I have Mobil-1 5w30 in my 2001 Lightning now. Its been in probably around 200 miles or so. I want to switch to the correct weight and I am thinking about getting AMSOIL. Would leaving the 5w30 in for 1500 miles or switching from the 5w30 to 5w20 affect the enging in anyway? The switch?

What are your comments on AMSOIL?

Thanks

2001 SVT Lightning

 

I'm no expert, but I do remember reading some oil information on the boards about year ago. Basically, someone posted "independent" lab tests of different oils. Amsoil was rated only slightly above Mobil 1 Synthetic. We kinda all got the message that, while it is better, the jump in price was not worth the slight increase in protection it offers.

A buddy of mine has a 95 that he's ran Amsoil in since day one, though, and he's had absolutely zero problems. He didn't have to buy the oil, though; he got several cases as a Christmas gift from his girlfriend's dad. Man, I need to find a woman like that.

DUCK

 

Cool its better than Mobil 1 too. Thats not why im switching. I am switching cause my '01 is recommended for 5w20 and Mobil-1 doesn't make one. I just wondered if there is a problem switching up the oils this early in the vehicle. I got an '01, stock oil until 1200 Miles (Ford 5w20 I assume), then I put Mobil-1 5w30 in and it has 1500 miles on it now. I would like to go to the amsoil, which is synthetic also, but the correct weight which is 5w20. Would this hinder the vehicle in any way?

-Mike

--'01 Lightning

 

I applied for the amsoil dealership. Its $20 annually and they drop ship to your door. I do this because of my work location and schedules. I also run their 0w-30 and oil filters since i dumped the factory oil and no problems in the last 17,000 miles. Although the oil is 4 times more expensive, i extended my change intervals on the oil and i do regular 3000 oil filter changes.

 

5w-30 is a correct weight for an '01 Lightning. Even though the manual and the cap states 5w-20 this was done in the '01 year for a couple of auto makers (Ford and Honda).

Another thing to take note of is TSB 01-4-7 which pertains to the recommended Engine oil in many new Ford and Lincoln/Mercury vehicles. Specifically, it addresses the use of the new 5W-20 engine oil formulation. This TSB lists dozens of engines and vehicles specifically that are approved for use with the new oil. Here is some more info. on that TSB:

Mobil 1 will be developing 5w-20 to keep those who think that using 5w-30 is detrimental and to keep their sales growing as well as satisfying Ford and Honda, but it isn't needed.

Switching is fruitless and going to a more expensive oil that offers no increased benefits isn't a very positive thing to do. Some will state Mobil 1 is better, others will state Amsoil is. Still, even others will state Redline, Castrol Syntec, Neo Synthetics, or Royal Purple is the best. What I'm telling you, though, is that there isn't any better benefit of switching from Mobil 1 to Amsoil, and going from 5w-30 to 5w-20 is pointless.

BfB

 

I talked to SVT technical about this very subject. The only reason Ford went to the 5W20 for for emissions and fuel economy reasons. The engines are identical (per them) to the 00s. He said 5W30 or 10W30 synthetic will have no bearing on engine operation, longevity or warrantee claims. He did recommend waiting till 5000 miles to change to synthetics. This would allow for proper ring seating and other "wear in" issues.

 

It never ceases to amaze me how passionate people get over oil. I feel silly paying more for Mobil-1, couldn't imagine paying 4 times more for Amsoil.

 

Amsoil is 61.00 for 12 quarts.
Mobil-1 on sale is about 25 for 6 quarts and Ford charges 6.50 a quart for the stuff.

4 times as much is ridiculous.