5w-20 vs 5w-50

[Ibrahim_S]

Hey
On the cap of my 2017 mustang gt it says 5w20 but recently I’ve heard that the 5w50 is better, any thoughts?

Sponsored

 

[GregO]

On the cap of my 2017 mustang gt it says 5w20 but recently I’ve heard that the 5w50 is better, any thoughts?

You're in IRAQ, it's really hot there.
Most oils are specified by max operating temperature.
So if you're racing in your area 5W-50 should be good.
If you're a street performance guy think about 0W-40.
Zero weights are overhead cam friendly. Anyone that understands overhead cams knows the quicker the oil gets to the cams the better especially with the Coyotes bearing-less cams.

 

[Matti777]

Just go with a mfg recommended viscosity...5W30 for example. The first number, 5, is somewhat irrelevant if you don't have cold starts.

 

[Veteran]

go check out the website,
Bobtheoilguy
there are literally millions of posts about oil.

 

[fatbillybob]

Hey
On the cap of my 2017 mustang gt it says 5w20 but recently I’ve heard that the 5w50 is better, any thoughts?

5/20 streetcar or once a year on track
5/50 racecar or dedicated track car.

 

[mjhpadi]

When I spoke with Ford they recommended staying with their specs and not changing weights. My '10 SHO recommended 5w-20 but in later years that changed to 5w-30. Ford said stay with 5w-20.

 

[gadgtfreek]

5/20 streetcar or once a year on track
5/50 racecar or dedicated track car.

Good post.

 

[EFI]

This has not once ever been discussed on the entire 8+ year history of the Mustang6g forum.

Thank you for breaking the ice and finally starting the discussion about this topic.

 

[Ibrahim_S]

5/20 streetcar or once a year on track
5/50 racecar or dedicated track car.

Can I still go with 5w-50 even though the car is daily drive.. for an extra protection for the engine?

 

[El_Centenario]

Can I still go with 5w-50 even though the car is daily drive.. for an extra protection for the engine?

Same here, switching over to Amsoil 5W-50 in my car for the added protection since I will be adding boost. Have been using Motorcraft 5w-20 for the past 4 years.

 

[Ibrahim_S]

Same here, switching over to Amsoil 5W-50 in my car for the added protection since I will be adding boost. Have been using Motorcraft 5w-20 for the past 4 years.

Thanks

 

[Elp_jc]

The first number, 5, is somewhat irrelevant if you don't have cold starts.

That's not true, since you always going to have cold starts... unless you never turn your engine off . A 0/30 oil is always going to lubricate quicker than a 5/30 oil when engine is cold. But yes, the hotter the ambient temperature, the less the difference. That's why I switched to M1 0/30: less engine wear at start up, due to quicker lubrication, which also should keep the darn phasers happy.

And no, 5/50 is not going to protect the engine better... unless you're always tracking your car in hot climates. A thicker oil is not going to lubricate your engine properly under normal conditions, which would be bad for the engine, not better. Not to mention it'd create more friction and heat, so less efficiency, and fuel mileage. I live in hot TX, so I went with M1 0/30. I wouldn't go any higher than that, especially under warranty. That's what Ford calls for in many other markets; 5/50 is ony for racing.

 

[Matti777]

That's not true, since you always going to have cold starts... unless you never turn your engine off .

Define cold? The difference is small above freezing temps. (0W vs 5W). Today I am starting my vehicle at -26C with 5W30. 5W is a common grade up here. I wouldn't fret over it.

 

[kauljp]

I have a 2020 mustang gt, The temperatures here from December till april range approximately from -10 deg celcius to -30 deg celcius till spring. What oil would you recommend for my car. I havent changed my oil since I got my vehicle and it currently shows 59% oil life remaining.

 

[K4fxd]

In Toronto I'd use either 5w-30 or 0w-30. If you run your car hard I'd use 0w-40 or 5w-40.

Sponsored