Oil changes
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
Oil changes
I'm coming up on an oil change. I did some searching and the 'consensus' is to wait until at least 7.5k miles to switch over to synthetic. I'm at 12.5k so I don't see any problems there. The oil I have been using is Mobil 1 full synthetic. The consensus there seems to be Amsoil synthetic. I was going to stop over at the Honda of Sea to pick up a stock oil filter which seems to be the consensus as well.
My questions are these:
1. What are you guys using for your oil? If you use Amsoil, where's the best deal to get it? I can easily get Mobil 1 at Costco. Should I use something other than these two?
2. Should I wait longer to change to synthetic oil? How much longer?
3. Is the stock filter good enough? I'm sure that going right to Honda to pick up the filter will cost me an arm & a leg, where is the best place to get them?
Another question I had slightly related to this is which service schedule do you follow? Regular or Severe? I was thinking of following severe given that I plan to take it to the track on the weekends
Anything else I should know?
Thanks!!
Chimmers
My questions are these:
1. What are you guys using for your oil? If you use Amsoil, where's the best deal to get it? I can easily get Mobil 1 at Costco. Should I use something other than these two?
2. Should I wait longer to change to synthetic oil? How much longer?
3. Is the stock filter good enough? I'm sure that going right to Honda to pick up the filter will cost me an arm & a leg, where is the best place to get them?
Another question I had slightly related to this is which service schedule do you follow? Regular or Severe? I was thinking of following severe given that I plan to take it to the track on the weekends
Anything else I should know?
Thanks!!
Chimmers
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 18,098
Likes: 1
From: Lake Stevens, WA
Well, I'll chime in...
1. I use Mobil 1 full synthetic. I started using it at 4.5k miles, at the time I didn't know about the waiting period.
2. With 12.5k miles on your car, it should be safe to switch.
3. I used to use Fram Tough Guard's but I heard from several sources they have an inferior bypass valve or something of that nature so I now use the OEM one. There are two types of OEM filters, and older version and a newer version. The new versions part number is 15400-PCX-004. Supposedly, the new one is improved so if you do buy an OEM, make sure you get the new version. I bought my filters from here H and A Go towards the bottom of the webpage. You can also find them on eBay occasionally. If you buy several of them, you will save on shipping which in my case made it less expensive than the dealer.
4. I personally follow the severe maint. sched. I don't race my car and rarely "drive it hard" but my car isn't driven on the highway much so I figure better to be safe than sorry.
As far as anything else you should know, nothing I can think of other than if you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask. There are a lot of knowledgable people here in the PacNW. Drive safe.
1. I use Mobil 1 full synthetic. I started using it at 4.5k miles, at the time I didn't know about the waiting period.
2. With 12.5k miles on your car, it should be safe to switch.
3. I used to use Fram Tough Guard's but I heard from several sources they have an inferior bypass valve or something of that nature so I now use the OEM one. There are two types of OEM filters, and older version and a newer version. The new versions part number is 15400-PCX-004. Supposedly, the new one is improved so if you do buy an OEM, make sure you get the new version. I bought my filters from here H and A Go towards the bottom of the webpage. You can also find them on eBay occasionally. If you buy several of them, you will save on shipping which in my case made it less expensive than the dealer.
4. I personally follow the severe maint. sched. I don't race my car and rarely "drive it hard" but my car isn't driven on the highway much so I figure better to be safe than sorry.
As far as anything else you should know, nothing I can think of other than if you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask. There are a lot of knowledgable people here in the PacNW. Drive safe.
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,425
Likes: 0
From: Kirkland
You're getting good advice already from BBY and mwy23. Although the FRAM move is highly questionable. 
My $.50.
Dino v. synthetic I can understand, but synthetic v. synthetic is super-hair-splittingdom. I'd go with Mobil because they're a bigger company and you can pick a bottle up at any of your local automotive part stores.
As for the oil filter, stick with the S2000-specific Honda filter. No reason to go with anything else.
As for the maintenance schedule, go with severe just to be safe cuz this car ain't bulletproof like a Civic. I go 3,750 miles between oil changes (Mobil 1 synth).
As for Jerry's comment that Mobil 1 is "more than sufficient for your needs", it's more of Jerry's I'm-a-speed-addict-who-still-does-not-have-the-talent-to-make-$$$-off-going-fast-assclown-it-is-just-another-money-draining-hobby-just-like-the-next-guy-at-the-track BS. Typical track guy's unwarranted elitism must come back to reality speak. As if he's pushing his car so hard his engine oil needs are diff than ours (the ones who CHOOSE not to dump their money into tires and brake pads).
From all the dino v. synth internet car forum debates going around everyday, I listen to that Ultimate Lurker fool and RT. They say do synthetic for long-term goodness. Street pimpin' or track slangin'.
Good luck and drive safe.
My $.50.
Dino v. synthetic I can understand, but synthetic v. synthetic is super-hair-splittingdom. I'd go with Mobil because they're a bigger company and you can pick a bottle up at any of your local automotive part stores.
As for the oil filter, stick with the S2000-specific Honda filter. No reason to go with anything else.
As for the maintenance schedule, go with severe just to be safe cuz this car ain't bulletproof like a Civic. I go 3,750 miles between oil changes (Mobil 1 synth).
As for Jerry's comment that Mobil 1 is "more than sufficient for your needs", it's more of Jerry's I'm-a-speed-addict-who-still-does-not-have-the-talent-to-make-$$$-off-going-fast-assclown-it-is-just-another-money-draining-hobby-just-like-the-next-guy-at-the-track BS. Typical track guy's unwarranted elitism must come back to reality speak. As if he's pushing his car so hard his engine oil needs are diff than ours (the ones who CHOOSE not to dump their money into tires and brake pads).
From all the dino v. synth internet car forum debates going around everyday, I listen to that Ultimate Lurker fool and RT. They say do synthetic for long-term goodness. Street pimpin' or track slangin'.
Good luck and drive safe.
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 2
From: WA
I use valvoline synPower cuz it was the cheapest at my local schucks. It was like on sale for $4 a qt instead of $4.69 or something. I'm currently using a hamp filter but theres really no reason to use anything but stock if you change your oil regularly.
Trending Topics
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 613
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
warning: thread hijack in process........
the S2000 takes 10w-30 oil right? I still have a case of Mobil 1 10w-30 full synthetic oil that's been sitting here. I opened one and used 3/4 of it so really I have 5 and 1/4 quarts left. Anyone want to take it off my hands? My current ride uses 5w-30 and I don't want to jinx all 300 of my horses with 10w-30. Name your price or trade for 2 six packs of really good beer.
the S2000 takes 10w-30 oil right? I still have a case of Mobil 1 10w-30 full synthetic oil that's been sitting here. I opened one and used 3/4 of it so really I have 5 and 1/4 quarts left. Anyone want to take it off my hands? My current ride uses 5w-30 and I don't want to jinx all 300 of my horses with 10w-30. Name your price or trade for 2 six packs of really good beer.
Registered User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 18,098
Likes: 1
From: Lake Stevens, WA
[QUOTE]Originally posted by scooby2
warning: thread hijack in process........
the S2000 takes 10w-30 oil right? I still have a case of Mobil 1 10w-30 full synthetic oil that's been sitting here. I opened one and used 3/4 of it so really I have 5 and 1/4 quarts left. Anyone want to take it off my hands? My current ride uses 5w-30 and I don't want to jinx all 300 of my horses with 10w-30. Name your price or trade for 2 six packs of really good beer.
warning: thread hijack in process........
the S2000 takes 10w-30 oil right? I still have a case of Mobil 1 10w-30 full synthetic oil that's been sitting here. I opened one and used 3/4 of it so really I have 5 and 1/4 quarts left. Anyone want to take it off my hands? My current ride uses 5w-30 and I don't want to jinx all 300 of my horses with 10w-30. Name your price or trade for 2 six packs of really good beer.