Carpokes Porsche Forum

@River19
FWIW I use Motul 15W-50 and NO SHAME in asking, that's one of the strengths of CARPOKES.

I’ve been using Valvoline VR1 20w-50 (Conventional) for the past few years and it’s worked well. My car doesn’t typically see 3,000 miles in a year, so I just change it once or twice annually.

Mobile 1 15w-50 (Synthetic) is another good option that a lot of owners use. My local “classic certified” Porsche dealer actually uses Mobile 1 when they service 944s, unless the customer requests the Porsche Classic Motoroil 10w-50.

Both VR1 and Mobile 1 have adequate zinc content in the 1200-1400 ppm range. Porsche won’t release the specs on their classic blend, simply stating that its proprietary, but independent oil tests have shown it contains sub 900 ppm. It does have the coolest product packaging however.

PSA: no matter which type of oil is your preference, stock up now, because the supplies are about to get thin due to current dumbass geopolitical events . . . .

+1 for Mobil 1 15w-50. I've run it for 20+ years in all my 80s "performance" cars. It just works, especially on the flat tappets

Thanks for all the replies and suggestions, really appreciate it.

Looking hard at LM and Mobil 1; for those running Mobil 1, if 15W-50 I am assuming that is straight Mobil 1 as the Euro car formula recommended on the Mobil site is not available in 15/50 but 5/40 and 5/50. Straight Mobil 1 15W-50 the common choice?

I do like the high ZDDP content of Mobil 1 and I believe Liqui Moly is similar as well.

Any preference on filter? I see Mahle and Hengst options being common in the "kits".....

Thanks

Mahle and Hengst are both fine, just don't go with any cheap brand. One option to consider is the taller filter from 964, Mahle OC75 or similar from other brands..

I use whichever of Mahle, Hengst or Mann is cheaper at the time.

jeyjey wrote: Sat May 30, 2026 5:07 am I use whichever of Mahle, Hengst or Mann is cheaper at the time.

Up here, Mann seems to be the only locally available & reasonably priced filter for some time now so that's what I've been using

I don't think anyone mentioned but climate plays a role: I am not sure if 15w is too thick for my winters



Actually.. according to that Porche chart.. I shouldn't even be using 10w40 in February

I was concerned this past winter. I had 10w40 in the engine and we were getting down into the -10's at night in NY. I even drove the car on a day it was -6F when I started it. Drove 6 hours that day and had no issues.
We also got up to 100-104F a couple times last summer... So Im really using the full range of that oil.

I also dont break 3000 miles a year, so I usually change my oil once a year... but Im considering putting 10w30 in it this fall, then back to 40 in the spring.

Mobil 1 15w50 from Walmart.