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10W-30, you live where I live, it's hot 24/7 365 Days and keep using conventional if you have been, high mileage will work.
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Old 07-31-2013, 03:47 PM
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That's a much larger question than you think it is.

Bob is the Oil Guy

/thread
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Old 07-31-2013, 03:52 PM
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Anyone know which spark plugs are good for the max? Was also looking at intakes, or should I just get a k&n drop in filter? Will it hurt my maf?
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Old 07-31-2013, 05:22 PM
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This thread looks very similar to another thread -_-
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Old 07-31-2013, 05:53 PM
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It's all coming back to me now... Said the blind man, as he pissed into the wind.
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Old 07-31-2013, 06:03 PM
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With your miles, I would without a doubt use a 10-30 synthetic. I figure it's best to not be cheap when dealing with your car, if you want it it to last.
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Old 07-31-2013, 06:53 PM
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Conventional 20 weight in a VQ
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Old 07-31-2013, 08:11 PM
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I have been making my way to a 0w but then again I live in the south where we can ride summa tires all year too lol
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Old 07-31-2013, 08:39 PM
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Originally Posted by NmexMAX
Anyone know which spark plugs are good for the max? Was also looking at intakes, or should I just get a k&n drop in filter? Will it hurt my maf?
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Old 07-31-2013, 08:48 PM
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+1 on BITOG.
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