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Valvoline Synpower test results

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Old Dec 3, 2001 | 02:17 PM
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Default Valvoline Synpower test results

nothing really scientific I just posted that I would give my results on switching to Valvoline Synpower 10w30 from Mobil 1 15w50.

well before I was dropping a good 2-3 quarts per 3000 miles with the Mobil 1. After the first 3000 miles with Valvoline, I only dropped 1 quart.

now more about the driving conditions. Heavy traffic (chicago suburb area), continuous high-ish RPM highway driving....100+ miles non-stop at 3500-4000 RPMs (A3 tranny), all to the tune of about 1000 miles a week.

so basically stopped consumption around 1-2 quarts every 3000 miles so that is something. I don't get oil analysis done or anything so can't say it is physically in better shape.

Oil pressure...about 2 psi as the stock gauge shows lower than the Mobil 1 but no big deal in my book, still plenty for the RPMs the car sees daily.

hope this helps some, any questions/comments just post here.

I drive alot so I could try other oils you think I may have better luck with and post results fairly quick
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Old Dec 3, 2001 | 02:25 PM
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Default Re: Valvoline Synpower test results

Matt, drop me a note. We need to talk about a set of headers!
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Old Dec 3, 2001 | 02:56 PM
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Default Re: Valvoline Synpower test results

Just changed oil Saturday. I have been using Mobil 1 10W30 and switched to Valvoline Synpower. Went with the 5W30 for the upcoming winter. So far I've noticed on cold starts I'm getting 55psi vs. the 60psi I used to get. Not sure if this is the 5W30 vs. 10W30 or if the Synpower is flowing differently. Warm idle is the same as M1 at ~40psi as well as my cruise oil pressure.

I'll have to monitor consumption and report back. I've been burning 3/4 per 3,000 miles over the last 6,000 miles.

Would we expect higher oil consumption in colder weather due to longer warm-up times?

[ December 03, 2001: Message edited by: rom3 ]</p>
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Old Dec 4, 2001 | 09:38 AM
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Default Re: Valvoline Synpower test results

not sure about the long warm ups and more oil consumption.

do you feel we consume more the hotter the oil gets?

if so then a big oil cooler would be beneficial
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Old Dec 4, 2001 | 09:46 AM
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Default Re: Valvoline Synpower test results

My thought was that until the pistons are at normal operating temp (until they expand in size) there will be more space between the piston and cylinder wall which would let oil past and into the combustion chamber. My '01 suffers from the morning knock/dieseling sound so I guess this is what's going on. <img src="images/icons/confused.gif" border="0">
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Old Dec 4, 2001 | 02:10 PM
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Default Re: Valvoline Synpower test results

I've been using SynPower for a while now and I like it <img src="images/icons/smile.gif" border="0">
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Old Dec 4, 2001 | 04:21 PM
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Default Re: Valvoline Synpower test results

[quote]Originally posted by rom3:
<strong> So far I've noticed on cold starts I'm getting 55psi vs. the 60psi I used to get. Not sure if this is the 5W30 vs. 10W30 or if the Synpower is flowing differently. </strong><hr></blockquote>


There is less pressure when cold because the oil is thinner.

Joel
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Old Dec 4, 2001 | 04:38 PM
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Default Re: Valvoline Synpower test results

I think you misunderstood my post. I was getting 60 psi with Mobil 1 on a cold start and now am getting 55 psi with the Synpower on a cold start. Both oils are dropping to 40 psi at idle when hot which I consider normal.

I have to disagree with your point that oil is thinner when cold. That is definately not the case.
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Old Dec 4, 2001 | 09:34 PM
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Default Re: Valvoline Synpower test results

yeah they will flow diffently until they get to oper temp. Thatswhy they level out the same. Try Amsoil if you can find it. I use that religeously, and can't find anything better.
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Old Dec 5, 2001 | 03:33 PM
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Default Re: Valvoline Synpower test results

I used Amsoil on a different car. I think there is a dodge dealer around my office that has it

I will see if I can locate some and test it out
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Old Dec 5, 2001 | 04:10 PM
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Default Re: Valvoline Synpower test results

[quote]Originally posted by rom3:
<strong>I think you misunderstood my post. I was getting 60 psi with Mobil 1 on a cold start and now am getting 55 psi with the Synpower on a cold start. Both oils are dropping to 40 psi at idle when hot which I consider normal.

I have to disagree with your point that oil is thinner when cold. That is definately not the case.</strong><hr></blockquote>

I think you misunderstood C5 hardtop's post. The 5W is thinner at startup than your old 10W that is why you are seeing less cold start psi. In the really cold months, (below freezing) if you drive you car everyday, you might want to think about 0W-30 from Mobil 1.

<img src="images/icons/smile.gif" border="0">

[ December 05, 2001: Message edited by: RED QUASAR ]</p>
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Old Dec 5, 2001 | 04:13 PM
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Default Re: Valvoline Synpower test results

[quote]Originally posted by RED QUASAR:
<strong>In the really cold months, (below freezing) if you drive you car everyday, you might want to think about 0W-30 from Mobil 1.

<img src="images/icons/smile.gif" border="0">

</strong><hr></blockquote>

I disagree with that, but I know what you are saying. Synthetic oil flows way better than dino oil ever did and all temps. So you could run a 15w-50 Mobil 1 in the winter no problem. Flows better than a 5w-30 dino oil
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Old Dec 5, 2001 | 04:25 PM
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Default Re: Valvoline Synpower test results

[quote]Originally posted by RED QUASAR:
<strong>

I think you misunderstood C5 hardtop's post. The 5W is thinner at startup than your old 10W that is why you are seeing less cold start psi.
[ December 05, 2001: Message edited by: RED QUASAR ]</strong><hr></blockquote>

OK, that makes sense. The odd thing is I used Mobil 1 5W30 before I switched to the 10W30 and the Mobil 1 5W30 also read 60psi at cold startup.
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Old Dec 5, 2001 | 04:31 PM
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Default Re: Valvoline Synpower test results

Okay here's mine from this last oil change using Synpower. I used within 3700 miles 1 1/2 quarts. Granted I let it go over 3K due to being time crunched.

The above scenario: Car was on the track 4 times (about 12+ passes) since changing the oil, was dyno'd once (3 pulls to WOT) and has been drivin hard 4k shifts in around town here and there.....

Not to bad. GM claims consumption 400-600 miles per qt.

So I figure, to have to add a 1/2 here or there is no big deal, and the last one's to go into my engine will be the dealer!!

<img src="images/icons/smile.gif" border="0">

[ December 05, 2001: Message edited by: racer88 ]</p>
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Old Dec 5, 2001 | 05:04 PM
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Default Re: Valvoline Synpower test results

[quote]Originally posted by racer88:
<strong>Not to bad. GM claims consumption 400-600 miles per qt.


</strong><hr></blockquote>

are you serious! <img src="images/icons/shocked.gif" border="0"> that is a ton. That is like a min. of 5 quarts consumption in 3000 miles! In my book I would say that is a tad high <img src="graemlins/gr_punch.gif" border="0" alt="[fight]" />
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Old Dec 5, 2001 | 05:09 PM
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Default Re: Valvoline Synpower test results

[quote]Originally posted by Matt98SS:
<strong>

are you serious! <img src="images/icons/shocked.gif" border="0"> that is a ton. That is like a min. of 5 quarts consumption in 3000 miles! In my book I would say that is a tad high <img src="graemlins/gr_punch.gif" border="0" alt="[fight]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>

Matt, I meant not to bad for me adding 1 to 1 1/2 qts here and there. GM states having to add a qt every 400-600 miles is what the consumption problem some owners are experiencing.

I guess I should have re-read what I typed. Yes, adding a qt every 400-600 miles is bad as hell!!

<img src="images/icons/smile.gif" border="0">
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