slab25

anybody heard that your not supposed to use synthetic oil in the 350z? the parts clerk at my local dealership told me that nissan doesnt recommend synthetic oil, but he also tried telling me that synthetic oil is for old, worn out engines. also has anybody had any experience with royal purple oils?

R.J._Vancouver

The Nissan dealership were I bought my Z has a mobil 1 program and a brosure that they gave me that came right from Nissan recommending Mobil 1 synthetic.
The Nissan sticker that they put on the window for regular maintenance/oil change even has the Mobil 1 logo on it.
It wouldnt be different from Canada to the U.S. They`re the same car.

mdacko

iTrader: (3)

mobil 1 synthetic all the way....

Bubble

iTrader: (50)

use synthetic oil after 5 or 6K miles.

FairladyZ

You should ask the parts guy, what oil does nissan suggest.

510dat

you should break the car in with the regular stuff, then if you want you can switch to synthetic.

jflaxx69

I'm at 30K and making the big switch this weekend to Mobil 1. Doing it yourself will save you some cash just make sure you have all your parts handy just in case. These parts are off courtesy nissan's website so the first five numbers of the part numbers may vary. This is just what I'm doing, I'm sure there are many others out there who do different things so I'm just posting.


Mobil 1: 5 Quarts of 5W 30 - Duh the best synthetic! $22
15208-VQ35DE - Oil Filter - Needed $6
11026-VQ35DE - Washer - Just in Case, I was told every 15K $1
11128-VQ35DE - Drain Plug - Just in Case my other is stripped $1
16546-VQ35DE - Air Filter - I was told every 15K $9

slab25

my car has right at 7500 on it and this will be the first oil change i've done on it since i bought it used from the Chevy dealer. i went to the Nissan dealer about a car cover and asked him about what weight oil to change it with and mentioned a preference to synthetic. he told me that synthetic was for motors with alot of wear on them and thats when he lost crediblity with me.

skank-a-holic

I second that.... just had my oil changed today as a matter of fact

JonsilvZ

Synthetic oil is superior then regular oil. Less friction at cold starts,withstands heat better,longer drain interval. I buy the 5qt Mobil 1 jug at Walmart for $19. Some cars come with Mobil 1 from the factory. Doesnt your Z deserve the extra protection?

ZBoater

Is their any advantage with going synthetic on the transmission oil?

n8vz

to keep your warranty for the transmission, you need to use Nissan's own transmission oil. I heard rumor that it is rebottled Castrol SynTorque? Any confirmation on that?

Bubble

iTrader: (50)

how you get the oem filter for only $6? i just pick up one from the dealer and it cost me $11. Crap.

Armitage

iTrader: (15)

I will be switching to Synthetic (probably Mobil 1) once the break in period is over.

drift350

synthetic oil has a smaller molecular structure than dinosaur juice. because of this, the molecules are able to better bond within the pores of the metal cylinder liners and other friction surfaces the oil comes in contact with.

by doing so, the oil offers protection even after the oil has drained completely into the sump, providing a better fil m of lubrication between parts during startup, one of the more damaging events in a motor's lifetime.

because the molecular structure is smaller, using synthetic in a worn motor will result in increased oil consumption, not really a good thing if you prefer not to replace carbonized O2 sensors and catalytic converters all the time.

regular oil is also more beneficial in older, worn motors due to its ash and zinc content that occurs normally in natural oil... the zinc and ash bond to scored surfaces and acts as a filling agent to smooth worn parts in many cases, reducing friction in old, worn motors.

some less pure synthetics like Valvoline have zinc imbedded into the oil to give it a more conventional oil type of effect. there are two schools of thought in this arena... some like Mobil1 use a pure synthetic with no additives: great for brand new motors that have no signs of extreme wear. others use additives to provide a "repair" effect, better for use with older motors like the Valvoline as described.

as for break in, do not use a synthetic... if you add cams or such, go back to conventional to properly break in bearings as they depend on a bit of wear to provide a smoother surface once broken in... synthetic's qualities will prevent the proper break in form occurring and can result in increased oil consumtion during the life of the motor.


i used ot have an oil breakdown chart that listed major synthetic and conventional brands of oils and their % ash and zinc contents, but i have since lost it and will do what ic an to find it and post it to help people find the right oil for their motor's current situation.

jflaxx69

Bubble,

if you are a member of the ZCCA at courtesy nissan, they get you 20% off parts, you can order a 10 pack +SH and taxes for $ 50 on thier website....I swear I don't work for em, I just really like thier service compared to the other yahoo's in the metroplex!!

N8VZ,
are you talking transmission fluid or motor oil, the reason I ask is that I got my motor oil changed at the dealership until now (switching to syn) and they always put Penzoil 5w 30. seems like they wouldn't do maint to void the warranty, and apoligies if I misunderstood you.

slab25

just got done changing the oil, i went with the royal purple after i done some research and liked the results, let everybody know how i like it in a couple of days

yobri

iTrader: (2)

Hey Bubble, I have two OEM filters and I'll sell them to you for $5/pc if you want (since you are in the BA). LMK

Shahrum

Mobile 1 5W30 all the way!

omarv6

always used mobil 1 synthetic .....
i think its the best !