Engine Oil When Considering Turbo Choice

[Granthem]

Hi guys,

A few quick questions. I've been thinking lately about my RB25 and the oil it runs. Now the old owner always ran 10w40 magnatec (yup cheap stuff!), but being said, its run that for 5+ years and everything seems to be going fine! Considering its a 96 model motor, I dont believe a semi synthetic would be an issue for it at all. Being $30 bucks a bottle, I can do 3 times the amount of oil changes in the same period as say, a bottle of royal purple fully syn oil.

However, I then started thinking about what it best for the turbo. It runs a HKS GT-RS turbo, obviously somewhat 'new' technology. That made me think maybe the bearings in the turbo are better suited to a fully syn oil, as opposed to a semi.

Anyway, I was wondering whether anyone has thought about this dilemma before, ie older model engine with far newer model turbo.

What would you guys recommend? Does anyone believe it would be detrimental to the HKS turbo running semi syn oil (I mean after all its just a b/b turbo like came standard on the R33 i guess?)

[Dale FZ1]

There are many types/specs of Magnatec. What you and the previous owner have been using is most likely synthetic fortified or modified, and not a bad lubricant. The main thing is that whatever slippery stuff is in your sump continues to do its job for the required service life you expect from it. For extreme duty use, and/or longer service intervals the full synthetic is good stuff and cost justified.

If you service frequently, continue as-is and keep your oil spec the same.

[wlspn]

(I mean after all its just a b/b turbo like came standard on the R33 i guess?)

Just to clarify, R33s didn't come out standard with a bb turbo...

As for oil, personally I would use full synthetic. Its not much dearer. Castrol Edge can be had for as little as $50-$55

At the end of the day but the choice is yours....

[wolverine]

R33s didn't come out standard with a bb turbo...

....oh really....

[Sheriff Wan]

^^ wlspn

Maybe read..... He's running a HKS GT-RS turbo. Good try though.

Provided your changing it regulalry enough the oil your using will be fine. Dale FZ1 summed it up perfectly.