i guess you didnt understand my point. i believe the INITAL oil change for the TDI is somewhere around 8-11k miles. thats right, no 500 or 1000 mile break in oil change. now what does that say about the oil they use? its GOOD stuff.

now GC might have a good reputation backing it, but that doesnt mean its the be-all end-all of oils.

the main point of this whole thread was to bring to light some alternatives to GC. i just think it's silly that people actually pay people to ship this stuff across the country just to get it.

 

The initial oil change interval has less to do with the oil that is being used and more to do with the tolerances between the bearings/parts in the engine and how they are going to wear as time goes on.

I understand your point and I don't think anyone in here is saying GC is the end-all of oils. It's just a really damn good oil. It's so good that a lot of people have problems getting their hands on it. I don't see that with any other oil other than Amsoil which you have to specifically be a distributor to sell, thus why it's not readily available at an autozone or something. The popularity of this oil does not lie as its followers fall in line due to proven results.

 

8-11k miles would be right if they are putting synthetic in a brand new motor. That should let it degrade enough to allow some break-in of parts, right? Is the oil filter good for that many miles?

 

With a stock motor LS1 I noticed a difference with German Castrol, I use it in my families fleet of vehicles and can safely move the oil change intervals to 6000 miles. Saves money, use good oil, and use less oil.

The rules don't apply to me I suppose, I use 20W50 Valvoline Racing in my 408, the oil is changed every 1,000 miles or before track day. Find the oil for $2.50 per quart, so i'd rather do more oil drain and fills then use long life oil.