By far the most important aspect of engine oil is to have the proper grade. For a short list of recommended oil weights for the different DSM engines, see "What is the recommended oil range/type/weight for a [DSM]?" in this FAQ.

As is true for many automotive enthusiast groups, DSMers generally recommend fully synthetic oil for general use. Synthetic oils can withstand higher temperatures than mineral oils, and contain less wax, which theoretically leads to less residue building up in the engine.

However, some members stick with semi-synthetic or regular oils, and may or may not change them more often than recommended. A good case can be made for using either type of oil, so it usually comes down to the owner's personal preference.

Engine oil brand is even more debatable than oil type. There are dozens of brands on the market, each slightly different from the last. Fortunately, almost all of them will work just fine in all autmotive applications, including DSMs, allowing owners to pick whatever brand they have confidence in.

For those who want more technical information, Ed Hackett was kind enough to provide an oil analysis information sheet that was posted to the Digest. Even he admits that it is not comprehensive enough to provide a definitive answer about which oil might be 'best' for DSMs, but it's a start.

Those curious to know the specifics of their oil might want to read about Tim Tate's experiences with a commercially available oil testing kit.

The Last Word: Are you kidding me? The car is old enough now that you shouldn't care this much. Get any good oil you like.

Don't see frames? Click here!

Submit new information now!

The true way to answer this question is as follows: analyze gasoline samples from all the prospective gas stations in your area for a period of three to twelve months, then pick the consistently best gas.

In other words, this is an imposible question to answer. Gasoline quality and formulation vary enormously over the continent. Leaving aside race gas (100+ octane) there is no real way of telling which gas is the 'best' in your specific area. Just pick a high-octane brand and stick to it unless you have a problem.

For those unsatisfied with this answer, read the Gasoline FAQ, and seek out information from other local DSMers. Don't ask the Digest - somebody in California isn't going to be able to help you if you live in New York.

Don't see frames? Click here!

Submit new information now!

Some DSMs came equipped with a 'small' oil filter, and some with a 'big' oil filter - apparently a difference between Chrysler and Mitsubishi, as well as between different model years. Both filters appear to work the same, so owners generally don't sweat too much over which one to use.

A few owners with modified exhaust systems have found that the 'big' filter doesn't fit their car anymore. Changing to the small version seems to work fine for them as well.

As for brands, filters are like engine oils - it is nearly impossible to identify a 'best' oil filter. Many different oil filters seem to work equally well, and there is almost nothing to distinguish different brands from each other.

In a quest for knowledge, Russ Knize took a bunch of oil filters and cut them apart, to see how they compared internally. The results of his work have been written up on the Oil Filter Study page, which details the comparison of the different filter types. He also has a separate page detailing his personal recommendations on which oil filters should perform the best.

Don't see frames? Click here!

Submit new information now!

Maintained by Sean Costall. Changes and suggestions are welcomed!  If you have any information on the answers to any of these questions or wish additional questions, please mail me.

This page is an extension of Club DSM .