Synthetic oil

[turbomangt]

I was wondering how often you guys change your oil using synthetic. They say you can extend the time/milage inbetween changes, I was going the same as regular (every 3,000) but that gets expensive especially if its not nescessary. I have heard some going 4,000/5,000 even 6,000. any thoughts on this? Gary

[Mike Radowski]

We still change it at 3000 miles. Not a big deal in my book. With a turbo, clean oil is not gonna hurt anything.

Mike

[crazyjoe]

Gary,

It depends on your driving, really. I have driven Chrysler turbo cars well into 200,000 miles and beyond on dino oil, changing every 5,000 miles because of all the highway driving I was doing. If you put 20,000 miles on the car a year, I'd recommend moving to a 5,000 mile schedule. If not, I'd stick with 3 - 4,000, and you should be fine.

[crazie.eddie]

Good to hear, since I get free oil changes for the life time of my car, I would have had to pay extra if I wanted to use synthetic. I've only had my car for about 1.5 months and I already have about 3700 miles on it, with my first oil change a few weeks ago.

[Gary04GT]

Especially if you are planning to keep your turbo car for a long time then for sure switch to synthetic oil--the sooner, the better, following the engine "break-in" period. I have used Mobil 1 5W-30 oil since 3700 miles and change it every 5000 miles/5-6 months.

[Cal Cruzer]

AMEN BROTHER! From personal experience with long term turbos, I will only use synth.

I might be shot down for this but I don't use the most expensive synth on the market and ran a volvo turbo over 200,000 miles in urban, stop and go driving without cool down periods, and that didn't even have water-cooled bearings like our PT's do. I use the Wally World brand synth. It is a full synthetic base but you can buy a 5 qt jug for about $12 if memory serves. They do a great job of beating suppliers up for the absolute lowest price on stuff. Just my $0.02

[lip]

I thought the Walmart synth was blended...actually, I am positive the stuff here in Canada is...
Not that it really matters...to be honest, using synth with our car is really a waste of money technically but for some reason I still use it?!

LIP

[taikuchin]

Turbo experts claim that the turbo itself requires the synthetic oil because of the high heat generated especially after shut down when the oil is no longer circulating & the turbo is still HOT. I use Mobil 1 (5w30 winter, 15w50 summer) and after 3k miles, it's dirty. It may still lubricate ok, but I think clean oil is better for the motor than dirty oil so I change at 3000 miles. Haven't had to file for bankrupcy yet...& I don't even shop at Wallmart.

[Cal Cruzer]

quote:Originally posted by lip

I thought the Walmart synth was blended...actually, I am positive the stuff here in Canada is...
Not that it really matters...to be honest, using synth with our car is really a waste of money technically but for some reason I still use it?!

LIP

They also have a synth blend that I use in my wifes Honda Pilot. They have a full synth base product here in So Cal.

[Mr. Boost]

quote:Originally posted by taikuchin

Turbo experts claim that the turbo itself requires the synthetic oil because of the high heat generated especially after shut down when the oil is no longer circulating & the turbo is still HOT. I use Mobil 1 (5w30 winter, 15w50 summer) and after 3k miles, it's dirty. It may still lubricate ok, but I think clean oil is better for the motor than dirty oil so I change at 3000 miles. Haven't had to file for bankrupcy yet...& I don't even shop at Wallmart.

I agree with you. But just for the record, oil should be changed because it will usually breakdown, therefore providing less protection.
The common myth is that the oil is dirty. But truthfully, breakdown is what you are more than likely dealing with.
Synthetic oils provide better lubrication, therefore keeping the engine slightly cooler. Breakdown should occur after a longer time than with conventional oil.[8D]