Heard some horror stories...
08-05-2004, 10:09 AM
#1
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Heard some horror stories... Switching from conventional oil to synthetic oil. Car has 54000 on it. Just installed a cam and wondering if it will be a problem. I have heard some horror stories from some older race heads and wondering if someone has made the switch. Also, Mobil 1 is it the best to switch to?
08-05-2004, 10:22 AM
#3
A marginal engine with seals worn past their limits will likely leak if switched to synth oil. LS1 and and it's new technology seals is a low-risk candidate even at your 54K miles.
Synth oil will not create leaks by itself. The benefits it brings are worth the risk of finding a marginal seal, in my opinion.
Synth oil will not create leaks by itself. The benefits it brings are worth the risk of finding a marginal seal, in my opinion.
ran regular before but i changed it every 2000 too
08-05-2004, 10:28 AM
#5
When I changed my cam I went from Mobil 1 5w-30 regular oil to Mobil 1 Super Syn 0w-40. I change my oil every 6,000 miles instead of 2,500 and I would say I will burn half a quart in those 6,000 miles at most, maybe even 25% of a quart. That's compared to almost a full quart in 2,500 miles of the regular 5w-30 stuff. Made a world of difference.
Switching from regular oil to super syn shouldnt be an issue at all.
Switching from regular oil to super syn shouldnt be an issue at all.
08-05-2004, 10:29 AM
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Here is what happens. Obviously my details arnt 100% correct, but I know what happens is right.
Synethetic oil essentially has smaller oil particles, which gives it better lubing qualities. If your car has had regular oil in it, the gaskets are used to the thicker oil. They synthetic oil will slowly seap through the gaskets eventually causing them to wear out and leak.
I am not too sure about how well the oem gaskets will handle this, but I have had expeirance with this in my old car. I tried it and it leaked everywhere and I had to replace all the gaskets. BUT it was honda, and I am not sure how an ls1 will react with 54,000 on it. I assume with the technology that our engines have they, it wont be much of a problem. I say try it, and mobil 1 is what I use and recomend.
Synethetic oil essentially has smaller oil particles, which gives it better lubing qualities. If your car has had regular oil in it, the gaskets are used to the thicker oil. They synthetic oil will slowly seap through the gaskets eventually causing them to wear out and leak.
I am not too sure about how well the oem gaskets will handle this, but I have had expeirance with this in my old car. I tried it and it leaked everywhere and I had to replace all the gaskets. BUT it was honda, and I am not sure how an ls1 will react with 54,000 on it. I assume with the technology that our engines have they, it wont be much of a problem. I say try it, and mobil 1 is what I use and recomend.
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08-05-2004, 08:01 PM
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i changed from dino oil to synthetic at like 65k miles and havent had any issues. from what ive heard, on modern engines swapping between oils isnt a problem as long as you dont mix them together when doing an oil change.
