Shell Helix motor oil

I just got a 1998 355 Spider and the owner's manual specifies Shell Helix 5W-40 motor oil, but I can't seem to locate a supplier. Can anyone suggest a supplier, or comparable oil for topping off? Thanks in advance

Scott,

Audi specifies the same oil viscosity...We use Castrol Syntec 5w-40. No issues and readily available at Autozone.

Regards,
David

Hi!
Even if it was recommended earlier, this may not be the best oil for your engine.
With frequent hard use, high rpm and hot climate it is safer to use fully synthetic 5W50 or 10W60 oils.
In Europe Ferrari had severe problems with the Helix Ultra 5W40 and the recommended oil for newer Ferraris is Helix Ultra 10W60 now.

For top up you can use any good oil that you can put your hands on.
If it is synthetic and 5W40, even better.
Shell Helix is no special formula, but a standard oil for standard engines and can be mixed with any other product, on mineral, synthetic, hydro crack, ester or PAO base.

If you want to use the full potential of your engine from time to time, look for a fully synthetic xW50 or xW60 (the x may be 5, 10 or even 15 if you don’t use your car in cold weather) from a recognized brand that is available in your region.

Change it once a year and you wont have any problems from that side…

Chris

Problem solved- Thanks for the timely information!