Those who have built motors...when did you switch to Synthetic and what oil are you running?

Thansk
HORSE9

2001 Silver Lightning

12.3 @114

 

This has been a well documented subject and you'll find a tremendous amount of information with the search button. You are also going to hear several opinions on what the best process is and what the best oil is. My self, if I were going synthetic, then I would go with Mobil 1. Readily available and reasonably priced. Oil is way over rated and using a quality oil and a good maintenance program they'll all perform good (including dino). As for when to switch over, you could start with synthetic if you want to, or go with a lesser cost oil for the first oil change at around 500 to 1000 miles.

 

Like anything else it comes down to personal preference and luck. I use Mobil 1 for my engine, but then again I used standard oil for a decade prior and never had an issue. I just spent a pretty penny on redline synthetic trans fluid and I don't feel a difference at all. I still get crappy shifting when cold, which the fluid was supposed to make better. Plus the normal shifts feel just as sloppy. Synthetic is better, but some people may not abuse their motors enough to need the extra benefit and see a difference in their use of the vehicle before trading in. People say to use standard oil for the first 1,000 miles or so. I have no idea how this rumor got started as some factories use synthetic in new cars.

My friend who is a mechanic has reported cases where when using synthetic the car needs to stay with synthetic. Reason was that the synthetic penetrates the seals so much that regular oil would cause leaks if used then.

 

Just from personal experance syn oil does have advantages. If you keep your truck/car for long periods of time! it does reduce wear, I can tell you my 87 302 Bronco had 296,896miles on it when we pulled the motor to replace with a crate motor. The inside and the wear when mic'ed was was that of something with around 60,00 miles. Maybe it was luck but I dont think so. Been using synthetic oils for close to 20yrs. Hope this might shead some light. As a side note syn holds up to heat much better! Artie