i just got my first oil change done at the dealership. as you guys probably know the recommended oil grade for our s2000 is 10w-30, but the dealership didnt have 10w-30 when i went to get it done so instead they put in 5w-30 synthetic oil.
i'm interested in knowing if this will do any harm to my engine.
and i also want to know what those numbers stand for.
TIA
-shoti

 

I don't think you need to be concerned at all. If you live in a colder climate, it may actually be more beneficial than the 10W30 recommended viscosity with winter time just around the corner. If you're worried about viscosity (thickness) of the oil not being high enough for the S2000 at high temperatures, don't be. I have UOA's for the same brand (Valvoline Maxlife synthetic) of oil in both 5W30 and 10W30 used in the same vehicle (2000 Toyota Tundra V-8) with the same OCI's showing SUS@210F (viscosity) to be higher (by a little) in the 5W30 than the 10W30 each time.

 

 

Read the "Oil Journals" in the Under the Hood Section. Honda says not use Syns for the first 10K miles. The Cylinder walls are a little different and require different procedures for proper break in. Syns don't allow this process to occur. Watch your Dealer they have been known to use the wrong fluids and cause a lot of damage. Trans and diffs are the biggest problem since they don't carry the proper lubes for those.
Use Valvoline Max Life regular oil for the first 10K

 

Hrm, my manual suggests 5W-40 and 10W-30, doesn't really "suggest" either, just gives them as options (EU).

 

 

^ sorry, i didnt know where to look... i'm a newbie at the general forums coz i'm always on the local bay area forums.
ty you guys, i'll change over to natural oil for the next couple of oil changes to break in my engine. btw i'm at about 6k miles. ty again to all

 

There's a lot of good info in the DIYs. I learned from them and reading other threads.

 

You may want to add this to your oil for now: http://www.mrmoly.com/break-in.html