synthetic oil vs. regular oil

[Dreamin]

Please help settle an argument for me......

I have a '94 Vette that requires synthetic oil. I only drive this car on sunny days (about once a week) and have my oil changed regularly every three months. At three month intervals, I've only drive the car about 1500 kms. Another reason for sticking to the 3 month interval is to keep the warranty valid.

Here's the argument. My husband insists that I should change to regular oil because he doesn't understand the need for synthetic oil. He also says it would save me money (true). He doesn't believe everything he reads and figures that even though the manual says synthetic oil I should switch. One of his arguments is that race cars don't use synthetic oil and if they don't, why should I?

Comments, please. And, has anyone there with a vehicle 1994 and newer changed over to regular oil? If so, did you notice anything good/bad?

Thanks in advance,

Ann

 

[compyelc4]

Good argument you have going there. I drive a low-mileage '95 and I have chickened out of changing from synthetic to "standard oil". I have an internal conflict going on. Believe me, I have almost taken the plunge many times. Logic tells me that I am probably paying more than I have to, but I guess the peace of mind is worth $4.95 per quart. I think you will find the vast majority of late model corvette owners will stick with the pack and recommend synthetic such as Mobil 1.

As a group we have discussed this many times. Synthetic always wins out...... but it is my personal opinion that "standard" high quality oil of the right viscosity will most probably work just fine in your vette if you drive her easy and change oil and filter often.

You will probably see more oil weeps and seeps with synthetic than with standard petroleum oil because it is more free-flowing and can seep past nooks and crannies that standard petroleum cannot.

Corvette placed that big Mobil 1 advertisement under the hood of our cars for several reasons. Here are the top ones:

1. The Vette is a performer and many folks drive them hard. It has been proven in many trials that synthetic holds up much better than standard petroleum under severe conditions. So.... if you offer an auto like the vette to handle severe and extreme engine revs, better off to go with the best. If you drive them easy and change oil on schedule it is my opinion that Mobil 1 is overkill.

2. Late model vettes run hot because they are hyper performance. Oil cooler was dropped to keep the GM accountants happy. Intake manifold is dry, containing no coolant = hotter.

3. Corvette made one hell of an advertising deal with Mobil 1. They traded the under-hood sticker advertisement for a very nice break on bulk Mobil 1 purchases

4. I live next door to a GM engineer and he surely attests to the above. I've seen it in print somewhere on this site too.

5. If you want to pay for peace of mind, go with the synthetic.

One last thought.... propeller aircraft run on synthetic oil cause it can handle the heat of a high-reving, and costly-to-repair air-cooled engine. Just my 2 cents worth.

Listen to what others say here. You will stick with synthetic even though your husband is probably correct in his assumption. Of course he knows how you drive; we do not.

 

[Dreamin]

Thank you for your input. I have a feeling this debate is going to continue in my household.....

My oldest son has a Chevy S10 pickup truck and he switched to synthetic. At first, he swore there was a difference and was very pleased. Then, he started to notice speepage and other problems and started to worry. He switched back and the problems he experienced have all gone away. Then again, he didn't have the seals and gaskets designed for synthetic.

It always troubles me when manufacturers promote things just because they get a better deal. It doesn't always work out for the consumer. Take natural gas, for instance. In Canada we were all convinced that was the way to go - better and cheaper. They lied. It's now more expensive than good old electricity!

90% of my driving is freeway and I like to keep the revs up. I like the additional control and pep when I need it. I guess I do drive her hard. I don't mean to......I always apologize profusely when we return home and I hear her clicking and groaning in the garage as she cools down.

Hopefully, others will reply - maybe even someone who dared to make the switch.

BTW, a LOF service costs Cdn$80 versus Cdn$30 on my daily driver Cavalier. But, if that's what it takes to keep my warranty intact, I think the extra $$s is worth it. My warranty is bumper to bumper including electronics and special items so I'd hate to screw it up. I have an oil sensor replacement scheduled and have already had a couple of other items fixed under the warranty.

Thanks again.

Ann

 

[Interceptor430]

Hi,
If the car has had synthetic oil in it from the beginning - and is recommmended in the book, and by GM, then I'd stay with it.

My '91 has never had synthetic oil, and I'm not changing to it.

JMO.

I wish you the best.

 

[Dreamin]

Len - I LOVE YOU!!!!!!
Thanks for the retort - I had a good laugh! I never would have thought of that response by myself!

Ann

 

[Skant]

The way I see it, the better the oil and the more often you change it, the longer the engine will last.

It's an area where it's difficult to see cause and effect because it takes a long time from the problems to show. And when they do show, they're not likely to be attributed to the oil because it really is 'normal wear'. Good oil and regular changes make that normal wear happen more slowly.

Your engine may well be able to survive for a long time with dirty or out of spec oil. Some people would call that a success and proof that high quality synthetics and regular oil changes aren't necessary.

I would say that the real question is: Do you want your engine to last as long as possible? Or do you just want it to last until you sell it and buy your next car?

I think most of the folks here are in love with their vettes and want them to never wear out. So their cars get top quality care.

I know mine does.

- Skant

 

[WhalePirot]

Please help settle an argument for me......

Ain't gonna happen here, Ann.

Lots has been written on this forum, with experts of varying experience on both sides. I'd stick with the factory recommend on this one. I've used nearly all the synthetics, at one time or another, since Mobil One first came out. I used to be an advocate, too, but..........

Neither Castol Syntec nor Mobil One saved my engine from spinning a bearing, with all the care, w/o regard to cost, any of us lavish on our rides.

Now, I opt for frequent oil/filter changes with normal Valvoline and am thinkiing single weight, in this clime.
mike

 

[warren s]

Lets see, you have a Corvette and you are concerned about the price of motor oil?

And also, please explain how your husband came to the knowledge that racecars don’t use syn oil.

 

[vettered91]

I demand the best from my Vette from time to time, I like to know that it can do what it suppose to do. I am convinced that the best oil for my vette and the one to make my engine last longer is synthetic Mobil 1.

Down here it sells for about $ 9.30 per quart!

But its for my baby, and I won´t save any money in my vette´s blood. :love

 

[FordNoMore!]

Well Im sure the GM Engineers had there good reasons to recomend mobile 1 with there LT-1 engines, more HP, more heat,etc,. Use what is recomended for your engine!

 

[Robertwav1]

I did see a car , I forget what it was but they changed everything over to synthetic, engine, transmission, power steering and what ever other fluids can be synthetic. Dyno tested HP before the change 301.something.
After the change over....308.something. They said the dyno don't lie.

 

[94vette-cruiser]

Moble1

Compyelc4 Is right!!

It has to do with the LT-1 engine temp running so much higher than a "normal" engine. Regular oil will break down with a constant high temp that the LT-1 runs.

This was all engineered out. Sure Moble1 may have pushed to get their lable placed under the hood but this is the reason for using the syn. oil.

M Keith

 

[94conv.]

I agree with the ones that say stick with mobil 1 especially with the LT1 motors. They run hot by nature and I think synthetic oil was figured in the mix when producing these engines.

 

[Dreamin]

WOW! I don't turn on my computer for a couple of days and when I check in I get such a nice surprise! )

This morning hubby and I went to a Vette Show 'N Shine because we're thinking of joining a Vette Club. Hubby met, and then introduced me to, a really nice fellow with a beautiful '92 that he had done a lot of work on himself - too much to list.

Being the scamp that I can sometimes be, I innocently asked him his opinion on synthetic. Mobile 1, he says. Changes it every 2500 km without fail. First reason: the manual. Second reason: engine temp.

Warren S - you're right. When I bought this car, I knew that money could never be a factor. Costs extra? So What! Who Cares!!!!!!!

VetteRed91 - That's awfully expensive where you are. I feeling quite lucky right now....

One thing I most definitely learned from this thread.....use Mobile 1. I'm going to make absolutely sure that's what my baby is getting - she's due for another oil change.

Thanks again everyone!

Ann

P.S. Hubby still isn't giving up but I think he's going to be a little quieter for the time being.

 

[warren s]

Its the cheapest insurance you can buy for your engine.

 

[8388]

Good general information :
http://www.seansa4page.com/resource/synth.html

 

[Dreamin]

8388 - Thanks for the link. I read it and printed it. I've also printed an extra copy for hubby.

WhalePirot - "Ain't gonna happen here". Well, as good as a discussion goes, I think the "stay with synthetic oil" side is winning. How do I know this, you ask? Because hubby asked me last night why I was so obsessed with the topic !!!!

Warren S - Yup, it is very cheap insurance.

Ann

 

[vettered91]

VetteRed91 - That's awfully expensive where you are. I feeling quite lucky right now.

Well... let's see... we have this beautiful weather, nice tacos, mariachi music, TEQUILA... but we have to import EVERYTHING for our dear vettes even Mobil1!!

By the way; my vette is a BULLET now with the 3.54 rear axle, don't wait too long for this mod!

See you,
George.