The world’s largest classic car trade, Techno Classica Essen, starts later this week and Porsche Classic will be on hand to showcase a sampling of their “Classic” original parts and new “Classic Motoroil“.
Just in time for the start of the spring driving season, Porsche Classic is launching its own engine oil for air-cooled flat-four and flat-six engines: the Porsche Classic Motoroil. Developed in collaboration with the Porsche Development Center in Weissach, the new engine oil was created with the specific aim of meeting the demands of the 356 and 911 models, including the 993 model range. Its operating behavior and lubricating properties were put to the test in extensive laboratory-based tests and practical trials. Available in two different weights, the Porsche Classic Motoroil can be had in: 20W-50 for all 356, 914 and 911 models up to the 2.7-litre G-Model and 10W-60 for flat-six engines from a displacement of 3.0 liters up to the 911 (type 993).
Why Porsche Classic Motoroil Over Today’s Oils?
Although modern oils are better from a technical point of view, this is not necessarily the case when it comes to classic air-cooled flat engines. For example, the low viscosity of a 0W-30 oil might mean optimum cold-start behavior, low engine resistance and other benefits in modern engines. However, in a 356, an oil of this kind could result in leaks and increased oil consumption due to the engine’s higher production tolerances and lower oil pressure during operation.
Cleaner Isn’t Always Better
Modern oils also use highly efficient detergent/dispersant agents to thoroughly clean the engine and reliably remove dirt, which can be too much of a good thing for a classic Porsche engine. While it’s true that additional deposits should be prevented and oil-soluble contaminants such as soot, water and dust kept suspended until they are drained off through the oil filter or removed during the next oil change, it’s alos important that the deposits which have built up over decades are not suddenly dissolved and that seals are not corroded.
20W-50 for the 356, 914 and early 911 models
Designed for all 356, 914 and 911 models up to the 2.7-litre G-Model, Porsche recommends the multi-grade version with a viscosity of 20W-50. Available from your local dealer starting in April of 2014 you can learn more at Porsche Classic.
20W-50, 1 liter
Porsche Part no.: 00004320928
20W-50, 5 liters
Porsche Part no.: 00004320929
10W-60 For Air-Cooled 911 Models With 3.0 Liter Or Bigger Engines
Starting from the 3.0-litre engine with dry-sump lubrication, the flat-six engines of the 911 are more suited to fully synthetic oils. They allow air-cooled engines to reap all the benefits of technological advances in oils. Porsche Classic’s 10W-60 version is an absolute ultra-high-performance oil. Its viscosity guarantees optimum lubrication behavior, both during cold starts and in a hot engine at full throttle. Also available starting in April more information is available at Porsche Classic.
10W-60, 1 liter
Porsche Part no.: 00004320930
10W-60, 5 liters
Porsche Part no.: 00004320931
What’s The Difference Between The 20W-50 Oil And The 10W-60 Oil?
There are two main reasons why the 20W-50 oil is recommended for flat engines up to
a displacement of 2.7 liters and the 10W-60 oil is recommended from a displacement of
3.0 liters. Firstly, crucial developments in terms of engine technology, production
tolerances and materials took place between the 2.7- and 3.2-litre models, with the
introduction of the 3.0-litre turbo engine in 1975 representing the greatest enhancement of engine performance. Secondly, Porsche Classic has drawn on its extensive experience in the use of oils in air-cooled flat engines.
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View Comments (7)
I have a 1995 993,with just road driving in spring, summer and fall. I switched from Mobil 20-50 to the new 0w40.I was told that due to the hydraulic lifters this was better for my car. Now Porsche tells us to use 10w60. What is up with that? I live in upper Michigan, so don't get many Months of driving.
Larry, we live in New England, so we feel you on the not getting many months of driving. I don't think Porsche is "telling" us what oil to use. I think they simply saw an opportunity in the market place and want to capitalize on it. We've been using Mobil1 in both our '97 993 C4S and our '73 911T. However, based on some of the reading we've done and the introduction to this new oil, we might switch over. I'm sure we'll have more stories on the new oil in the near future. For now, I would say use what works for you. Are you sure you should be using the 0w40 in the fall? Don't temps get pretty cold in the fall where you are?
Pepper Girl,
We put our 993 up for the winter about the second week in Oct. That is about the time it starts to get cold 40-45.Not that cold as the sun is still rather warm, and the fall colors are just about over.
This reads like marketing material, is it?
I'm sure the original information came from Porsche's press release. Not sure where else we would have got it from.
It has been a while since you post last year, and wondered if you moved to the 10-60 and what results you saw? I also live in New England, and garage between Nov-Apr. I have an 85 Targa. My mechanic was suggesting the 20-50, but the article specifically cites a differences. Thx
I'm about to have the oil changed on my 81 Targa and wonder what others are using in regards to this new oil. Thanks.