Hi folks, I've got a question. What is the real benefit to changing my oil to synthetic. My buddies say that I HAVE to do it because the cur runs "so much better." So what does changing over eally do?

86 coupe, cast heads 93k miles.
Thanks,
Jack

Less friction is one reason, it does free up power, but not much.

Synthetic can handle a lot more heat.

But what really sells me on it is the lack of sludge build up.
I've got 140k miles on my, when I pull the filler cap, everything looks brand new.

Lots of folks have seal leaks or seapage when they switch to synthetic from dino with high mileage vehicles. You could try a synthetic blend and see how it does for you. It's like playing middle ground. Watch for oil spots under the car after you do it.

longer engine life??

I like synthethic because you don't need to change it as much, got about 6K on this change and its still fairly transparent.

If you run longer change intervals, and the car doesn't foul the oil quickly, and you're confident your gaskets aren't held together with sludge that the synthetic will wash off and leak through, then go for it.

You won't feel any difference though, that's 100% placebo effect.

Molecular structure?

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That's my belief (unproven). I think that's why the leaks show up.

But, I also think, if your car leaks, fix it.

If you do run longer oil change intervals just change your filter at regular intervals.

Mike

If you are talking engine oil, I ran both with no noticable difference.
When I was a weekend bracketrace warrior, I would burn up valve guides every 50K. The wear would be the same regardless of which oil I was running. I also never noticed the leaks, or lower oil temp claimed by others.

If we are talking transmission fluid, avoid synthetic like the plague.

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Changed every gasket on the motor afterwards and it's still leaking. Blowby isn't helping. So, nope, I'm not going to fix it until the motor takes its last breath.

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That's strange cause I know you know how to install gaskets.

I'm runnin' M1 in the C4, the Silverado (120k), and the racecar with no leaks, go figure.

TO SUM IT ALL UP......

1. The engine will be cleaner, but not necessarily lubricate any better.

2. No difference in driveability or performance.

3. Longer change intervals.

4. Car may leak afterwards.


3 sounds really nice, but 4 kinda doesn't get me excited. So I'm basically not seeing any benefit to switching unless someone really says otherwise. Again, '86 with 93k. I'm going to run this thing into the ground, so I'm concerned with longetivity of the engine life.

Another benefit is you can post on internet forums across the globe and say "only the best for my baby".

IMO, the gasket interfaces on your engine are just poorly designed and more prone to leaks. Specifically the 2-pc timing cover seal, oil pan and corners, oil filter, early valve covers, and early 2-pc rear mains. I guess that covers just about every seal on the engine, lol.

Every time I unbolt parts on a Japanese engine I always ask myself why Chevy couldn't do any better.

Don't even get me started on the rest of the car.

For longevity, one idea I like but nobody seems to do, is install a bypass filter. This is a more efficient filter, but it is very restrictive, so only a portion of the oil flows through it. All the oil goes through it at some point though. It will catch the particles the main filter can't.

Bypass filters are great. I want to put one on my truck. Problem with the vette is lack of room to put it.

Mike

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Your avatar (and BrianCunningham's avatar) make it impossible for me to concentrate on your posts. I'm not complaining, mind you, but don't expect me to retain a word of what you say.