Hi all.
This is just to get some information from everyone here at datsun1200.com and maybe spark a discussion.

Everyone please feel free to reply to my message as I am interested in what oil you guys are using.
Please also say what you are using your datsun for.Hillclimbs, Track, Drags or just normal driving.
Let me start while I posted this message.
I use Castrol GTX2 20W-50.
I use my Datsun for normal town driving with an occasional visit to the redline when I feel like it.
Sometimes I will also traffic light drag against some 1400cc cars.

Penrite..............I think its the best mineral based oil for 1200's...........not too expensive either.

yeah i use penrite, the one with 40 on it for the rally car and the 30 for the turbo car

yep penrite Hpr30

10W30 -- it's more consistent among brands than 10W40. I just get whatever is on sale and change it every three months/3000 miles. This is for street driving. My engines last a long time -- no smoke. It rarely gets below freezing nor extremly hot in Seattle, so there is no need for a wider-range oil (like 5W50).

Is there any benefit to using a synthetic oil such as Mobil 1 over a mineral based oil ?

Yes, synthetic oil:
- last longer
- less friction (better fuel economy)
- doesn't break down as fast under high temperature
- handles high load better

Downside:
- Cost many times more
- some people say it leaks more ?

For a race car where every advantage counts, it is definitely worth it. Regular oil works fine in street cars, so why pay the extra cost?

Synthetic oil will destroy your bore honing if used during engine "run-in". So don't use it unless the engine has 1000+ kms on it.

My brother had a L20 (2.4L), and it had to be stripped down and re-honed because the rings never "bedded in" because of using synthetic oil during run-in. The engine just got more smokey by the day.

Chris

I use Valvoline XLD Premium (good mineral).
I agree with the other post about not using a synthetic while running engine in.

Rob

im using castrol GTX2 as well and i rekon its pretty good for all purposes. but number 1 oil to never use in my books is mobil oil, unless your a poser and just take your car to shows (fu*k that) use your car properly.