I took my car in for service the other day for my first oil change with 5,000 miles showing on the ODO. When I drove it off their lot I noticed an immediate difference (night and day... OMG is this the same car difference) in the revs (when shifting gears) and engine idle. Did any of you guys notice a big difference from your first oil change? I checked and maintained my oil level on every fill up.

John

 

There can be notable viscosity differences at room temperature from one oil to another that may make a difference in feel when the car is first started. Once up to full operating temp most of that difference disappears and with it any power difference. There is measurable pumping loss difference between viscosities, but power differences between oils of the same viscosity at full operating temperature is very close to nil.

 

I noticed a slight difference when I went from standard oil to synthetic oil at 8800 miles. The power seemed smoother and mileage definitely improved.

 

cdelena- the noticeble difference is felt when the car has reached full operating temps. Before the oil change no matter how smoothly I tried to shift each gear the car would jerk a little (to a lot) due to the revs, this was the case for both up and downshifts. Now after the oil change I can almost pop the clutch with no noticeble jerkiness. Quite odd. I'm not complaining or anything the car drives much smoother now then bofore.

 

I won't argue what you feel but IMO the oil has nothing to do with it.

 

Same thing happened on my FZR - but then again the FZR's transmission and engine oil were one and the same. Not so w/the S2000.