Conventional vs synthetic & 3k oil changes

[ORANGE U NV]

I'm still surprised when I read of people replacing their factory synthetic oil with crude based oil. I'm 42 and the "3000 mile oil change" was beat into me early on. However, times (technology) have changed. That rule was for V-8's that only held 5 qts. They burned a couple of quarts between changes and had a 12k or 36k warranty. The heavier the oil, the better was the wisdom (I remember Kendall's 50W "Racing Oil" and promotions of 20W50 oils)

Enter the 21St century, engines are built with much closer tolerances and demand more from their lubricates. Oil not only lubricates but cleans and displaces heat. Todays crude oil has been highly refined with additives but still can't match the levels of performance available in synthetics. Designed to be more uniform at a molecular level, synthetic oils have improved flow and resist breaking down better. In addition, oil capacities in the LS engines are nearly double what they were for similar size engines even in the 90's.

When I hear someones plan to use conventional oil at 3k miles I wonder why? Going "old school" on this is like replacing your intake with a carburetor, your stereo with a cassette deck and the tires with some wide oval bias-ply tires. GM designed and filled the engine with the best product available...so why put a lesser product in it and add more work for yourself with frequent changes?

[Sevn86]

do you recommend putting synthetic oil in a v6?

[ORANGE U NV]

There are lots of brands... but synthetic is the best oil. It would be my replacement oil in a V6 without a doubt.

[bballr4567]

Originally Posted by Sevn86

do you recommend putting synthetic oil in a v6?

Is it an engine?

Any engine can use synthetic and possibly see an improvement in it. I run Pennzoil Plat in our Ecotec and although its like $10 more for a oil change I get much longer OCI and far better gas MPG.

[Sweet Lola]

Based on the feedback from the forum I had Mobile 1 synthetic put in yesterday. I did it with 1700ish miles on the car. I wanted to see the used oil but didn't get a chance. $100 for an oil change makes me think about going back to the days when I did it myself.

[ORANGE U NV]

Originally Posted by Sweet Lola

Based on the feedback from the forum I had Mobile 1 synthetic put in yesterday. I did it with 1700ish miles on the car. I wanted to see the used oil but didn't get a chance. $100 for an oil change makes me think about going back to the days when I did it myself.

I like saving the cash, choosing my products & knowing it's done right. The change on these cars are real straight forward. Nothing hard to reach or in the way. Makes for a quick and tidy job.

[1 BAD RS 2 SS]

only Mobile 1 full syn for my 010 camaro .. auto zone ran a sale 5 qts and Mobile 1 filter for $29 (purc. 2 ) 3 qts and 1 filter ahead for next change .

[Sevn86]

How much does a mobile 1 syn oil change cost...and how many qts should i buy? doesnt the dealer have all the stuff when you go for an oil change or is it cheaper to buy the stuff and get them to change it? sorry for the stupid questions its just that this is my first car...

[blazzin1]

Originally Posted by Sevn86

How much does a mobile 1 syn oil change cost...and how many qts should i buy? doesnt the dealer have all the stuff when you go for an oil change or is it cheaper to buy the stuff and get them to change it? sorry for the stupid questions its just that this is my first car...

Man, just do it yourself! Unless you are totally "mechanically-challenged", changing your oil is easy!! All you will need is some very basic tools, filter wrench, a drain pan, some rags, and some ramps (make sure they are low profile enough to drive your car up on). You can buy Mobil 1 synthetic at Wal-Mart for $22-$25 (depending on local sales) for a 5 quart jug, and a filter is about $5-10 more depending on brand. Just read your owner's manual, instructions and quantities are all in there!!! Easy as pie, and you'll save a ton of money instead of having someone else do it.