Worth Changing To Synthetic Oil? 03 6.0 44k

wellinghurst · October 31, 2007

I've been a die hard Pennzoil regular oil fan for my entire driving life. I change my oil and Delco filter every 5,000 miles, and I've done that for about 350,000 combined miles in my lifetime with no problems. It has always worked for me, but I am open to better things when I see them.

There seems to be fairly definite info that Synthetic oil is "better" for many different reasons. For those of you that use it, what do you think about switching my '03 with 44k now-would it matter that I've always put regular oil in it? What differences have you seen once switching? I only drive about 6k a year now that my job has given me a car to drive to work, so I am sure it would be safe to change it once a year? I know there have been posts on this before, but I am really wondering about switching from regular to sythetic on my 44k truck. Is there anything I need to do the first time? Will the leftover old oil that doesn't come out actually mix ok with the new stuff?

If it matters, I am going with a custom tune soon also that will require premium gas-since I don't drive much, I figure I would get all I can out of it when I do. I've found gas is cheaper when you don't drive as much

dewfpo · October 31, 2007

I've been a die hard Pennzoil regular oil fan for my entire driving life. I change my oil and Delco filter every 5,000 miles, and I've done that for about 350,000 combined miles in my lifetime with no problems. It has always worked for me, but I am open to better things when I see them.

There seems to be fairly definite info that Synthetic oil is "better" for many different reasons. For those of you that use it, what do you think about switching my '03 with 44k now-would it matter that I've always put regular oil in it? What differences have you seen once switching? I only drive about 6k a year now that my job has given me a car to drive to work, so I am sure it would be safe to change it once a year? I know there have been posts on this before, but I am really wondering about switching from regular to sythetic on my 44k truck. Is there anything I need to do the first time? Will the leftover old oil that doesn't come out actually mix ok with the new stuff?

If it matters, I am going with a custom tune soon also that will require premium gas-since I don't drive much, I figure I would get all I can out of it when I do. I've found gas is cheaper when you don't drive as much

I switched over a car once at 109,000 miles. No leaks and the oil consumption on the car actually went down since the synthetic cleaned up the rings over the first few thousand miles with synthetic oil.

No worries, I use it in all my equipment, even tractors, atv's and garden equipment. I have a truck that I put about 3K miles per year and change out the synthetic every 2 years.

To me the main benefit with the synthetic is cold weather starting and hot weather protection. MPG differences are almost impercetable. With synthetics, I typically run 7,500 miles between changes (except for the one pickup I have that I change every 2 years).

Change it over like a reg. oil change, it will all mix. No worries with leftover oil in the engine when changing (typically only 1-2% anyway).

I always use very good quality filters as well.

DEWFPO

cvandegna · October 31, 2007

I have switched every vehicle I own (after break in) to synthetic. Current list is my HD, wife's Audi came with it, my American Ironhorse Texas chopper, wife's Kawi Ninja, pressure washer & generator (both Honda equipped).

I have never done any special mojo - just let it drain real good and go. I have now added a bypass remote filter kit to my HD that will prolong oil changes to 1yr 25000 miles. Pics on this post: http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?...st&p=511648

A bit pricey at first - but improved filtration and 2 saved oil changes will pay for it I figger.

mini1 · October 31, 2007

Switch. Synthetic oil is wonderful stuff.

SWDoodle · October 31, 2007

I live in pretty arid country and change my oil every 3000K and my air filter when it needs it (sometimes every other oil change). I wouldn't mind switching to syntheitc to cut down on oil changes, since I drive alot, but I'm afraid running in such dusty conditions all the time it's better to change the oil more often. What do you guys think?

Zembonez · October 31, 2007

I live in pretty arid country and change my oil every 3000K and my air filter when it needs it (sometimes every other oil change). I wouldn't mind switching to syntheitc to cut down on oil changes, since I drive alot, but I'm afraid running in such dusty conditions all the time it's better to change the oil more often. What do you guys think?

You should be able to run extended oil change intervals easily. There really isn't much way for the external dirt and dust to get in the oil as long as you have good air filtration.

Kurtritter · October 31, 2007

I'm not sure if the increased cost outweighs the slightly longer interval.

lpetersonjr · November 1, 2007

I'm not sure if the increased cost outweighs the slightly longer interval.

Krit, I have ran Amsoil full synthetic for 1 year/25,000 miles whichever comes first since 1981. I typically run 15,000 miles per year which more than makes up for the additional cost. I also use the EAO oil filter. It works. I also do an oil analysis each year (~$25) just to make sure everything is okay. This includes a '90 Merc Cougar that we kept for 10 years.

The problem is, not all synthetics are Group 4 which Amsoil is. There is a supporting vendor on this forum who can answer all your questions. I encourage you to contact him.

Lynn