Engine oil Castrol or RED LINE
In the early years only VW dealers carry Castrol Syntec 5w-40 oil which is where I am always getting from.
Using Redline racing 50W in a SCCA 1.6L production engine with an oil temp of about 210 to 215 degree (F) on a hot southeastern race weekend. Hot oil pressure is about 70 to 75 psi at WOT and about 30 psi after a session in the paddock prior to shut down.
For the past 5 seasons, I've been running 5w-30 Mobil 1 but recently switched to Red Line 30 Wt with no ill effects. Typical oil temps (racing on in the Mid-Atlantic area with temperatures and humidity in the 90s) are 250ish with 30-45 PSI hot oil pressure at full chat.
I had to top off once and used Castrol Syntec, which is about $3.50 where I live.
I had to top off once and used Castrol Syntec, which is about $3.50 where I live.
My favorite is simply Castrol drive hard. I run it in all my engines except the VR.
Mobil 1 0w-40 is approved by VW, Porsche, MB. If you don't mind the price, Redline 5w-40 is excellent for our 1.8T engines. From the oil analyses I've seen, Redline has shown a few \"Parts Per Million\" less in metal wear than Mobil 1 5w-30 or 0w-40. Redline has more Moly than most oils. But for me, a few PPM is insignificant over 7k-8k miles. I still use Mobil 1 though cause it's cheaper (Costco) and can be found anywhere.
The oil used by VW is made by Castrol. Of course, you can't buy it in any store.
I use 5w50 Castrol, just coats my rides power like white on rice!
The 3 vanagons I owned, seemed to do the best on GTX 20w50.
Write your review
Help others - share your experience with this part.