Which Mobil 1 for early 911 engines?

[silverc4s]

I know, we don't have motorcycles here. However, with the recent changes to the Mobil 1 lineup, it seems we now have two choices for the early engines.
It occurs to me that the 911 engine requirements are more like those of an air-cooled, 4 stroke, seperate transmission motorcycle than they are of most other passenger cars. That gives us a choice between the following two oils:
Mobil 1 extended performance 15W-50>
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Oils/Mobil_1_Extended_Performance.aspx

OR
Mobil 1 V Twin 20W-50
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Oils/Mobil_1_V-Twin_20W-50.aspx

So, what does everyone think? I like to change my oil annually, as I only drive each car about 1000 to 2500 miles in a typical year, so I am thinking about Extended Perf 15W 50 in the 3.2, and V Twin 20W-50 in the 2.2 S engine.

[RickM]

I use the V-Twin in my Harley. Runs much smoother with less engine noise. It is expensive stuff though.
Perhaps LubeMaster will chime in.

[silverc4s]

How expensive? Mobil 1 is 5 to 7 bucks a quart anyway. Is the V twin 20W 50 sold only at Harley shops??

[RickM]

Bill, I had a friend who owns a Mobil station special order it for me. I remember it being quite pricey. I use the more popular auto Mobil 1 in all my cars so I'm used to it's price range. I figure they kill you on the V-Twin stuff because a bike isn't taking 5-15 quarts per change.

I can get you a price tomorrow if you'd like.

[chrisp]

From my experience from a few years ago motorcycle engines do not have to meet as stringent (if any) environmental standards and the formulations reflect this. It's the same reason driving all new manufacturers to thinner oils like 0-30 and 5-30. Thinner oils means less cold start resistance and more power per drop of fuel...meaning less fuel (and emissions) required to properly power the car.

[RickM]

Another interesting product is listed below. Is this the synthetic that will help prevent leaks?

"Mobil Clean High Mileage
Engines with more miles on them sometime need a little extra care. That’s why there’s Mobil Clean High Mileage. Designed for vehicles with more than 75,000 miles, this advanced formulation helps protect seals and prolong engine life."

"Includes seal conditioner to help prevent leaks in high mileage engines."

[silverc4s]

Rick,
Thanks, I guess I would be interested in case lot pricing. I generally use 12 to 14 qts per car per year. Even expensive oil won't kill me at that rate. It's cheap insurance, the way I look at it...

[silverc4s]

Rick,
That "Clean High mileage" stuff only goes up to 10W 40 in viscosity. Not good enough for summers in Texas, IMHO...;-(

[JBO]

The PCA tech advisor says the current recommendation from Porsche is to use Mobil 1 5-40 in all Porsche engines, including the older 911's. I have been using 15-50. Not sure if I should try the 5-40.

[silverc4s]

Man, I would never put 5W anything in my 911 engines, even the 3.2. Sorry that's just too thin for me...

[RickM]

Bill, I posed your question to a CC tech at Mobil and this is what I received:

"Mobil1 15W50 motor oil is typically what we recommend for the older Porsche vehicles and the Mobil1 0W40 motor oil is what is factory filled with the newer Porsches typically 1999 and newer.

-Matt"

Unfortunately he didn't comment on the V-Twin question. Perhaps his not mentioning it is an answer.

I still think Lubemaster can shed some light.

[JBO]

Interesting Rick. I went on the Mobil website and they have a system where you can enter your vehicle and it recommends what oil to get. For my 911SC it recommended the Mobil 1 5-40, which on the container says it's for "trucks and SUV's". Think I'll stick with the 15-50.

[RickM]

Originally posted by JBO
Think I'll stick with the 15-50.

I agree, JBO. I use 15-50 as well.

[silverc4s]

Rick,
Thanks for the reply. I plan to stick with the 15W 50, may try the V Twin 20W 50 in my S if I can find it any where close to here..

[RickM]

Apparently Autozone carries this in your area. Worth a call.


AUTOZONE 1390
2735 E 7TH ST
AUSTIN, TX 78702

AUTOZONE 3069
2205 E. RIVERSIDE
AUSTIN, TX 78741-3046

AUTOZONE 1320
2602 S CONGRESS AV
AUSTIN, TX 78704

Wal-Mart Supercenter
5015 I-35 SOUTH
AUSTIN, TX 78744
(512)443-6601

AUTOZONE 1347
730 W STASSNEY 105
AUSTIN, TX 78745-3032

[silverc4s]

Yes, I used to get the red top Mobil 1 at Wal Mart, at a bargain price. Under $20 as I recall.
I wonder if theis extended life is going to be sold that way as well??
Autozone here is pretty lame, inventory wise. The last one I was in had like 3 qts of 15W 50; the obviously know NOTHING about 911's...;-)

[JBO]

Wal-Mart in Atlanta does carry the 5 gal jugs of 15-50, but now only the extended perf. (gold top), and the price is around $24 a jug (the red top was around $21).

[silverc4s]

Good infornmation, JBO. Thanks...;-)

[M.D. Holloway]

Silverc4s,
I could go into a long rant on engine oil technology and what is good and what is marketing. I don't want to dis anybody but I know through field work and case studies as well as used oil analysis. Check the archieves - there is some good stuff. If your interested, I will try to find some of the old threads.

Porsche knows cars, not oil. Much like Timkin or SKF knows bearings but they don't know grease.

E-mail me your shipping address at mhollowa@nch.com and I will get you something that will work better than anything else available. Don't worry about the cash. If you feel like paying for it, send a check to a battered womans house like the Hope Shelter in Mineral Wells TX (Maverick PCA Charity) or the American Cancer Society.

[M.D. Holloway]

oh ya - crude comes from mineral deposits and inner Earth hydrocarbon polymerizations not early life forms decomposing.