Hey everybody,
I just saw that Quaker State has an oil under the "Q Power" brand that's specifically designated for "High RPM." Now, it doesn't get much higher RPM than a rotary engine, so what I'm curious about is, does anybody know anything more authoritative than their marketing materials about this oil and/or whether it would possibly be appropriate for the 8? It does come in a 5W-30, which people have said they've used Mobil1 at in their 8s.
The only info I've been able to find on the web is Quaker's own site about it (watch out, it's got obnoxious music): http://www.qpower.com/

 

it's marketing. I'm sure there's no harm in using it, I'd be surprised if there's any benefit. It's probably more durable and a better additive package, but most of us are so over-zealous in our care of our cars, that we "short" the oil life by 75% or more (i.e. change it way sooner than is needed). Most modern oils can easily last 7500 miles, but because an oil change is cheap, it's very inexpensive insurance to just change it every 3000 instead.

 

anyone know for sure if 5/30 is ok (syn or not)?

 

5/30 is perfectly fine. The "low" number is the one you worry about - it reflects the ability of the oil to flow at low temperatures - the lower the number, the easier flow it is, and the better cold-start lubrication you get.

The "high" number is the warm viscosity - at operating temperature. The lower the number, the lighter the oil - automakers specify the lightest number possible that will still provide protection - the lighter the oil, the less internal resistance, the better the gas mileage. We're splitting hairs here, but every little bit counts, apparently.

I used to use 20W/50 Castrol GTX in my '85 RX-7 until the temps got to 50 overnight, then switched to 10W/40 until the temps got to the 30's overnight, the switched to 5W/30 for winter running. I felt that as hot as the RX-8 engine runs that the 20W/50 Castrol GTX would provide better thermal protection.

I was very surprised to see the 5W-20 specified for year-round when I bought this, but obviously, they've done their homework.

Stew

 

Just a new marketing effort.

.......and Mobil 1, in every measure, is a superior oil!

S

 

I'm sure its just marketing hype. You should be fine using, but don't expect any type of "extra" benefit, performance related or other.

However, I have heard friends talk about Quaker State brand oils in general leaving a large amount of residue and "caking" up over time. I realize this will happen to an extent w/ all oils, but I've heard horror stories about it where QS was used constantly in an engine. (In fact, I stopped using it in my Jeep wrangler because of this advice.)

Personally, I've been using Castrol GTX 5w20 in my 8 for approx. a year and 18k miles and have had no issues. (I always request that they use this oil whenever I have it changed at the stealership, also.) IMO, GTX is some good stuff.

You should see no issues w/ 5w30 oil. However, I'm usually the stick-to-the-manual type, so I would go w/ 20 unless you just can't get 20 w/ the brand you want.

And as stealth has already said, Mobile makes great oils also.

 

i use the castrol gtw as well.....

 

Actually, it does - a rotary doesn't really put much stress on oil from revs. At 9000 rpm, the rotors are only turning at 3000 rpm - it's the crankshaft turning at 9K rpm, and for bearing loads that's no big deal at all. The seal/chamber interface is experiencing loads and speeds that are lower than in a piston engine's ring/cylinder interface at 6K+ rpm. Piston engines with redline speeds of 7K rpm and higher will be putting more stress on their oil than a rotary engine.

Regards,
Gordon