1979-1993 & 94 Conv [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
The only thing to run in a turbo is fully synthetic oil. I converted my '90 over to syn at 120kmi, but it's not a turbo. I jumped directly from 3k mi intervals to 10k mi intervals w/o any cleaners or special "in-between" intervals & never developed any problems. However, now that I know about Auto-Rx (linked in my tranny post), I'll always use this stuff whenever I buy a used car (I only use syn oil now, turbo engine or not). The results of Auto-Rx on both of my n/a Saabs has been noticeable after only a couple hundred miles, & I just got my shipment to run in my (turbo) '99 9³. IMO, if your engine's been on dino oil, you should definitely run the two-bottle application before switching over to syn. Not so much for the oil switch, but because you want the engine to run as close to "showroom" condition as possible & this is the best way to get there.
My two recommendations for oil are Mobil 1 & Amsoil, in the heaviest viscosities you're comfortable using. For years, Saab's primary recommendation for turbo oil has been an ACEA A3 rating, & only heavier oils meet this spec. Since my intervals go a full year (5°F starts in winter & +100°F traffic in summer), I'm running M1 0W-40. If my winter starts never dropped below freezing, I'd run M1 15W-50 year-round. (Actually, I'm running M1 15W-50 right now in my '90, but that's another story ... ) In the Amsoil, I'd use their 10W-40 ("AMO") oil, but I think DickInFallsChurch uses the 0W-30 ("TSO") in all of his turbo engines.
To add to the confusion, Saab's OE oils have always been "diesel style" formulations. The extra additives & typically heavier viscosities are great for turbo bearings. This means Mobil's Delvac 1 5W-40 & Amsoil's 15W-40 ("AME") are also great choices. Shell Rotella Syn & Chevron Delo 400 Syn (both 5W-40 diesel oils) are also options, but they're not as durable as the Delvac & Amsoil oils.
The 9-5 BB has the biggest oil discussions, so do a search over there to get a lot of Saab-specific insight. If you think you're more interested than is socially acceptable, go to the oily link below.
posted by 64.207.44...
Too much information runnin' round my brain ...
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