Recommended Oil for S3

[85S3NA]

In preparation for some warmer weather, I getting the cars ready for some summer use - one of the more basic jobs I need to do on the Esprit is change the oil - however, I wanted to check with everyone else what oil they use in their S3 Esprit's.

The handbook recommends the following - Valvoline SAE 20W/50 (or an SAE 15W/50 API / SE / SF) as an alternative.

My guess is that ths Castrol RS's and Mobil 1's on the market are too thin for a 1985 912 series engine - I was thinking more along the lines of a semi-synthetic - however, I am no expert, and would really appreciate others experiences and input on this.

Jonathan 85S3NA

[lotusespritworld]

See:

www.lotusespritworld.com/ETechnical/oil.html

Both Castrol and Mobile do 15W50, which should be fine for the older Esprits.

There some text on oil for older engines at the bottom.

kato
Lotus Esprit World

[PatHeald]

I put Mobil 1 0W-40 in mine last Summer.

It is too thin.

The engine burns the stuff at quite a rate and the car is now smokey when started.

Needless to say, I'll be back to 20-50 next time.

[maigret]

I'm using a Penzoil 20/50 that is SL grade. This provides a good oil pressure even at the height of summer.

[MPx]

I use Valvoline "Racing" oil in both S3 Turbo Esprit (14 yrs) and S1 Sunbeam (3 yrs). Seems to work well - both use the 2.2 engine.