Oil Choices & Additives

Ford Engine Engineers have stressed to list members that the SHO engine was designed for 5w-30 oil use, year round. I have run Mobil 1 0w-30 in winter without problems. Some, notably Doug Lewis the SHO expert at FPS does not recommend the use of synthetic oil in SHO engines based on his experience relating synthetic oil and cam wear.

It may also be true that breaking in a SHO engine with synthetic oil any create problems problems with ring seating. Many expensive cars come filed from the factory with Mobil 1, but they were designed for break-in in with Mobil 1. I have used Mobil 1 since my first oil change at 500 miles and may try conventional oil this summer in an effort to pick up a few HP.

Without expressing a preference for synthetic or conventional oil, these general rules maybe help full.

Use quality oil, 5w-30 that meets API service spec SJ.
Change oil and filter every 3000-5000 miles depending on how you use the car and what kind of oil you use. If you do a lot of stop and go driving or use conventional oil change every 3 months, 3000 miles.
If your car over heats, change motor oil ASAP. Heat is the enemy of oil, it breaks it down and you lose the protection the oil film provides. In a perfect world you may never need the high temperature stability of synthetic oil but if you do need it, if it saves a $10,000-$15,000 engine rebuild - it is money well spent.
A oil filter holds 1/2 quart to a quart of dirty oil. If you change oil, change the filter too.
Some of us have found oil analysis helpful. Get a kit for about $10 from any Amsoil dealer (such as www.DCcarcare.com) The trick is to do it often with a healthy engine so if you do develop a problem you have a history and tend lines to compare to. It is because of oil analysis I can say with authority that Mobil 1 has not caused cam wear problems in my engine.

You may do your own web search on oil additives and treatments.

Ford Motor company does not recommend them.

The Justice Department has prosecuted most of them for fraudulent claims.

API does not recommend them.

Any year SHO has a well designed reliable oiling system, it has to because it has a very difficult job. Every year SHO pumps 7 GPM at red line or pumps a quart every 2 seconds. Bearing clearances are VERY tight This is engine that thrives on oil volume not excessive oil pressure.

If you try Prolong, STP, Slick 50 or any other oil additive you can lose and engine the SAME DAY. I could be wrong, do let them test it on a SHO engine, get it writing. Fact is, no reputable authority recommends and no body reputable makes it.

http://www.dragnbreath.com/dragnbreath/tn2aboutoiladditives.html

http://skepdic.com/slick50.html

http://www.heyla.com/news/consumerreports/biz-consumer-981124-233436.html

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1996/9607/slick.htm

http://www.ftc.gov/opa/1997/9707/slick.htm

http://www.civilrights.com/prod_fuel.html

http://www.civilrights.com/prod_motoil.html

I hope this helps, if you are still not additive shy, read below:

OK! I know I should have started reading about Slick 50 a lot sooner, but, I didn't. I had my oil changed 12/16, I’ve used synthetic for about 9 months with no problem. Jiffy Lube recommended Slick 50 engine cleaner because it had been 5000 since my last change. The engine ceased that evening. Dealer says it will cost over $10K to have it rebuilt. Jiffy Lube wants a complete diagnosis after the engine is taken apart. I need an SHO engine authority recommendation. Two valves are dead - no compression, and my heart is broken. I am impeccable about the maintenance of this car, Ford doesn't care because it's out of warranty. The dealership has never seen an SHO engine go. I may not know all there is to know about this car but I've owned and driven a lot of cars and there is nothing out there that hums like "After Midnight".

Iva L. Hairston
ihairsto@csc.com

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