Oil questions - please don't cane me

[ischmitz]

OK, here it goes. It's a three-part question:

1. What is a good or descent 0W-40 or 5W40 oil to get? I don't change it often and the car sits for periods of time so I might as well get something that has good long-term stability.

2. Are there any good deals going on in SoCal right now - I remember sometimes Target or Costco used to have some descent stuff by the gallon. Is anyone aware of something at the moment? I wouldn't mind spending a little less than 7$ per quart.

3. In absence of any deals what's the best place to shop for oil? Kragen's Autozone, other?

FYI, for the 964 engine I usually get Castrol GTX and I change the oil every 3k miles. The engine doesn't overheat so I don't see the benefits of a fully synthetic oil. The Castrol GTX is relatively cheap and seems to work. However, on the water pumper it's a different story. So let the comments begin.

Cheers,
Ingo

[vreference]

1) Locate Brad Penn Dealer.
2) Pour green oil in car.
3) ??????
4) Profit.

[ischmitz]

I should clarify: I am looking for an oil to go into the wsater pumper. Unfortunately, Brad Penn oil is not even on the list of approved oils from Porsche and they don't make a 0W-40 or 5W-40 multigrade oil.

[vreference]

Originally Posted by ischmitz

I should clarify: I am looking for an oil to go into the wsater pumper. Unfortunately, Brad Penn oil is not even on the list of approved oils from Porsche and they don't make a 0W-40 or 5W-40 multigrade oil.

Ah yes, my mistake and then I just ignored the low cold-viscosity request.

I will add that some pretty smart people have noted faster viscosity breakdown rates with multi-grades that have a large cold/hot delta. I seem to recall the reading I did suggested, ideally, not more than a 30 weight difference. You mentioned it doesn't get driven much so this is probably a non issue for you.

[RoninLB]

synthetic sticks longer than dino.

It's easier to test in cold weather by wiping a metal sheet outdoors, but protected, with both favorites and coming back daily to wipe a finger across both.

[Steve@Rennsport]

Your 996 C4 must use a 0w-40 or 5w-40 for the VarioCam hydraulics. Anything heavier causes CE issues and misfires.

I'd be using Total Energy Quartz 9000. This is an excellent Porsche-approved 5w-40 available in 1 litre and 5 litre containers; under $6.50/litre, too.