Guys,
Do to the recent thread I started that got way out of control, I have been doing a lot of research on oil specifications for this motor. Unfortunately, the MS-10725 Daimler Chrysler spec does not show up online, so I finally called DaimlerChrysler directly today to try and clear this up.
I, like many of you, put some serious effort into locating Mobil 1 0W-40 over the last week almost. It is hard stuff to find and if you really want an eye opener, get the price per quart from your local DCX parts department(or the 150 or so oil change service fee).
Anyway, today at 4:05pm I called DCX customer support and was told that a good quality synthetic was required for this motor. I asked what good quality meant. I got a list that included Valvoline synthetic, Castrol, Royal Purple(hmmm), and Amsoil(sorry, I had to ask, you know me, he didn't recommend it pricewise, though
). Now, the even better part was the fact that most of these are NOT 0W-40 oils, most are 5W-30 or 5W-40 and one he mentioned was even 10W-40.
Anyway, that is the info and for anyone curious about oil and modern formulations, I would enjoy seeing you at 'Bob Is The Oil Guy' forums on oil discussion. I learned a lot over there, along with my chemistry background, and they have numerous postings of oil analysis at various milages(yes, there are some Mobil 1 OW-40 results and they show some concern, one reason I want to steer clear to a higher quality oil personally). Check out German Castrol sometime!!! It is awesome, hard to find though, even harder than Mobil 1 0W-40.
The factory filter is a good quality unit and Mobil 1 OW-40 is recommended, so should you have any issues, the oil cannot be a concern if you stay this route. The best reason, perhaps, to stay the route. Please don't put a fram filter on your SRT-8, my .02 on it.
Todd
