'Tis the Pod before Christmas and Blackstone Joe is back with a triple-header of oil analysis topics. Do high wear levels go hand in hand with a high-mileage motor? A Toyota Tacoma and its 1GR-FE hitting 400,000 miles provide insight into our expectations from an aging engine (01:54). Then, Joe tackles an email question about what's the right time to sample a freshly rebuilt Lycoming IO-540 is. Hint: it's sooner than you'd expect (05:25). Thirdly, Joe breaks down the latest sample from an MB SL500, the first since we found high levels right after the new owner had completed the purchase. If you think engines can't improve their wear profile as they age, you might want to think again.

Plus! An announcement! The Slick Talk phone lines are open. Leave a message, question, or shoutout for Blackstone Joe at 614-407-6169 to be featured on an upcoming episode. 

Host: Joseph Adams 

Producer: Joshua Straley