I'm not going to get into a debate about the advantages of one vs. the other, but I have I always thought that synthetic oil is good for minimizing friction thus making the engine last longer due to less worn parts. I have to tell ya, I finally decided that the 90 SSE that I had needed a rest even though it had approximately 500,000 kilometers on it and the engine was still running strong and I never once used synthetic oil in it. I feel the key is plain and simple regular oil changes. I don't see the added expense in synthetic oils...... that my opinion only but let the flames begin!

I've always been under the impression that synthetic can take more heat and abuse. Therefore, if one races their car(*) or drives very spirited, synthetic is a good thing to use.

I know 3800'* are oil friendly, but other engines that are not should benefit from synthetic.

No flames here, I agree with you. I just changed my oil and I had the same debate, but when I saw one bottle of Synthetic was 5 bucks versus the other dyno juices (as I heard some of you call it), I can't afford that lol.


However I did add some of this with the oil...

http://www.stp.com/oil_oil.html

From my understanding Synthetic oil won't make much of a difference in an engine thats been run on regular since it was new. I've heard that it does wonders for rear ends, transmissions, etc. I run GM Synchromesh Synthetic in my trans and Royal Purple Synthetic in the rear.

That'* basically a myth.

Now, I'm no expert, but from my reading into the topic:

Synthetics are more robust, and better at handling heat and wear.
Synthetics are typically good for longer drain intervals than conventional.

Now, with all due respect I've found that one of the biggest sources of misinformation about motor oil is on "car forums". It'* just a rare thing to come across an oil expert, and myth and outdated wisdom often takes the place of informed observation. Heck, if I didn't know better I'd think that Mobil 1 was the best oil money could buy and that oil change intervals over 3,000 miles are heresy. (Again, not pointing out this board in particular, I've seen it on the Intrepid boards too)

For anyone interested in further reading, I suggest you check out www.bobistheoilguy.com. Some of these guys live and breathe something we regard as routine maintenance, and there'* a lot to be learned.

I agree completely, there is no need to waste money on synthetic oil on our cars.

I do however run synthetic blend on mine just for good measure in case i forget to change it every 3000 mies.

With synthetic you can go longer without oil changes, but I prefer to change my oil often, I still think its better that way.

Lets compare the average cost per oil change with synthetic and regular cheap walmart brand oil. the difference is huge, you would have to go 12,000 miles between oil changes to make it worth it. and I would not reccomend that.

I've been real happy with Maxlife 10W-30 in mine. Engine runs quiet and responsive.

FYI - Maxlife is 12-22% polyalphaolifin; the real synthetic, not Group III.

I've run synthetic because of the unique formulation, and it'* reputation to take abuse.

Also, if nothing else, I use it to help reduce our dependency on oil in general.

Synthetic oil will not burn up in the combustion chamber when the car is shut off. In high heat and frequent starting and shutting off the engine, this can signafantly prolong the engine life.