Ion Redline Questions

Discussion in 'Saturn ION' started by Bob, Apr 4, 2005.

  1. Bob

    Bob Guest

    Hi,

    I just bought an Ion Quad Coupe Redline. I have a few questions that I
    couldn't get answered by the dealer...

    The docs that came with the car are Ion and have no mention of the
    Redline. That's no big deal, but I was told by the dealer that the oil
    changes MUST use Mobil 1 and that the oil change interval was "as usual"
    meaning (more or less every 3k miles). I have no problem with that, but
    the manual just says "use 5W30", there's no mention of synthetic anything.

    The other question is regarding fuel choice. The manual says use 87
    octane and then goes on to explain that using fuel rated lower than that
    can cause knocking. Not exactly an earth-shattering revelation. But my
    question is this: because the motor is "boosted", shouldn't you use
    higher octane fuel to get the benefit of the supercharger (and not
    suffer from engine management timing retard)?

    Please reply via mail, I don't visit this newsgroup very regularly.

    BTW, the car is a blast to drive!

    Regards,
    Bob Lang
     
    Bob, Apr 4, 2005
    #1
  2. Bob

    Lane Guest

    The model is "Red Line", not "Redline".

    Lane [ lane (at) evilplastic.com ]
     
    Lane, Apr 4, 2005
    #2
  3. Bob

    M. Cantera Guest

    The Saturn website also had 87 octane listed as the minimum octane
    like all of the engines offered. This may be a bit of wishful
    thinking the moment you spin the supercharger up.

    http://www.saturn.com/saturn/featurespricing/index.jsp?nav=210&cat=Spe

    Some of the mechanics I deal with recomment that you do not use
    synthetics until the engine is fully broken in (1st. 15k miles). Some
    of the Saturn engines use oil pressure to maintain proper load on the
    tensioner of the timing chain. If you run the oil for too long it
    will increase viscosity, lowered oil pressure, and may lead to failure
    of the timing change. I'm not aware of unusual sludge or varnish
    buildup in the Saturn engines, so regular oil should be ok.
     
    M. Cantera, Apr 7, 2005
    #3
  4. Bob

    marx404 Guest

    Well, I hope that you do return to this post to read this. First of all, yes
    you do need to run synthetic to properly maintain this particular variety of
    the ecotec engine. W/O getting into technicalities, Saturn thouroughly
    tested and proved that Mobil 1 would assist in keeping the engine running
    proper and safe under duress using this oil. Using plain oil WILL void your
    warranty and eventually allow damage to pistons, etc. The supercharged ION
    engines pistons are oil cooled, and Saturn has designed this engine to use
    the advantages of Mobil 1 to keep this engine running correctly and w/o
    consequential damage that would occur from using regular oil. You bought a
    performance car, and should maintain it like a performance car.

    If cost of Mobil 1 is a factor, then I can suggeat buying your own from your
    local parts store, and let Saturn do it or do it yourself (but if you do the
    latter, do bring it in for a check up once in awhile, missed service
    bulletins can be costly!)

    Secondly, the red line ION has a Supercharger and thus requires premium gas.
    Superchargers and turbos require higher octane that premium gasolines have
    and mid and lower grqades dont.

    Lastly, I am hearing so much from new Red Line owners that have bought from
    ignorant salesman that it makes me wanna scream! Not to mention that Saturn
    has never printed a specific owners manual for the ION RL, which is going to
    leave alot of new owners misinformed and hurting.

    DO check out www.redlineforums.com and www.saturnspot.com , you can find
    alot of RL owners there that can help you too.

    marx404
     
    marx404, Apr 7, 2005
    #4
  5. Bob

    y_p_w Guest

    Possibly true years ago, but not so much now. Now the amount of
    friction from motor oils is a function of friction modifiers added
    to all motor oils. I still waited until 6,000 miles anyways.

    Also - the definition of "synthetic oil" is rather nebulous now.
    Some are made from the traditional "synthesized hydrocarbons" like
    Mobil 1, while others are highly processed petroleum oil (most of
    the major brands in the US now).
     
    y_p_w, Apr 7, 2005
    #5
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