Synthetic vs. Regular Oil

rbly · 01-23-2010, 10:22 PM

What does everyone use in their Stang, synthetic or regular oil? I've been using synthetic, change it once a year, but only run 2 to 3k miles a year. At that rate is the extra cost of synthetic worth it?

SlowGT · 01-23-2010, 11:14 PM

i'm running Amsoil 10w-40 (AMO) in my 8.1L Yukon. switching to that in the wife's vert and the R next change, too.
running Cam2 SuperPro 10w-40 (SL-non energy conserving) in my 215k mile Accord.
and if i ever get my GT back together, it'll be getting something from the Joe Gibbs family of oils. probably XP3.

Red Arrow 2010 · 01-23-2010, 11:58 PM

I think they used Mobil's synthetic 5W30 in mine but I'm not sure. I know all the dealers and auto repair shops are pushing the synthetics. They make a lot more money from it. You know, the almighty dollar...

need4spd90 · 01-24-2010, 06:27 AM

ive always just used regular dino oil in my car..when i took the heads off last year,the cylinder still looked great,and the motor obviously runs great

that being said,ive been running Mobil 1 synthetic ever since then

i think if the oil is changed on a REGULAR basis the dino oil is just fine..you may get a few HP out of synth,but def nothing you'd feel in the SOTP

in general it runs about an extra $15-20 to buy synth instead of regular oil

brisk_tea · 01-24-2010, 06:55 AM

I use the Mobil 1 synthetic in the stangs as I change them due to length of time (once a year), not mileage. IE) I don't go 3-5K in a year.

The engine manuals usually suggest regular non-synthetic for engine break-in, or 1st 10K miles, then you can go full sysnthetic. Likewise if you used regular oil for 100K miles or so, then switch to synthetic, you can sometimes notice oil leaks all of a sudden.

I use Fords synthetics in everything else, as it is cheap stuff, and nice and slippery.

I saw the amsoil in anthony's car (bosox...), and didn't like the way it has a gritty feel to it, and your fingers stick when rubbing (even fresh out of new bottle). I never experienced that with an oil, and the ford, and mobil 1 are very slick.

Ford's oil is the best for the money that I have found, when I change the oil every 3-5K miles in the daily driven cars, it isn't even black yet, as I use the ford or mobil 1 oil filters also. The only one that is ridiculously expensive is Fords 5W50.
Walmart sells them in 5 qt containers, which is cheaper than the cases as there is only one container, and then it is easier to get rid of to local farmers or businesses.

I think the most important thing is a good oil filter (basic Frams are just cardboard inside). There is another enthusiast site that is currently doing an oil filter study to determine what is the best filter for the money. When that research is complete, I plan on bringing the info over here.

bosox579 · 01-24-2010, 09:40 AM

AMS Oil for now...I might switch back to old faith full. Valvoline full synthetic. I was born and raised on Valvoline...lol

frankcobra · 01-24-2010, 10:11 AM

Mobil 1 synthetic. While doing a high speed autox at the MidState Airport the oil pump rod twisted apart. It wasn't noticed till got back to pits when someone said the engine sounded loud. I look down at oil pressure and zero. Shut car done and towed back home. We decided to pull the crank caps to see if any bearing wear. The first cap and bearing looked great. So replaced some broken parts caused my push rod end braking off going down into timing chain and breaking side link of chain. Anyway long story but the engine is still autoxing and drag racing to this day about a year later. So I think the synthetic oil is the way to go. It adds that extra lub to engine parts that saves the day.

SlowGT · 01-24-2010, 07:15 PM

here's some interesting info you can take along when you go oil & filter shopping:

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilters/reference.html#delco

ram360 · 01-24-2010, 07:21 PM

mobil 1 synth here

rbly · 01-24-2010, 10:08 PM

Thanks for all of the info. Seems like more people use synthetic than I thought would.

stang79 · 01-25-2010, 06:39 PM

I use alot of Lucas but the new motor is Brad Penn

SlowGT · 01-25-2010, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stang79

I use alot of Lucas but the new motor is Brad Penn

i've been looking at Brad Penn, but i've still got 4 cases of Cam2 to run through my accord...if it lasts that long

. next time i need to buy dino based oil i plan on trying some Brad Penn though.

Red Arrow 2010 · 01-25-2010, 10:56 PM

The majority using synthetics. I'm really surprised.

SlowGT · 01-26-2010, 04:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Red Arrow 2010

The majority using synthetics. I'm really surprised.

why is that so surprising?

Red Arrow 2010 · 01-26-2010, 05:21 AM

Most people I've talked to say they use dino oil. I guess synthetics are taking over the market?

brisk_tea · 01-26-2010, 06:54 AM

synthetics are awesome, and with what motors cost, it's cheap insurance.
especially the newer ones, not to mention car companies now stand behind syntheitcs, and actually build their engines to use them now...

rbly · 01-26-2010, 10:14 PM

Has anyone ever used Z-Max oil treatment? Is it worth it if you're already using a synthetic. Their ads say that it is endorsed by Carol Shelby.

brisk_tea · 01-27-2010, 05:50 PM

well apparently shelby is bashed a lot about this on teamshelby. he is paid, and apparently it is not put in the super snake conversions as portrayed in ads.,

now, if it was actually used as part of the super snake conversions, or suggested with the engines they build, maybe. But, i haven't met anyone that uses it yet, and i think synthetics are slick enough.

i think this might be one of those products needed for the engines built pre-80 something that needs zinc(?) in the oil, that is no longer added... There is something missing in newer oils supplied in the last 5 years or so, and older cars need an additive to make up for the missing contaminent...

BlkWdwMach · 02-02-2010, 10:26 AM

I use Valvoline DuraBlend Synthetic

skip · 02-02-2010, 02:04 PM

I actually really only run regular in the DD and since my motor install in the mustang I broke it in with normal oil and been running Castrol Syn, or Royal Purple.... Would like to try that Brad Penn oil though...

Mobil one has reallly down graded there oil from a couple years back. I won't use them anymore. Honestly the regular oil if something happens you need to shut it down right away. If you got syn. and something happens you usually have some breathing room...

01-23-2010, 10:22 PM	#1
rbly Name: Bob Location: Macungie Posts: 1,003 Trader Rating: 0 Year: 2005 Model: GT Convertible View Garage Join Date: Jun 2008 Total Awards: 1 Credits: 12,643 Cash: $ 500	Synthetic vs. Regular Oil What does everyone use in their Stang, synthetic or regular oil? I've been using synthetic, change it once a year, but only run 2 to 3k miles a year. At that rate is the extra cost of synthetic worth it? __________________ rbly - Former '05 GT Owner - Waiting for the GT 500

01-23-2010, 11:14 PM	#2
SlowGT Name: Jared Location: Columbia Co, PA Posts: 1,846 Trader Rating: 8 Year: 1995 Model: R, GT & GT Vert View Garage Join Date: Oct 2007 Credits: 6,600 Cash: $ 600	i'm running Amsoil 10w-40 (AMO) in my 8.1L Yukon. switching to that in the wife's vert and the R next change, too. running Cam2 SuperPro 10w-40 (SL-non energy conserving) in my 215k mile Accord. and if i ever get my GT back together, it'll be getting something from the Joe Gibbs family of oils. probably XP3. __________________ 95 GT - 428w...coming soon to a redlight near you 95 Cobra R - #73...stock, 6128 miles 95 GT vert - stock...Numidia Friday Night Street Legals Champion...Jun 22, 2007 Last edited by SlowGT : 01-23-2010 at 11:17 PM. Reason: url correction

01-23-2010, 11:58 PM	#3
Red Arrow 2010 Name: Greg White Location: Abington, PA Posts: 1,703 Trader Rating: 1 Year: 2010 Model: 2010 Mustang 4.0 lit View Garage Join Date: Jun 2009 Total Awards: 1 Credits: 2,505 Cash: $ 500	I think they used Mobil's synthetic 5W30 in mine but I'm not sure. I know all the dealers and auto repair shops are pushing the synthetics. They make a lot more money from it. You know, the almighty dollar... __________________ If it's not a Mustang then it's not worth driving!

01-24-2010, 06:27 AM	#4
need4spd90 Senior Member Name: Joe Location: Mountain Top, Pa Posts: 1,251 Trader Rating: 6 Year: 1992 Model: lx 5.0 vert View Garage Join Date: Sep 2007 Total Awards: 1 Credits: 12,989 Cash: $ 500	ive always just used regular dino oil in my car..when i took the heads off last year,the cylinder still looked great,and the motor obviously runs great that being said,ive been running Mobil 1 synthetic ever since then i think if the oil is changed on a REGULAR basis the dino oil is just fine..you may get a few HP out of synth,but def nothing you'd feel in the SOTP in general it runs about an extra $15-20 to buy synth instead of regular oil __________________ 1987 Notchback - GT40P heads, B cam, Explorer intake: New best so far: 12.067 @ 112.94 1.687 60ft

01-24-2010, 06:55 AM	#5
brisk_tea Member Name: joe Location: quakertown Posts: 1,572 Trader Rating: 4 View Garage Join Date: May 2009 Credits: 14,354 Cash: $ 500	I use the Mobil 1 synthetic in the stangs as I change them due to length of time (once a year), not mileage. IE) I don't go 3-5K in a year. The engine manuals usually suggest regular non-synthetic for engine break-in, or 1st 10K miles, then you can go full sysnthetic. Likewise if you used regular oil for 100K miles or so, then switch to synthetic, you can sometimes notice oil leaks all of a sudden. I use Fords synthetics in everything else, as it is cheap stuff, and nice and slippery. I saw the amsoil in anthony's car (bosox...), and didn't like the way it has a gritty feel to it, and your fingers stick when rubbing (even fresh out of new bottle). I never experienced that with an oil, and the ford, and mobil 1 are very slick. Ford's oil is the best for the money that I have found, when I change the oil every 3-5K miles in the daily driven cars, it isn't even black yet, as I use the ford or mobil 1 oil filters also. The only one that is ridiculously expensive is Fords 5W50. Walmart sells them in 5 qt containers, which is cheaper than the cases as there is only one container, and then it is easier to get rid of to local farmers or businesses. I think the most important thing is a good oil filter (basic Frams are just cardboard inside). There is another enthusiast site that is currently doing an oil filter study to determine what is the best filter for the money. When that research is complete, I plan on bringing the info over here. __________________ '68 Buick Riviera,2 '87 Notches,'92 MR2,'94 Mustang GT, '03 Focus ZX3,'05 ACR SRT-4,'05 Hemi Durango,'08 GT500 Last edited by brisk_tea : 01-24-2010 at 06:58 AM.

01-24-2010, 09:40 AM	#6
bosox579 Name: Anthony Location: Dublin, PA Posts: 3,094 Trader Rating: 2 Year: 1988 Model: GT Hatchback View Garage Join Date: Aug 2008 Credits: 40,936 Cash: $ 500	AMS Oil for now...I might switch back to old faith full. Valvoline full synthetic. I was born and raised on Valvoline...lol __________________ 88 GT 347 build underway! 06 v6 coupe, screamin demon coil, msd wires, s&b intake, shelby gt duals All Throttle No Bottle!!!

01-24-2010, 10:11 AM	#7
frankcobra Member Name: Frank Location: Laurel Run Posts: 74 Trader Rating: 1 Year: 1965 Model: Shelby Cobra FFR View Garage Join Date: May 2009 Credits: 2,241 Cash: $ 500	Mobil 1 synthetic. While doing a high speed autox at the MidState Airport the oil pump rod twisted apart. It wasn't noticed till got back to pits when someone said the engine sounded loud. I look down at oil pressure and zero. Shut car done and towed back home. We decided to pull the crank caps to see if any bearing wear. The first cap and bearing looked great. So replaced some broken parts caused my push rod end braking off going down into timing chain and breaking side link of chain. Anyway long story but the engine is still autoxing and drag racing to this day about a year later. So I think the synthetic oil is the way to go. It adds that extra lub to engine parts that saves the day. __________________ 302 E-CAM X303 FMR HEADS 70mm with Cobra intake,T5, 3.55 GEARS,3-LINK,Detroit Truetrak, Stage 3 clutch

01-24-2010, 07:15 PM	#8
SlowGT Name: Jared Location: Columbia Co, PA Posts: 1,846 Trader Rating: 8 Year: 1995 Model: R, GT & GT Vert View Garage Join Date: Oct 2007 Credits: 6,600 Cash: $ 600	here's some interesting info you can take along when you go oil & filter shopping: http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilters/reference.html#delco __________________ 95 GT - 428w...coming soon to a redlight near you 95 Cobra R - #73...stock, 6128 miles 95 GT vert - stock...Numidia Friday Night Street Legals Champion...Jun 22, 2007

01-24-2010, 07:21 PM	#9
ram360 Name: Bernie Location: Scranton / Wilkes Barre PA Posts: 3,944 Trader Rating: 12 Model: Fox / SN95/ New Edge View Garage Join Date: Jun 2006 Total Awards: 4 Credits: 11,392 Cash: $ 500	mobil 1 synth here __________________

01-24-2010, 10:08 PM	#10
rbly Name: Bob Location: Macungie Posts: 1,003 Trader Rating: 0 Year: 2005 Model: GT Convertible View Garage Join Date: Jun 2008 Total Awards: 1 Credits: 12,643 Cash: $ 500	Thanks for all of the info. Seems like more people use synthetic than I thought would. __________________ rbly - Former '05 GT Owner - Waiting for the GT 500

01-25-2010, 06:39 PM	#11
stang79 Name: Todd Witman Location: Orefield,Pa Posts: 3,019 Trader Rating: 6 Year: 79 Model: hatch View Garage Join Date: Jun 2006 Total Awards: 3 Credits: 27,899 Cash: $ 500	I use alot of Lucas but the new motor is Brad Penn __________________ Unleasing at the release of a button... 79 coupe AKA "greystang" 302 POWERED 79 hatch AKA "racecar" Bennet / TEA 434 POWERED and Speedtech assisted 9.64 @ 139.76 1.33 60' and I haven't cracked open the bottle yet !!!

01-25-2010, 10:56 PM	#13
Red Arrow 2010 Name: Greg White Location: Abington, PA Posts: 1,703 Trader Rating: 1 Year: 2010 Model: 2010 Mustang 4.0 lit View Garage Join Date: Jun 2009 Total Awards: 1 Credits: 2,505 Cash: $ 500	The majority using synthetics. I'm really surprised. __________________ If it's not a Mustang then it's not worth driving!

01-26-2010, 05:21 AM	#15
Red Arrow 2010 Name: Greg White Location: Abington, PA Posts: 1,703 Trader Rating: 1 Year: 2010 Model: 2010 Mustang 4.0 lit View Garage Join Date: Jun 2009 Total Awards: 1 Credits: 2,505 Cash: $ 500	Most people I've talked to say they use dino oil. I guess synthetics are taking over the market? __________________ If it's not a Mustang then it's not worth driving!

01-26-2010, 06:54 AM	#16
brisk_tea Member Name: joe Location: quakertown Posts: 1,572 Trader Rating: 4 View Garage Join Date: May 2009 Credits: 14,354 Cash: $ 500	synthetics are awesome, and with what motors cost, it's cheap insurance. especially the newer ones, not to mention car companies now stand behind syntheitcs, and actually build their engines to use them now... __________________ '68 Buick Riviera,2 '87 Notches,'92 MR2,'94 Mustang GT, '03 Focus ZX3,'05 ACR SRT-4,'05 Hemi Durango,'08 GT500

01-26-2010, 10:14 PM	#17
rbly Name: Bob Location: Macungie Posts: 1,003 Trader Rating: 0 Year: 2005 Model: GT Convertible View Garage Join Date: Jun 2008 Total Awards: 1 Credits: 12,643 Cash: $ 500	Has anyone ever used Z-Max oil treatment? Is it worth it if you're already using a synthetic. Their ads say that it is endorsed by Carol Shelby. __________________ rbly - Former '05 GT Owner - Waiting for the GT 500

01-27-2010, 05:50 PM	#18
brisk_tea Member Name: joe Location: quakertown Posts: 1,572 Trader Rating: 4 View Garage Join Date: May 2009 Credits: 14,354 Cash: $ 500	well apparently shelby is bashed a lot about this on teamshelby. he is paid, and apparently it is not put in the super snake conversions as portrayed in ads., now, if it was actually used as part of the super snake conversions, or suggested with the engines they build, maybe. But, i haven't met anyone that uses it yet, and i think synthetics are slick enough. i think this might be one of those products needed for the engines built pre-80 something that needs zinc(?) in the oil, that is no longer added... There is something missing in newer oils supplied in the last 5 years or so, and older cars need an additive to make up for the missing contaminent... __________________ '68 Buick Riviera,2 '87 Notches,'92 MR2,'94 Mustang GT, '03 Focus ZX3,'05 ACR SRT-4,'05 Hemi Durango,'08 GT500

02-02-2010, 10:26 AM	#19
BlkWdwMach Junior Member Name: Andrew Location: Doylestown Posts: 8 Trader Rating: 0 Year: 2003 Model: Mach 1 View Garage Join Date: Aug 2008 Credits: 68 Cash: $ 500	I use Valvoline DuraBlend Synthetic

02-02-2010, 02:04 PM	#20
skip Name: I like to be called Skip Location: Chambersburg PA Posts: 4,033 Trader Rating: 11 Year: 1988 Model: GT View Garage Join Date: Jun 2006 Total Awards: 2 Credits: 10,705 Cash: $ 500	I actually really only run regular in the DD and since my motor install in the mustang I broke it in with normal oil and been running Castrol Syn, or Royal Purple.... Would like to try that Brad Penn oil though... Mobil one has reallly down graded there oil from a couple years back. I won't use them anymore. Honestly the regular oil if something happens you need to shut it down right away. If you got syn. and something happens you usually have some breathing room... __________________ If you are what you eat I'm fast, cheap, and easy !!! Ladies if you want to make your man happy shake your butt like it has the hiccups Wasting my time going 11's at 127 MPH.

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