oil?

dinomite · 05-07-2001, 04:35 PM

Any problems or things I should know about switching to synthetic oil? My car has 86k miles on it, all on regular oil, is it ok to switch?

Smokedawg · 05-07-2001, 04:46 PM

I am not for sure but I heard its good to run your car on the same oil that you start with. So I am sure it would be fine on reg. but dont take my word on it.

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347 Stroker Motor: Balanced, A9P Computer, Cobra Transmission, Extrude Ported and Polished Upper and ported Lower, GT40 Milled Ported and Polished Heads, B303 Cam, BBK 1 5/8 Headers, 30lb Bosch Injectors, Holley Fuel Regulator, March Underdrive Pulleys, Perma-Cool Fan, 3-Core Radiator, Accel Performance Coil, Accel 300+ Racing Wires, Ram Air, K&N Filter, 79mm Mass Air Unit, FlowMaster Exhaust w/BBK Offroad H-Pipe, Hurst Short Throw Shifter, 3:55 Gears, Ram Clutch, Cross Drilled Rotors

smokedchevy · 05-08-2001, 01:42 AM

I'd keep the regular oil. Synthetic is a lot thinner and you might find yourself ending up with new leaks and little drips on the driveway.

05-08-2001, 02:53 AM

Go for it!!

I've seen many people switch from conventional oil to synthetic with no problems other than the oil costs more

On my current car,the previous owner used Pennzoil.Well there was no way in ^%@ I was gonna keep that in the car so when I changed, I went directly to Mobil 1 synthetic 10w30 w K&N filter and have had no leaks or any other problems.

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Paxton Blown 87GT
ICQ#112698436

exgmguy · 05-08-2001, 05:55 AM

Synthetic oil is always a good idea. Go for it.

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1988 Mustang GT
12.0 @ 122
1992 BadAzz Wrangler
1993 Explorer

dinomite · 05-08-2001, 05:21 PM

I guess I should switch to synthetic then?

05-09-2001, 02:18 AM

I'm gonna have to go with smoked chevy and say regular oil. Synthetic is alot slicker than organic oil and if you have a small leak with organic oil, you'll have an enormous leak with synthetic. If you don't have any leaks, it should work great, but having to add a $4 of oil every 1000 miles for example gets tedious. I say go for it if you don't see any leaks or if you're willing to fix a leak if it develops.

screaming_pas$enger88 · 05-09-2001, 01:47 PM

i also heard from a few people you should stick with the oil that you start with. and 84k miles isnt exactly "cutting it close"

i never heard the part about the leaksjust that it was plain bad for the engine.....

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AIM= OneQuickStang

Rick 91GT · 05-09-2001, 03:22 PM

I always heard it is not good to go to synthetic after 35K miles, I still use convential in mine because I change my oil every 1800 miles and with my 7qt Canton I didn't want $45-50 oil changes.

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Check Out My Site 91GT,Holley SysteMAX II Kit-Heads 2.02" x 1.60" port matched to a 1262,Anderson N-61,24#,76mm C&L,Full MAC exhaust 1-5/8" Long tubes,2-1/2" O.R H-Pipe,2 1/2" cat back, No A/C or PS or emissions, 12" K&N Filter,RNH PERFORMANCE Ram Air,Ron Davis Radiator,Full Suspension,S&W 8pt "X" brace,JAZ seats,3:73's,Welds..etc,4:30's and 31 splines coming very soon!

Mr 5 0 · 05-09-2001, 04:06 PM

Synthetic oil is superior to conventional oil but at 84k I would stay with what you have now (conventional) and simply change the oil and filter every 2000 miles, without fail.
You'll get good (not perfect) lubrication, run cooler and pay a whole lot less over time unless you put huge amounts of miles on your Mustang (most of us don't).

For what it's worth: I've used Mobil 10-30 and a MotorCraft filter in my '90 LX since it was brand new. I've changed both at 2000 mile intervals and now, at 110,000 miles (and lots of races) I have no oil burning, no leaks and my head surfaces/lifters are as clean as those on a new car. Works for me.

05-09-2001, 04:41 PM

I'd have to say that w/ your mileage (unless it's a "young" 80+k)you may want to consider switching to a synthetic-blend oil, and not a full synthetic brand. You don't want to chance any leaks.

dinomite · 05-09-2001, 08:44 PM

My car was previously owned by my dad, so it got changes every 3k miles, and given the more recent posts, i'll stick with the normal, and keep changing it 3k or earlier.

TheSloAod · 05-09-2001, 09:40 PM

if you want to use synthetic then use it, and if the engine dies then you have a good excuse to build a nice one

dinomite · 05-10-2001, 06:09 PM

thats a very good idea......thanks guys!

egiap's 5.0 · 05-12-2001, 07:59 PM

Amsoil has seal swelling agents to prevent gasket leaks. Conventional oils relie on sludge and varnish to help seal gaskets. But before you switch to synthetics with your milage you should buy a filter and engin flush such as amsoils. Take old filter off and put new one on. Pour in one pint engine flush and run car for 15-20 minutes. Drain and add new filter and synthetic oil. You should this because the synthetic oil will break down sludge and varnish and plug up new filter. Synthetics will not cause sludge or varnish and run 20-40 degrees cooler than conventional oil. They have a higher shear stability and will not loose viscosity as quick as conventional oils. You do the math.

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Independent Amsoil dealer. Need information about amsoil synthetic products leave me a message.

joe4speed · 05-12-2001, 11:19 PM

I switched to synthetic at 84,000 miles and am still running strong at 165,000 miles... I noticed no leaks other than what was there before the swap, and they didn't seem to leak more, but maybe I was lucky! I have a few spots that leak a little, but no big deal... I think the synthetic was a vast improvement, my car really seems to love it!!

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Joe!
1988 GT, 167,000 miles!!! 13.71@105mph Check out my listing! Click here! Or my website:
www.joe4speed.com
1999 Ninja ZX-6R 10.32@135mph!
1993 Olds Eighty Eight LSS

dinomite · 05-13-2001, 09:01 AM

hmmmm, this seems to be a very disputed topic. I don't know what to do, but i think i'm just gonna stick with regular cause it can't really cause any problems, unless someone can come to a concensus here.

joe4speed · 05-13-2001, 10:04 AM

well, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"!! I like synthetic, but if your car is running fine, stick with what ya got! Why not! If you take care of it, and change your oil when you have to, you'll have 167,000 miles too! Good luck!

------------------
Joe!
1988 GT, 167,000 miles!!! 13.71@105mph Check out my listing! Click here! Or my website:
www.joe4speed.com
1999 Ninja ZX-6R 10.32@135mph!
1993 Olds Eighty Eight LSS

05-13-2001, 11:38 AM

I switched from regular to synthetic and my car ran fine and was not effected by the change. I only have one oil leak and it stops after I start driving it after sitting all winter.

So it won't hurt your motor if you don't have excessive wear already. My motor had 89,000 miles on it, didn't burn a drop of oil and it was ran HARD.

05-07-2001, 04:35 PM	#1
dinomite The Dude Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 1,262	oil? Any problems or things I should know about switching to synthetic oil? My car has 86k miles on it, all on regular oil, is it ok to switch?

05-07-2001, 04:46 PM	#2
Smokedawg Tires Fear Me... Join Date: Jan 2001 Posts: 867	I am not for sure but I heard its good to run your car on the same oil that you start with. So I am sure it would be fine on reg. but dont take my word on it. ------------------ 347 Stroker Motor: Balanced, A9P Computer, Cobra Transmission, Extrude Ported and Polished Upper and ported Lower, GT40 Milled Ported and Polished Heads, B303 Cam, BBK 1 5/8 Headers, 30lb Bosch Injectors, Holley Fuel Regulator, March Underdrive Pulleys, Perma-Cool Fan, 3-Core Radiator, Accel Performance Coil, Accel 300+ Racing Wires, Ram Air, K&N Filter, 79mm Mass Air Unit, FlowMaster Exhaust w/BBK Offroad H-Pipe, Hurst Short Throw Shifter, 3:55 Gears, Ram Clutch, Cross Drilled Rotors

05-08-2001, 01:42 AM	#3
smokedchevy Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: ventura,CA Posts: 438	I'd keep the regular oil. Synthetic is a lot thinner and you might find yourself ending up with new leaks and little drips on the driveway.

05-08-2001, 02:53 AM	#4
Mustanguy Guest Posts: n/a	Go for it!! I've seen many people switch from conventional oil to synthetic with no problems other than the oil costs more On my current car,the previous owner used Pennzoil.Well there was no way in ^%@ I was gonna keep that in the car so when I changed, I went directly to Mobil 1 synthetic 10w30 w K&N filter and have had no leaks or any other problems. ------------------ Paxton Blown 87GT ICQ#112698436

05-08-2001, 05:55 AM	#5
exgmguy Registered Member Join Date: Feb 1999 Location: Utica, Michigan Posts: 2,631	Synthetic oil is always a good idea. Go for it. ------------------ 1988 Mustang GT 12.0 @ 122 1992 BadAzz Wrangler 1993 Explorer

05-08-2001, 05:21 PM	#6
dinomite The Dude Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 1,262	I guess I should switch to synthetic then?

05-09-2001, 02:18 AM	#7
84stangLX Guest Posts: n/a	I'm gonna have to go with smoked chevy and say regular oil. Synthetic is alot slicker than organic oil and if you have a small leak with organic oil, you'll have an enormous leak with synthetic. If you don't have any leaks, it should work great, but having to add a $4 of oil every 1000 miles for example gets tedious. I say go for it if you don't see any leaks or if you're willing to fix a leak if it develops.

05-09-2001, 01:47 PM	#8
screaming_pas$enger88 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Massachusetts Posts: 35	i also heard from a few people you should stick with the oil that you start with. and 84k miles isnt exactly "cutting it close" i never heard the part about the leaksjust that it was plain bad for the engine..... ------------------ AIM= OneQuickStang

05-09-2001, 03:22 PM	#9
Rick 91GT Procharged! Join Date: May 1999 Location: Hanover, PA Posts: 1,539	I always heard it is not good to go to synthetic after 35K miles, I still use convential in mine because I change my oil every 1800 miles and with my 7qt Canton I didn't want $45-50 oil changes. ------------------ Check Out My Site 91GT,Holley SysteMAX II Kit-Heads 2.02" x 1.60" port matched to a 1262,Anderson N-61,24#,76mm C&L,Full MAC exhaust 1-5/8" Long tubes,2-1/2" O.R H-Pipe,2 1/2" cat back, No A/C or PS or emissions, 12" K&N Filter,RNH PERFORMANCE Ram Air,Ron Davis Radiator,Full Suspension,S&W 8pt "X" brace,JAZ seats,3:73's,Welds..etc,4:30's and 31 splines coming very soon!

05-09-2001, 04:06 PM	#10
Mr 5 0 Conservative Individualist Join Date: May 1997 Location: Wherever I need to be Posts: 7,487	Synthetic oil is superior to conventional oil but at 84k I would stay with what you have now (conventional) and simply change the oil and filter every 2000 miles, without fail. You'll get good (not perfect) lubrication, run cooler and pay a whole lot less over time unless you put huge amounts of miles on your Mustang (most of us don't). For what it's worth: I've used Mobil 10-30 and a MotorCraft filter in my '90 LX since it was brand new. I've changed both at 2000 mile intervals and now, at 110,000 miles (and lots of races) I have no oil burning, no leaks and my head surfaces/lifters are as clean as those on a new car. Works for me.

05-09-2001, 04:41 PM	#11
bada$$lx Guest Posts: n/a	I'd have to say that w/ your mileage (unless it's a "young" 80+k)you may want to consider switching to a synthetic-blend oil, and not a full synthetic brand. You don't want to chance any leaks.

05-09-2001, 08:44 PM	#12
dinomite The Dude Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 1,262	My car was previously owned by my dad, so it got changes every 3k miles, and given the more recent posts, i'll stick with the normal, and keep changing it 3k or earlier.

05-09-2001, 09:40 PM	#13
TheSloAod Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: baytown, tx usa Posts: 121	if you want to use synthetic then use it, and if the engine dies then you have a good excuse to build a nice one

05-10-2001, 06:09 PM	#14
dinomite The Dude Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 1,262	thats a very good idea......thanks guys!

05-12-2001, 07:59 PM	#15
egiap's 5.0 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Mansfield, OH. Posts: 113	Amsoil has seal swelling agents to prevent gasket leaks. Conventional oils relie on sludge and varnish to help seal gaskets. But before you switch to synthetics with your milage you should buy a filter and engin flush such as amsoils. Take old filter off and put new one on. Pour in one pint engine flush and run car for 15-20 minutes. Drain and add new filter and synthetic oil. You should this because the synthetic oil will break down sludge and varnish and plug up new filter. Synthetics will not cause sludge or varnish and run 20-40 degrees cooler than conventional oil. They have a higher shear stability and will not loose viscosity as quick as conventional oils. You do the math. ------------------ Independent Amsoil dealer. Need information about amsoil synthetic products leave me a message.

05-12-2001, 11:19 PM	#16
joe4speed He said Member...heh, heh Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: Jupiter, Florida U.S.A. Posts: 3,718	I switched to synthetic at 84,000 miles and am still running strong at 165,000 miles... I noticed no leaks other than what was there before the swap, and they didn't seem to leak more, but maybe I was lucky! I have a few spots that leak a little, but no big deal... I think the synthetic was a vast improvement, my car really seems to love it!! ------------------ Joe! 1988 GT, 167,000 miles!!! 13.71@105mph Check out my listing! Click here! Or my website: www.joe4speed.com 1999 Ninja ZX-6R 10.32@135mph! 1993 Olds Eighty Eight LSS

05-13-2001, 09:01 AM	#17
dinomite The Dude Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 1,262	hmmmm, this seems to be a very disputed topic. I don't know what to do, but i think i'm just gonna stick with regular cause it can't really cause any problems, unless someone can come to a concensus here.

05-13-2001, 10:04 AM	#18
joe4speed He said Member...heh, heh Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: Jupiter, Florida U.S.A. Posts: 3,718	well, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it"!! I like synthetic, but if your car is running fine, stick with what ya got! Why not! If you take care of it, and change your oil when you have to, you'll have 167,000 miles too! Good luck! ------------------ Joe! 1988 GT, 167,000 miles!!! 13.71@105mph Check out my listing! Click here! Or my website: www.joe4speed.com 1999 Ninja ZX-6R 10.32@135mph! 1993 Olds Eighty Eight LSS

05-13-2001, 11:38 AM	#19
88GT5.013.02 Guest Posts: n/a	I switched from regular to synthetic and my car ran fine and was not effected by the change. I only have one oil leak and it stops after I start driving it after sitting all winter. So it won't hurt your motor if you don't have excessive wear already. My motor had 89,000 miles on it, didn't burn a drop of oil and it was ran HARD.