Jonny87

Hi guys,
what is the best oil/oil filter for an 04 and 08 350z? Also whats the best brake fluid and trans fluid to add on in case of it being low? I'm learning to do the oil change myself. thank

dcains

iTrader: (15)

You're going to get a different answer from everyone, but I use Mobil 1 5w30 and M1-110 filter. The oil is the type recommended by Nissan but the filter is a bit larger. I've got the 6MT and use Redline in the gearbox and differential. Don't know anything about fluid for the 5AT. I like ATE super blue brake fluid.

MicVelo

^^^ This. But to reiterate and punctuate what Dean said...

Let the oil wars begin!! Heh heh.

To tell the truth, I've used Royal Purple, Lucas, Mobil-Uno motor oils and frankly can't tell the diff. Don't even remember what's currently in it. (Pretty sure it's Mobil-Uno cuz I had shop do it last time cars were up in the air.) People do tend to be religious about their oils and probably for good reasons but I figure as long as it's a good, name brand and it's changed as often as I do it, I'm OK.

Filters, rear end fluid, all Nissan.

Gearbox: Redline MT-85 (for a very specific reason - has necessary friction modifiers for our CD transmissions.)

Brake fluid: any good DOT-4. I prefer to use Motul RBF600 or ATE Super Blue. But any DOT-4 is better than none.

For ATF, use Nissan Matic-S as there are no real crossovers to this spec (that I've ever heard of). This supersedes Matic-J, which you might find around and the manual may spec.

travlee

iTrader: (8)

lazy..... learn to google

dkmura

iTrader: (64)

Unfortunate- this site boasts one of the best threads on oils for the VQ based on used oil analysis. Here's a link:

https://my350z.com/forum/engine-and-...-and-info.html

As for gearbox and differential fluids, it's critical to know the lubricant requirements are completely different for the two. I use Redline MT85 for the gearbox and Motul 85-140W for the rear diff.

KyleWI

There is no best. It's all up for debate.

The car calls for 5W-30, but people say 0W-40 posts better UOAs between oil changes.

Typically people pick Mobil1, AMSOIL, or Redline. Always check on your oil for oil consumption. For filters I personally use K&N filters.

The trans fluid for an Automatic you can use Matic-S, but you can use whatever meets Matic-S specs. I'm personally going to be using AMSOIL.

dcains

iTrader: (15)

I'll use 0w40 Mobil 1 from now on, as the warranty just expired, and it's what I use in my BMW. Should have also mentioned that the ATE Super Blue brake fluid really isn't available any more, as it was banned in the US a few years ago. The Feds were afraid we might think something blue was good to drink. The ATE Type 200 Amber is the same stuff w/o the blue dye, and the plan used to be that each flush you'd alternate between the blue and amber, so you could see all the old fluid was flushed.

zakmartin

If you like numbers and spec sheets and chemical analysis, then go to a website that specializes in car fluids, namely: Bob is the Oil Guy

Otherwise, just use a good oil and stay away from FRAM filters (they're crap).

Bigsyke

Interesting. The best oil filter for this car is the Fram XG7317. The best oil I've seen is the newer Mobil1 0w40 batches (maybe for pre-HR's).

The 0w40 retains its TBN better, withstands sheering from the abuse the VQ's give it. It's cheaper, and burns cleaner. It's also a PAO.

There is no reason to run a 5w30 and is inferior. 0w40's HTHS is higher, the cold start viscosity is better and covers a much wider range of operating conditions. The SuS viscosity isn't that much greater than a 5w30 when fully warmed. In real world and on paper, there isn't a better oil available, other than red line. With red line you're stuck with lower OCI's.

rancor

Mobil 1 0W-40 has performed well in the VQ and is on the thin side for a 40 weight. Penzoil platnum/ultra 5W-30 has also shown good UOAs. Mobil 1 5W-30 and royle purple have not shown good UOAs.

For oil filters just stay away from Fram orange cans as they are overpriced for what they are. For high end filters Mobil 1, K&N, and Fram xtended guard are all good filters.