walc

I have a 2006 S281 3 Valve.
Saleen recommends full synthetic oil, changed every 3000 miles, and tire rotation every 3000 miles.
Ford recommends semi-synthetic, changed every 5000 miles, on the 4.6L V8.
I don't mind the cost. I just feel that I want the dealer, or any oil change place, to touch my car as little as possible; as they will likely screw something up. For example, using the wrong viscosity oil - 5W20 Motorcraft instead of 5W30 full synthetic.
I'm not equipped to do the oil changes, lubes, and disposal, myself.
I'm thinking of going to a 5000 mile interval for oil, lube and tire rotation.
Have any of you done so?

tim1200

I think that you are right; however, the reason why I get the dealer to change the oil at Saleen's recommended intervals is to keep a record of the oil change and to keep the warranty from becoming void. If you service it yourself and you have a motor failure you will need proof of maintenance and I am not that good at keeping track of the receipts.

PolkThug

With a full synthetic, you really can go a long time without an oil change. A lot of people like to claim what is best, but if you want to really find out what is right for your specific application, you can send an oil sample in to be tested.

mills281e

Manufacturing processes and oil technology have come a long way. You see more and more vehicles recommending longer oil change intervals as minimal maintenance. As evidence, I have 3 cars that have 3 different intervals. My Saleen gets a change every 6 months (synthetic; irrespective of mileage....would take me a while to rack up 3000 miles), Cobra (synthetic; every 3000 miles) and TL (regular oil; every 7500 miles or so...though manufacturer recommends every 10,000 miles).

I do the Cobra and Saleen myself, I won't touch the TL due to warranty issues.

If you trust a 5000 mile interval...go with it to keep your warranty intact. But, remember, the mileage intervals for standard care are the "minimum" recommendations. Likewise, keep in mind how long the same oil sits around in the oil pan (i.e. how long does it take you to put 5000 miles on the car?).
Mills

Burke0011

And try and do it yourself - I never did any car maintenance until I got my S197.... changing the oil is literally a piece of cake....

S281 E

^+1 I will more likely change the oil every 6 months instead of every 3,000 miles. Second, it also comes down to how you drive and weather. If you don't puch your car all the time 5,000 miles will be fine.

walc

Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts.
In the first 3 weeks, I've had my Saleen, I have driven 850 miles. I find I don't want to drive my other vehicles, even though one of them is a month old 2007 Mercedes E350. Must be some "aging redneck" syndrome. [8D]
If I keep up this kind of mileage, I'm even more likely to go 5000 miles between oil changes and tire rotations.

nrcollectibles

I do know that Saleen states they follow the "severe" use recommendations to maintain their warranty. Technically, that means every 3,000 miles.

dotbomb

Or do like I did, upgrade the car and toss the warranty. Then you can change the oil whenever you like!

AmyVCTexas

I just got my car back from 3500 mile check. I verified twice on the phone that they used full synthetic. However the invoice indicates 5W20 was used. Does synthetic come in that weight? Weren't they supposed to use 5W30 per Saleen's instructions? I just don't trust those guys at the dealer!