Choosing the right oil for your Honda Integra Type R DC5 can be a confusing, but important task. It is also important to change the oil and oil filter regularly in these cars to keep the engine in tip-top condition.
To help you with this we have put together a quick guide on what is the best oil and oil filter for an Integra Type R DC5, and when to change them. Also take the time to check out our Type R DC5 buyer’s guide for more information on buying and maintaining your own example.
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What is the Best Engine Oil Weight for a DC5 Type R?
Depending on who you ask you will get a different answer, so we will try to cover the most recommended engine oil weights. The engine oil weight that is recommended for your car will also depend on a number of factors from the environment/temperature where it is located, to whether or not it has any modifications and what it is used for (general driving, track use, etc.)
For those unsure what the “XW-XX” oil classification system means the front number/letter combo indicates the oil’s viscosity at -17.8 degrees Celsius (0 degrees Fahrenheit). In simple terms this means that the lower the number, the less the oil thickens in lower temperatures.
The two numbers at the end (XX) indicate the viscosity of the oil at 100 degrees Celsius and represent the oil’s resistance to thinning at high temperatures.
If we compare a 5W-30 grade oil vs a 10W-30 grade we will find that the former thickens less in colder weather. However, a 5W-30 grade will thin out quicker at higher temperatures than say a 5W-40 grade.
In basic terms this means that an oil with a lower winter viscosity (XW) is usually better in cooler environments or months for your DC5 Type R. For those in hotter environments or for those with a modified Type R DC5 that is used on a track, an oil with a higher viscosity at 100 degrees Celsius may be a more suitable option.
So, What Is the Best Engine Oil Weight for a Type R DC5?
For general use, good quality 5W-30 10W-30, 5W-40 or 10W-40 engine oil weights are the most recommended. Engine oil with a weight of 10W-40 is often recommended for DC5 Type Rs that have travelled over 100,000 km (60,000 miles). If you are using a 5W-30 engine oil and find that the car is burning too much of it you can move up to something like a 10W-40.
Another option that gets recommended for tuned/tracked Type R DC5s is 10W-60. This oil weight was/is often used by Spoon and TGM Sport Racing during servicing.
Synthetic vs Non-Synthetic (Dino)
Non-synthetic engine oils are not recommended for the DC5 Integra Type R. Most owners and specialists recommend that you use a fully synthetic engine oil, however, semi-synthetic oils can be used as well (although you should stick to fully synthetic).
Our Recommendations for the Best Engine Oil for Honda Integra Type R DC5
Below you can find our recommended engine oils for the Integra Type R DC5
Honda Genuine FEO 10W-30 Engine Oil
While it can be quite hard to come by in some areas, Honda’s FEO 10W-30 engine oil is perfect for a wide variety of use cases and locations. It is a high quality, high-performance API SM rated engine oil that is specially formulated by Honda themselves.
Castrol Edge 5W-30 Fully Synthetic Oil
If you are looking for a thinner oil that is more readily available, Castrol’s Edge 5W-30 fully synthetic is an excellent option. This is a great option for those that live on cooler climates or for those with DC5 Type Rs that are still relatively fresh. If you live in a hotter climate or have a DC5 that has travelled further this oil can be used, but if you notice that your car starts to drink a lot of oil switch to something thicker.
Fuchs Titan Race Pro S 5W-40 Fully Synthetic
This is another great option for the DC5 Integra Type R. It has a slightly higher resistance to thinning at higher operating temperatures than the 5W-30 above, but will still be excellent for cool temperatures and general driving conditions. The oil is race/competition synthetic and is made in the United Kingdom.
Castrol Edge 10W-40 Advanced Full Synthetic
The Integra Type R DC5 is starting to become a bit long in the tooth and most of them on the road today will have travelled well over 100,000 km (60,000 miles). For this reason many owners and specialists recommend a good quality 10W-40 engine oil and Castrol’s Edge 10W-40 Advanced Full Synthetic is one of the best available. If you live in a slightly hotter climate, track your car or find that your Type R uses a bit too much oil, Castrol Edge’s 10W-40 is an excellent option.
Castrol Edge 10W-60 Advanced Full Synthetic
For those who regularly track or drive their DC5 Type R hard, Castrol’s Edge 10W-60 Advanced Full Synthetic is an excellent engine oil. This engine oil weight is used by the likes of Spoon in their tuned DC5 Type Rs.
When Does the Oil Need to be Changed on a DC5 Type R
It is often recommended that you change the engine oil in a DC5 Type R every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or so. Some very enthusiastic owners will change the oil in their car every 5,000 km (3,000 miles) or so, but this really isn’t necessary with modern synthetics.
If you want to change the engine oil a bit more frequently but don’t want to go crazy, 7,500 km (5,000 mile) intervals are a good target to aim for. It can be a good idea to reduce the distance between changes if your Type R burns a bit of oil.
For those that don’t drive their DC5 Type much, oil changes should be every six to twelve months regardless of mileage. The reason for this is because old oil that sits at the bottom of a Type R’s crankcase can breakdown overtime and become diluted in the presence of contaminants.
If you feel that you could go longer between changes, it may be a good idea to send your car’s old oil off to a lab. They will be able to tell you the condition of the oil and whether or not it could go further between changes.
What is the Best Oil Filter for an Integra Type R DC5
There are a number of different oil filters available for the DC5 Type R, but it is a good idea to stay with Honda’s OEM one with a part number of 15400-PLM-A02 (find it here). As the OEM oil filter is easy to come by, we would recommended that you stay away from aftermarket options.
When Should the Oil Filter Be Changed?
The oil filter should be replaced every 10,000 km (6,000 miles) or every oil change. Replacing an oil filter is inexpensive, so you may as well do it when you do the oil.
If you are interested in buying an Integra Type R DC5 make sure you have a look at our Buyer’s Guide here.
