What type of oil to use?

[Gamble97]

So my current motor is not yet broken in yet, and she only has 350miles on her. I'm changing the oil this weekend, currently she has 10w30 in her. What weight of oil should I switch to? Winter is coming and it's not very warm in Chicago.

I've also read that 10w30 is too thin and some people have had problems running this? Any truth to this? Should I run 20w50?
Help, because I know nothing about oil. I know that I'm going to be running a non synthetic for the first few thousand miles. But I am unsure of what to run in the winter/summer.
Thanks

 

[Portilla]

stick with the 10w 30 for a while if anything switch to 5w 30 if its cold b/c the 5w allows more protection in colder conditions. 20w is very thick for cold startup and provides little protection also the thinner oil allows for the rings to seat in the cylinders. in the long run if you beat the snot out of the car and really spin the hell out of the motor go to a thicker oil

 

[greengoblin]

stick with the 10w 30 for a while if anything switch to 5w 30 if its cold b/c the 5w allows more protection in colder conditions. 20w is very thick for cold startup and provides little protection also the thinner oil allows for the rings to seat in the cylinders. in the long run if you beat the snot out of the car and really spin the hell out of the motor go to a thicker oil

I agree. Stick with a high quality 10w30 or 5w20 if you think it will get really cold -20.

20w50 is really only suitable for race engines with increased bearing clearances. It also like glue in cold temps. It recommend use is above freezing. You also loose power from the extra drag.

 

[greengoblin]

Here are some links. for oil info.
http://www.aa1car.com/library/oil_viscosity.htm
http://www.carbibles.com/engineoil_bible.html

 

[awdtalontsi1992]

Definately stick with the 10w-30 for now. When it gets really cold switch to 5w-30. I wouldn't recommend you use 20w-50 till the summer if at all. You really only need 20w-50 if you have some major upgrades and are producing alot of heat.

 

[Gamble97]

If my mod list high enough for 20w50? or is that mainly for race cars?