Miata Mailing List: March 1997, Message #68



     



   From: (none)

Subject: Re: synthetic oils

   Date: (none)



Previously on synthetic oils, David Smith  said...



> I was wondering what the recommended wait for a synthetic oil would be for

> my 94 miata?  I've heard of some people using 5W-50 and 10W-30.  Which would

> be the most appropriate, and why is there such a difference between the

> weights that people use in the same car?



The weight of the oil used is usually determined by the ambient temperature. 

10W30 oil is normal duty stuff for temperate climates.  A fully synthetic oil

like the 5W50 above would cover a wider spectrum of operating temperatures.  I

currently run Valvoline Racing 20W50 because here in Florida it is seldom

cold, and more often hot.  Why Valvoline Racing?  It came well recommended and

it costs a lot less than synthetics.



Back in the Good Old Days (tm), before multi viscosity oils, you had to change

the oil according to the seasons, putting in say, a 40 weight oil in the

summer and a 20 weight in the winter.  You can imagine the rejoicing when they

came out with 10W30.



	-John



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John Freas (jfreas@gte.net)

Red '90 Base #7690

Clearwater, Florida

Team Roebuck

Team Voodoo

Team Redline MTL

Team No hardtop posts

Team "I have no idea what those dimple things on the windshield frame are

for."

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