Hey all,

I've seen all the debates of which oil works in what conditions etc, and the overall census seems to be that 10w30 is ideal for winter driving...

Well, where I live, the temperatures can hit -40F (rarely) and average around -20F... anyone dealt with these temps? I'm curious if 10w30 will suffice or if I should go with an even lighter oil...

Thanks in advance.

 

10w30 will be fine - your temps are similar to ours. BTW, have you considered synthetic's?

 

I even use 10W30 in the summer. Used to use 20W50 in the winter.

You main concern should be making sure your battery, cables, and starter are in primo condition to *ensure* that the car cranks quickly - slow cranking means low compression and flooding. I've changed plugs at 5-10 degrees F, I'd hate to do it at -40.

Speaking of plugs... you will want to make sure your ignition system is up to snuff also. MSD is a godsend for cold weather, because the engine doesn't like running as necessarily rich as you will be running in order to get the thing running.

 

Makes sense.

Which MSD would you recommend for a stock/slightly modded 12a?

They seem have quite an assortment... but all the info on their site pertains to boingers.

 

MSD 6A is good.

 

I use 10w-40 in Montana all year with no problems. The 7 fires right up at -30

 

I don't drive my RX-7 in the winter, so I haven't played with oil in it too much, but in my other cars, you can't beat synthetic in the engine and tranny for cold weather.

 

You can also refer to the owners manual and see what viscosity is recommended at that temp.

 

hello, i would recommend driving to your well known local certified mechanic and ask him what he puts in the cars that he services. should be good for you.

 

That's a good idea, but there isn't a good local mechanic who services rotaries here. ;[

There is a friend of mine with a *sweet* FD, but he said he hasn't dealt with the 12a enough to make a valid recommendation... that and he never drives his in the winter.

And Bruceman, I will check the owner's manual.