Lucas 10W-50 Motor Oil in a Boxer Engine

I'm considering using a 10W-50 motor oil and was wondering if anyone has experience with Lucas products. I recall using their fuel additive in a high-mileage car—it did a great job cleaning up the top end and noticeably improved smoothness, starting, and power.

The Lucas oil is full synthetic and carries an API SN rating (an automotive spec) despite being marketed as great for off-road vehicles. It contains some ZDDP, but the SN rating means it's within certain limits. Early synthetics had some teething issues, but this oil has been around for a while.

One concern I always have with oil is corrosion protection and detergent properties—any thoughts or experiences with this stuff?

Also, I'm curious about Porsche Classic 10W-50 motor oil—anyone have feedback on that?

BTW, pricing for these oils seems in line with other major brands.

Thanks for the input!

 

Awesome info - thanks!

Having trouble finding a brand that offers 10W-50. That's why I listed the Porsche classic and Lucas product. And it took a while to find those.

 

How about ANY 10W-50 products? Seems like an odd duck. Just Lucas and Porsche Classic is the only 10W-50 I can find regardless of base stock used.

 

Thank you all,

Page 19 of the owner’s manual for the Ferrari BB512i specifies “Agip SINT 2000 SAE 10W-50,” so that’s what I’ve been aiming to match—though I’m open to using a comparable brand that meets the spec.

For what it’s worth, I studied mechanical engineering largely out of a passion for subjects like this—especially as they relate to Ferrari. In one of our machine design courses, we got into journal bearing analysis, which considers a number of factors* that really showed how involved this topic is. It also gave me an appreciation for just how much engineering goes into oil selection, and how computational tools now simplify what was once a very manual, iterative process.

Having spent much time around engine rebuilding and design, I’ve noticed how manufacturers often carry forward bearing dimensions across engine families—because they’ve been proven to work. And Ferrari, in particular, is no stranger to understanding how their cars will be driven and what conditions they’ll see. I trust that their oil specs are the result of deep experience and development.

Over the years, I’ve made some of my own observations regarding oil performance, which have guided me to explore alternatives when necessary—but always with a healthy respect for the original engineering intent.
That’s why, when it comes to viscosity, I prefer to stick with what the factory recommended.



* Viscosity (and how it varies with temperature), heat from oil shear, steady-state temps, bearing geometry (diameter, width, clearance), rpm, load, lubrication type, contamination factors, etc.

 

I used to use Agip exclusively for the Ferrari on the track. it was tricky to buy. I had a bunch of race buddies w Ferrari's so we'd go in as a group and buy 300 gallons at a shot. This lasted a while, but we did use it all and it made the purchase reasonable.

What I loved about the Agip, is at 7,700 rev's, the oil temp and pressure stayed right in the center. At idle, the pressure still showed good even when hot. Volatility was excellent! For petro-oil, I have much confidence with Brad-Pen (The 'Old Kendall). With many of the hi perf oils, I do want to not destroy the cats.