[ChrisH]

Hey guys. I'm up for my first 1K service in a couple of weeks, and was wondering about switching from the standard oil to synthetic. I know that the Synthetic last longer between changes, but I don't drive that many miles to begin with so that's not really a concern.

Any opinions on switching the standard oil out for synthetic?

If you like synthetic, any preference on brand and weight?

Thanks!

 

[pat.ross]

Went with the synthetic (Mobil 1) at the 1k oil change. Will run it for the life of the car. Have run synthetic for the last 10 years without any engine problems. Have put as many as 140k on these vehicles.

 

[ISFChamp]

make the switch it's well worth it!!

 

[rushnut]

But Andy, when I brought my IS F in a couple weeks ago for the 5k service, the dealer was pretty convinced that the natural oil Lexus apparently recommends is what should go in it.

Is the difference between natural and synthetic really that great if I'm not going to track the car more than (maybe) once between now and 10k miles?

Thanks for any input on this.

 

[ChrisH]

make the switch it's well worth it!!

I have to concur what rushnut says, my dealer (Lexus Orlando) said that they put regular oil in it so it would come in for service more often and they could check out the rest of the car at the same time it was in for oil.

I am skeptical at this statement since the reality is that they get paid each time I come if for oil, so the more I come in the more coin they take in.

What's the recommended weight? I may just pick up a case of synthetic and pay for it myself rather than paying dealer prices. (No offense Andy)

 

[ISFChamp]

The LS460 which has 4.6 liter engine that the IS-F motor is based off of runs full synthetic. I believe the the LS and IS-F weight of oil is 5w20. I'll double check when I get in today.

Running synthetic will allowyou to go longer between oil changes becuase the synthtic oil does not break down as quickly as the normal oil.

 

[ISFChamp]

Rushnut, I'm not offended if you don't want to get the oil from your local dealer, but youmight be suprised, dealer prices on things like that usually are not too bad at all. Sometimes they are even the same price... Just check it out.

 

[BigMikeISF]

What brand of Synthetic would you use? Mobil 1, Royal Purple, etc.?

I've heard people talking about how good Royal Purple is, anyone use it before?

 

[ISFChamp]

I use Mobil 1 oil, and Royal Purple in the trans and rear end of the mustang.

 

[BigMikeISF]

I use Mobil 1 oil, and Royal Purple in the trans and rear end of the mustang.

Which one do you like better?

 

[ISFChamp]

Royal Purple is great for the rear end and trans. I haven't tried the motor oil yet. Just been a fan of the Mobil 1 for that for a long time....

 

[SMOKE]

I will say this in "ALL HONESTY" as long as you change the oil and keep up with the maintenance of the vehicle at the dealership, everything will be fine. I didn't take my car in for the 1k service because all they do is check the tires and make sure everything's ok,I dont drive my car regularly so there's no need.It's just another way for the dealer to make money, use the Lexus brand of oil which is a synthetic blend or ask for a full synthetic of your choice.Trust me I work for Lexus and all that's necessary is the scheduled maintenance!! Go with FULL synthetic for this engine my opinion-- Mobil 1, Castrol or even better Q High performance synthetic for high performance engines!!!

 

[ChrisH]

I use Mobil 1 oil, and Royal Purple in the trans and rear end of the mustang.

I am looking online, but can't find the oil specs.

Will a case of 6 quarts be enough?

10W-30 be OK?

 

[darwin316]

I am looking online, but can't find the oil specs.

Will a case of 6 quarts be enough?

10W-30 be OK?

I thought i read somewhere that it's more like 10 quarts?

 

[brandonst878]

You definately need more than 6 qts. I know the engine takes at least 9 qts so you might want to buy 10 just in case.

 

[Flipside909]

I am looking online, but can't find the oil specs.

Will a case of 6 quarts be enough?

10W-30 be OK?

The oil capacity is located in your owners manual. 9.7 or 9.8 quarts if I recall correctly.

 

[Flipside909]

I look at it this way. If Synthetic was really required for the IS-F, wouldn't you think Lexus would recommend it off the bat and fill all the motors from the factory? Lexus has spent millions of dollars to engineer this motor for maximum efficiency and performance using conventional multi weight motor oil. Stick with a high quality oil and change it regularly, and you'll never have a problem. Factory recommends 5k intervals for oil changes. I've had several Lexus and Toyota vehicles in the past that have run well over 100k with no breakdowns or oil leaks from the valve cover seals all using a good motor oil. My favorite is Castrol GTX. 5w-30 is recommended but 5w-20 can be used as well. All the info can be found in the owners manual.

 

[rushnut]

Andy,

I have no problem with getting synth. oil at the dealer...I think you may have mixed my post up with ChrisH's. I was just wondering if the dealer in my area might not really be giving me the best oil for this beast, or whether, if Lexus is putting this oil in at the first service, it really matters that much.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[1niceF]

Yea i changed my oil over myself, when i hit 1k...i bought ams oil one of the best fully synthetic oils on the market. i love it. Dont get me wrong mobil 1 is awsome but i think i like ams oil better. a case of 12 quarts ran me $100. and it took 9.8 approx. and you should run 5w30.

 

[ChrisH]

Well, I got the oil changed over the weekend with some Mobil 1 5w-30 i bought at Sams club. At first the service manager tried to talk me out of it, but I was persistent. I also had them flush the brake fluid and change it out for Super Blue racing fluid.

Cost me about $275 for the labor since the brake flush took almost 2 hours.