Questions about my Mustang

[cobos06GT]

Hello everybody, i've been reading the forums for a couple of months now, and I just registered and wanted to ask some questions.

I have an 06 Mustang GT with 12k on the clock. I got it with 1400 on the clock about 6 months ago. I would say that I drive harder than most people, but not harder than an average mustang owner, if that makes sense. I do some spirited driving sometimes, but I don't take my car to the track or anything.

I changed the oil to Castrol GTX 5w-20 and a Motorcraft filter at 5k, and then again at 10k. When I got my car I really didn't know anything at all about oil. My dad has always used Castrol GTX so that is what have always used...After reading here I think the consensus is that it is a solid conventional oil, but....I plan on keeping this car for a long time, and I want to take good care of it. Would switching to Mobil 1 5w-20 on a 5k interval signifigantly increase engine life over using Castrol GTX on a 5k interval?

Thanks for your everyone's opinions in advance,

Chris

 

[FastSUV]

Originally Posted By: cobos06GT
Hello everybody, i've been reading the forums for a couple of months now, and I just registered and wanted to ask some questions.

I have an 06 Mustang GT with 12k on the clock. I got it with 1400 on the clock about 6 months ago. I would say that I drive harder than most people, but not harder than an average mustang owner, if that makes sense. I do some spirited driving sometimes, but I don't take my car to the track or anything.

I changed the oil to Castrol GTX 5w-20 and a Motorcraft filter at 5k, and then again at 10k. When I got my car I really didn't know anything at all about oil. My dad has always used Castrol GTX so that is what have always used...After reading here I think the consensus is that it is a solid conventional oil, but....I plan on keeping this car for a long time, and I want to take good care of it. Would switching to Mobil 1 5w-20 on a 5k interval signifigantly increase engine life over using Castrol GTX on a 5k interval?

Thanks for your everyone's opinions in advance,

Chris


I'd do the GTX 5w30 in Florida's climate...use Motorcraft or WIX filter & 5w30 GTX and sleep well...I believe your owner's manual should show that 5w30 is allowed in your temp range. I think it will do a better job in the heat but still flow okay in your cooler time of year. Great oil.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Nothing wrong with GTX. Raised many a motor on that stuff in the old daze.

The motor in your Mustang is easy on oil. Change it often and it will run forever.

 

[ATS-V]

I would run Motorcraft 5w20 in that engine. I run it in my Aviator, basically the same motor as the earlier Cobra, with good results. I have friend that runs Mobil1 5w20 in his Mustang with very similar UOA that I get.

 

[sparkplug]

The GTX is great stuff. Can't go wrong with that.

 

[FastSUV]

Originally Posted By: 97 GTP
I would run Motorcraft 5w20 in that engine. I run it in my Aviator, basically the same motor as the earlier Cobra, with good results. I have friend that runs Mobil1 5w20 in his Mustang with very similar UOA that I get.


Well maybe if he wants a syn-blend the Motorcraft 5w30, but not sure if that is available in a 5qt jug or not? But I just would not run a sports car in a warmer state on 5w20...who cares about CAFE standards in a Mustang GT?

 

[PT1]

I would use Pennzoil Platinum or QHorsepower 5w20 in that engine with a 5000 OCI and call it good. Pureone, Motorcraft or Wix filter.

 

[bdcardinal]

use the 5w20. there have been reported issues with the Variable Cam Timing when using anything thicker than a 20wt supposedly. That being said i have used up to a 10w60 in a friends 05 Mustang GT with a fairly large turbo that is road raced with no ill effects.

 

[tig1]

The M1 5-20 will work fine, but I use the 5-30EP in both of my Fords with great results as well.

 

[OVERKILL]

Due to the VCT, I wouldn't go thicker than a 30-weight, as even in Australia, the spec is 5w30 (previous modulars were spec'd right up to 20w50!!!). Something like M1 Truck and SUV 5w30 or M1 EP 5w30 would be a good choice.

 

[cobos06GT]

Thanks for all the replies. I know there is a debate about whether or not 5w-20 is the best oil for the 3v, but im going to stick to it because that is what the factory recommends.

My real question is do you think I would get better engine life out of mobil 1 on a 5k oci, or gtx on a 5koci?

 

[jigen]

I think in both cases the car will fall apart before the engine. Keep up with the OCIs and you should be good to go. I personally would go for the synthetic because I don't see the cost difference being all that much.

 

[Jason2007]

I have an 07 GT and I run M1 0w20 and MC FL820S filter and I change it at 6 month/7500k interval.

 

[cobos06GT]

Originally Posted By: jigen
I think in both cases the car will fall apart before the engine. Keep up with the OCIs and you should be good to go. I personally would go for the synthetic because I don't see the cost difference being all that much.


I plan on taking it off of the road and making it a garage queen as soon as I can afford another vehicle. I want to have it for a long time. (30+ years) That is why im wondering about the long term effects of using one oil vs. another.

 

[cobos06GT]

Originally Posted By: Jason2007
I have an 07 GT and I run M1 0w20 and MC FL820S filter and I change it at 6 month/7500k interval.


I was also looking into 0w20. What are the advantages/disadvantages of 0w20? How many miles do you have on the car?

 

[Art_Vandelay]

Originally Posted By: bdcardinal
use the 5w20. there have been reported issues with the Variable Cam Timing when using anything thicker than a 20wt supposedly.


Does the Cobra have Variable Cam Timing? If so, what weight oil does it spec?

 

[addyguy]

You'll get just as much life out of the engine on GTX at 5k. It's a very good dino oil - there have recently been some 7500-mile-plus UOA's on it, and it did well.

It's a waste of money to spend the extra on M1 for such a short interval.

 

[fascination127]

I also have a 3 valve Stang (08 Bullitt) Im running Motorcraft filter and MC 5w20 full synthetic (XO-5W20-QFS). I also do alot of... um... spirited driving in the heat. VERY spirited. Subjectively, very pleased w\MC oil and filters, so far so good. Thought about doin 30 weight in the summer, but backed out with all the rumors about VVT issues. I have never confirmed that issues with VVT talk btw. Plan to do UAO this spring\summer just for fun. Heres a discussion re: w30vw20. YMMV: http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/299914-5-4-oil.html

 

[Mark72]

Speaking of GTX...I use Pennzoil YB, but use to use GTX when I first began driving. I know that many like GTX as a conventional in hot climates, but does the 5w30 GTX flow as good, or does it flow better than YB 5W30 in colder temps?

 

[Ben99GT]

Originally Posted By: bdcardinal
use the 5w20. there have been reported issues with the Variable Cam Timing when using anything thicker than a 20wt supposedly.


The VCT was verified to work with up to 10W-40 by Ford, and FoA recommends 10w30 in their VCT engines.

Oil related VCT issues are almost always related to lack of maintenance, not viscosity.