I'm trying to determine what viscosity everyone is using in their 7th Gen. This stemmed from me reading that European Nissan recommend 5w-40 weight oils and are focused on protection while US Nissan recommends 5w-30 for CAFE requirements. This coupled with knowing that the VQ is very rough on oil (and the fact that I'm paranoid b/c I had an engine failure) is making me wonder if I should use a light 40w (Pennzoil Ultra Euro 5w-40, 13.2 cSt @ 100 C) or continue to use 5w-30 Pennzoil Ultra 5w-30 (10.3 cSt @ 100 C.)

So... please list:

1) Oil brand and weight and mileage on engine.
2) Any reasons why you use the weight you do or comments on using different weights.

*Although I think we should list the brand of oil with the weight, my intention of this thread is not debate what oil brand is, so please refrain from doing so. Let's keep this about oil WEIGHTS and not oil BRANDS with respect to our VQ engines.

 

1) Pennzoil Ultra 5w-30 (but thinking changing to 5w-40) and 3,200 miles on new motor.
2) Listed in post #1

 

Mobil 1 5w-30 ... good enough for New England winters

 

1) Mobil 1 5w-30, 26k+ miles
2) I just follow the factory recommendation and it seems to do okay for warmer climates but this discussion and some research is making me consider trying 5w-40 or perhaps 10w-30.

 

Pennzoil 5w-30... I've used Pennzoil in every vehicle I've owned and used 5w-30 in all but 1.

 

Mobil1 5w30. I've had the car since 15k miles, it has 30k now.

 

M1 0W40, I've done a ton of reading on the subject, and the Z guys have done some extensive research

http://my350z.com/forum/engine-and-d...-and-info.html

From what I learned I usually go with the best option, even if it cost me more

 

Penzoil Platinum 5-30W. No issues.
I will probably have one oil analysis performed (anti-freeze/water properties) before the engine powertrain warranty expires.

 

I use Mobil1 5w30. It worked well for my other Maxima. That one had 230K miles on it, & the engine ran fine.

 

Interesting subject. I will need my first oil change soon. It has 29k miles on it now. I will follow this discussion and read the one on the Z forums.

 

Royal purple 5w30. I used this in my 6thgen also and never had any problems. I'm at 41k right now.

 

Thanks for the link... I'm trying to make my way through it, but it is LONG! I've gotten about half way, but still haven't found anything to convince me one way or the other. Can you elaborate on why you went the 40 route... I'd like hear your opinion on why you decided on a 40w vs. a 30.

I also think it is an interesting subject with regards to CAFE mandates in the US. It makes me wonder why the same car that is recommended to use 5w30 in the US is then changed to a recommendation of 5w-40 in Europe. I really have to wonder if the engine was actually built to use 40w but due to regulations, companies are now recommending 30w for the MPG.

I've also read over and over again how the VQ "loves thicker oil" but can never find any facts as to why... only opinions.

Here is a pic of the European Viscosity chart for our car... Makes you wonder.

 

I run the 40 weight cause it shows much better UOA, and also I know with my current driving style my engine is possibly faling into the range of more premature wear and Im trying to run a better oil for more protection.

At one time I read more then I should of on oil but currently studying does not allow that

 

Same, and also good enough for Texas summers, fully synthetic, and 83,000 miles

 

Mobil 1 5W-30, BITOG summarizes oil in 9 pages and at the end you learn that most oils perform the same at high temps and the cold start ups are what you need to be concerned about, so pay attention to the first number in your weight

 

5W30 full synthetic in the 2012 Maxima; used it in the 2007 Maxima for 91K miles. Makes it easier since the Corvette takes same oil.

 

Mobil 1 5w30
Works great for very cold alberta winters and hot summers, now just debating on switching to full synthetic or not

 

29k miles, hasn't gotten first oil change? been a few months since post, hopefully engine hasn't blown

 

^ Yeah, I'm kinda hoping he meant 2900 miles.