Hello everyone,
I'm a new member (first post!), although I've been reading various forums with interest for a while. Although some boards on the Internet are long on opinions and short on facts, there seems be a wealth of knowledge among those that frequent BITOG. Now that I've sucked up a bit
, allow me to proceed with the topic at hand.
What I'm looking for is some good advice as to a "game plan" for lubrication. I realize that no oil is "best" for all conditions or all cars, so I'd like some learned opinions with my needs in mind. Some info:
My car: '05 Mustang GT, 4.6L all-aluminum 3 valve V-8, 5 speed manual transmission.
Driving conditions: Florida heat, over 90 deg. six months per year. Daily commute 52 miles total, of which about 35 are highway. However, in the afternoon, around 10 miles of that "highway" driving is stop and go on the interstate through Orlando, in 90+ heat and A/C full blast. I don't drive this car hard all the time, but hey, it's a Mustang GT, so I reserve the right to do an occasional blast through the gears. I don't plan to drag race it, and at least through the warranty period, don't plan to add any speed parts. Might add one or two afterward, though. My primary goal is long engine life, since I plan to have this car for a long time.
Was told by a trusted local mechanic that 5W-20 "required" by Ford is totally inappropriate for this climate. He recommended Amsoil TSO 0W-30.
I changed the factory fill at 1000 miles, since I've always been told to change oil in any new motor (car or lawnmower) early the first time. Was told by my trusted mechanic to not put synthetic in until at least 3000 miles to allow for break in. Last weekend, at 3500 miles, I changed to TSO 0W-30 and a Wix filter.
From reading this board, I gather that since this engine is new, I shouldn't try to get too ambitious as far as extended drain periods. That's fine... I'm not looking to be lazy about changing oil, but don't want to change expensive oil more often than necessary, either.
So, what do you guys advise going forward, as to oil type, filter type, and OCI (early on, and later in life). Also, give me some ideas about UOA's, as far as how soon on this new engine, and how often going forward?
Sorry this is so long, but I wanted to provide plenty of information for my specific needs. Besides, if I "get" you guys at all, plenty of you would enjoy sending someone like me in the right direction. Thanks all, in advance.
I'm a new member (first post!), although I've been reading various forums with interest for a while. Although some boards on the Internet are long on opinions and short on facts, there seems be a wealth of knowledge among those that frequent BITOG. Now that I've sucked up a bit
What I'm looking for is some good advice as to a "game plan" for lubrication. I realize that no oil is "best" for all conditions or all cars, so I'd like some learned opinions with my needs in mind. Some info:
My car: '05 Mustang GT, 4.6L all-aluminum 3 valve V-8, 5 speed manual transmission.
Driving conditions: Florida heat, over 90 deg. six months per year. Daily commute 52 miles total, of which about 35 are highway. However, in the afternoon, around 10 miles of that "highway" driving is stop and go on the interstate through Orlando, in 90+ heat and A/C full blast. I don't drive this car hard all the time, but hey, it's a Mustang GT, so I reserve the right to do an occasional blast through the gears. I don't plan to drag race it, and at least through the warranty period, don't plan to add any speed parts. Might add one or two afterward, though. My primary goal is long engine life, since I plan to have this car for a long time.
Was told by a trusted local mechanic that 5W-20 "required" by Ford is totally inappropriate for this climate. He recommended Amsoil TSO 0W-30.
I changed the factory fill at 1000 miles, since I've always been told to change oil in any new motor (car or lawnmower) early the first time. Was told by my trusted mechanic to not put synthetic in until at least 3000 miles to allow for break in. Last weekend, at 3500 miles, I changed to TSO 0W-30 and a Wix filter.
From reading this board, I gather that since this engine is new, I shouldn't try to get too ambitious as far as extended drain periods. That's fine... I'm not looking to be lazy about changing oil, but don't want to change expensive oil more often than necessary, either.
So, what do you guys advise going forward, as to oil type, filter type, and OCI (early on, and later in life). Also, give me some ideas about UOA's, as far as how soon on this new engine, and how often going forward?
Sorry this is so long, but I wanted to provide plenty of information for my specific needs. Besides, if I "get" you guys at all, plenty of you would enjoy sending someone like me in the right direction. Thanks all, in advance.