As I said - I know I was talking apples and oranges - just adding to the discussion and offering something else to consider. I agree with you comments though.

I did notice another thread discussing oil burning between oil changes. Is the VQ35DE known for burning some and should I keep a closer eye on the level between changes than normal?

 

I've not found that to be the case with mine. I changed mine at 1200 miles and 4000 miles. I'm now at 6000 and will go to Mobil 1 10w30 at 7000 miles and use a 5K mile OCI. I do check my oil every fill-up.

 

You are free to use any oil, oil filter, air filter, exhuast you want. It will not void warranty. And the dealership can never tell you anything if they say they will void the warranty. Please report them to Nissan USA. And then to court if they do not want to fix problems. [/B][/QUOTE]


Is this according to Nissan? I want to make the switch for the obvious reasons but I can't afford to void a 6 year warranty. For those who have made the switch have you experienced any problems with your dealers service dpt?
What about transmission oil, what is everyone upgrading to?

 

Is this according to Nissan? I want to make the switch for the obvious reasons but I can't afford to void a 6 year warranty. For those who have made the switch have you experienced any problems with your dealers service dpt?
What about transmission oil, what is everyone upgrading to? [/B][/QUOTE]

If you are concerned keep going to the dealer and have them do your service work. I do know that some dealers offer synthetic as an option for the oil change. Just look at your owners manual and as long as you use a lube/oil that meets the rating that they recommend you are covered.

 

If you are concerned keep going to the dealer and have them do your service work. I do know that some dealers offer synthetic as an option for the oil change. Just look at your owners manual and as long as you use a lube/oil that meets the rating that they recommend you are covered. [/B][/QUOTE]


yeah that would make sense, the whole same rating thing. By the way, it appears our Z's are twins
Chrome Silver/Frost/Aero

 

If you go to www.bobistheoilguy.com you will find based on used oil analysis that the engines in our Z's (VQ35DE) do very well on Mobil 1 10w30. That is the oil I will be installing on my next oil change. You will notice in your owners manual that for temps above "0" degrees F they recommend 10w30 grade with a SL rating plus it needs to have the API donut on the bottle. Mobil 1 10w30 meets all of though reguirements. If the Temps you will be running in are going to drop below "0" then you can switch to Mobil 1 5w30. That is not a problem for me since I am not going to take my Z out in weather below "0". Hell I'm not going to take myself out in weather below "0".

 

PS use the Nissan oil filter 15208-9E000 or you can buy a Mobil 1 filter M105. Both come highly recommended. Don't use the other OEM filter it is cheaply made with cardboard end caps. Good luck

 

I live in Jersey and it gets cold so could I use 10w30 in the summer and 5w30 in the winter, or do you have to stick with the original (viscosity?)? If so I should just use the Mobil 1 5w30 year round, is that right?

 

I live in Minnesota where it can get pretty cold. I use Amsoil 5W30 in the warm part of the year and 0W30 in the colder months. There's not a huge difference, but the 0W flows slightly better at the super cold temperatures. The tests that I've seen show no diff at the high temps, so realistically the 0W30 should be fine for year 'round.
My 2001 Audi S4 twin turbo had 0W30 synthetic as the factory recommended oil due to better flow at startup and no difference in the high temp protection.

 

I think that Amsoil is a great oil and their 0w30 has gotten some of the best results in UOA in the VQ35DE engine. BUT it does not display the API donut on the bottle and is not API approved. So the bottom line would be if you had a lube problem Nissan could void your warranty. I know, I know Amsoil says they would take care of it. Right a major company that makes all of their money selling oil is going to admit that there oil caused the failure. Bottom line you would be stuck between Nissan and Amsoil and you would lose. If you want a year round synthetic that is API and would keep your warranty in force. Use the Mobil 1 5w30, or you can run the Mobil 1 10w30 in the months when the temps in your area will be above "0" degrees F. I will use the Amsoil 0w30 synthetic myself when my warranty is up. Until then I will use the Mobil 1 10w30.

 

Hmmm...it does state that it complies with API SL, SJ and CF. But there's no official API "donut" that I could see. I'll take a look at the Mobil1 when I'm at the auto store next time.

 

I got them both out in the garage, since I use to run Amsoil in my 95 Landcruiser, 136K miles (way out of warranty) Don't get me wrong about Amsoil. I think the Amsoil is a better oil than Mobil 1. I just don't need to get into the middle of a warranty battle and with my luck I would be the first one it ever happened too.

 

I suspect that it costs them some $$$ to get the stamp of approval. They probably debate whether it's worth the money to go for the approval.

 

so is it safe to use synthetic oil??

 

Yes, use Mobil 1 10w30 if your temps are above "0" degrees. If it will be under "0" degree F then run Mobil 1 5w30. Mobil 1 is API approved and has the API donut on the bottle. Other synthetics can also be used as long as they meet the Viscosity requirements for the Temps you will be experiencing and have the API donut and are SL rated. To learn more about oil go to www.bobistheoilguy.com

 

Just read some of your other posts and based on how your ride is already modified, you might as well run the non-API approved oil like Amsoil 0w30 since your warranty is already toast. It's great oil!!!