Oil... Can I go from synthetic to non-synthetic?

[Keith Tedford]

Our COPO Chevelle went close to 200K miles the first time around on the regular oils of the day. The engine saw 7200 rpm a couple of times and more 6500s that I car to think about. When I tore the engine down the bearings still looked good and the pistons slid out of the bores without ridge reaming. The oil was changed regularly and most of the driving was highway. At 2000-3000 miles a year, I'll be dead and gone long before any of the engines in our old cars are worn out, no matter what oil we use. I use synthetic in our everyday cars due to the miles that we put on them. In the old ones I use synthetic in some but am not convinced that I need it. It can't hurt though. It's probably a little extra cheap insurance.

[Salvatore]

Correct Keith. NOT convinced that you need it. This debate will go on forever I bet.

[SnThetcOil]

<< Correct Keith. NOT convinced that you need it. This debate will go on forever I bet. >>

Hello Sam. You are correct, you don't, "need", a synthetic oil for your vehicles engine, (although with the Chevrolet Corvette, the engine warranty can be voided if petroleum oil is used). But, as with radial tires vs bias-ply tires, no we don't need better handling, braking, longer tread life, improved safety, etc., but it is very nice to have. We don't need fuel injection vs a carburetor for superior performance, longer engine life, reduced emissions and superior fuel economy, but again, it is nice to have. We don't need four wheel disc brakes vs drum brakes, for superior braking and better safety, but it is nice to have. Etc.

The benefits of a good synthetic oil vs a petroleum oil are many and include; superior power/throttle response, superior fuel economy, lower emissions, reduced maintenance/repair costs, reduced engine operating temperatures, less sludge/an internally cleaner engine, superior cold engine starting, superior high temperature engine protection, reduced wear/engine runs "like new" for a longer period of time and other benefits as well. My Yenko Camaro has had nothing but AMSOIL synthetic motor for almost twenty years and I wouldn't want anything less to protect that engine, not to mention the tranmission and rear axle. Heck, my Yenko Camaro was how I discovered superior synthetic lubes like AMSOIL.

Steve
17 Year Independent AMSOIL Synthetic Lubricants Dealer
www.lubedealer.com/HiTechOilCo <--Free catalogue

[tirebird]

I have always used Synthetic in my T/A and GN. I'm convinced the science supports the choice. But there are skeptics one of whom recently was brought over synthetics while installing a new MSD distributor in his Chevelle. The break in tag on the distributor warned against using synthetic oil during the distributor break-in period. A light went off in his head and now uses Mobil 1 in his car,..after he broke in the distributor gear using Valvoline dino oil.