Do you prefer to use synthetic or non-synthetic oil in your 'Vette? And reasons? We have a '87 with the L98, and it's first oil change is coming up here and I am looking for valuable advice on whether to go the synthetic route or not.

 

I'm sure that everyone has their preferred brand however, I always have been taught that synthetic is WAY-MO-BETTA MAN

Especially on a high performance engine that tends to run hot. I always use Mobile 1. You can actually go longer between oil changes with a synthetic. They do not break down as easily either. There is one drawback, if you can call it that, if there is the tiniest of leaks a synthetic will find it and run right through it. Whereas a non-synthetic may not. I look at this as a positive because I would prefer to know if I have a leak, even a tiny one. That way I can fix it rather than finding out the hard way.

Once again, I am not a mech and don't ever claim to be. Computers are my life blood...

But I do read a lot when it comes to my baby[8D]

 

Thanks bro! This is the exact sorta advice I was looking for. I completely respect your opinion and was pretty sure I was gonna do just this, but now I am 100% certain. Thank you for taking the time to respond.

 

One thing, syns may not brake down as soon, but, they are no substitute for a regular oil change. Dirt is dirt, and you have to get it out of your engine. I've always used Castrol GTX in all my vehicles, and it has served me very well.

 

I totally enjoy sharing my opinions and helping peep's when I can

Basically, I love this site because I can find info and share info without being degraded with my thoughts. As I have said MANY times I am not a mech. however I have had to work through many "PROBLEMS" on my own. I love this site!!!!!!!!!!!!

I like being able to vent my frustrasions and help others at the same time[:@]

Plus, sharing knowledge ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!![8D]

 

As I said, everyone has their own opinion on varieties of oil...

I also said that even though Mobile 1 is rated for a longer life I still change mine (oil) on a normal basis. Best thing you can do to save your engine. I sure wish my kid would understand this[]

 

I have an 88 F150 302, with 300k miles!! Have used mobile 1 synth for as far as i know its whole life. Pulled the valve covers, and they were unbelievably clean! Casting numbers on the heads were clearly visable, no build up of any kind. Its all i ever use in any of my cars.
valve cover

 

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against Mobil 1. I've never used syns. I have been inside a lot of engines and have noticed this; ANY Pensoil product has a paraphin (wax) base and will build up in time. I have seen valve springs completely covered (hidden) in wax, like 3 to 4 inches thick on the top of the head. I have opened up my own engines, with over 250 thou on them, and they were clean, no buildup. That's why I stay with Castrol GTX.

 

I have not every heard of a bad thing from Mobil 1. However Iam getting intoxicated at the moment.....

Goooooddddnnnniiiiiiggggggggghhhhhhhhhttttt!!!!!!!

 

There is a piece of advice I follow, almost anally! LOL When we had our wicked Z/28 this one time I took it in for a change, my mechanic looked at me funny.. "this oil only has like 2,500kms on it! Whaddya doin'?".... *blink, blink* "Maintenance, my man, maintenance!!!" It had been a few months, and I just wanted it changed, even though the interval was still a ways off mileage wise... it's one of the most overlooked things in vehicle maintenance, IMHO, the oil change thing. People just typically have NO clue how important it is. We had a buddy who's dad had bought this Mercedes brand new.. drove it about a hundred thou miles every year on business... in 7 years it had over 500,000 miles on it, and it ran like brand brand new. He did oil changes every 2-3 months whether it "needed it or not".

I totally agree, bro!!!! I really appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with us all on these things.. strength in numbers I always say! *hi5's Superdzzz*

*mouth drops open* THAT'S CRAZY, DUDE!!!!! I am SOLD now!!!! The proofs in the puddin', and that's a mighty fine chocolate puddin' you got goin' on there! 300,000 miles and it looks like that??? Ooof, I wish I had met you guys years ago... as a matter of fact, we're gonna start putting that in our Dodge R/T too, just because of this thread... thanks for the feedback, raisinbran, I REALLY appreciated that!

ROFL!! You crack me right up, good sir!