I was looking around online, and in the store, and was wondering how much of a difference there really is between different oil brands. I have always used Valvoline, but i was thinking maybe Mobil 1 or something is better. Is there a diff, and if so what are the better names in oil?

I was wondering the same thing, im have been using vavoline synpower for a while and was wondering if there was something better, mobile 1, royal purple or amsoil?

At royal purple's website it claims that it makes surfaces smoother than they were from factory?? They have some pictures though its kinda hard to believe that.

Mobile 1 seems to be used alot in the racing world so there must be something really good about it.

Not really lookin for an oil with long change intervals cause my oil is changed every 5000km or less anyways, best protection and least friction is wat im lookin for.

I've been using Valvoline myself, but I've heard some people (people who would know) say that the generic stuff down at CarQuest for $1.20 a quart is just as good.

I guess it comes down to personal preference, and the size of your wallet

i used to use Valveline in my 1979 Duster.
good stuff.
i now use Castrol Syntec in the 1988 Ciera.
this is also really good stuff.
I mean it runs good and it is like 16 yrs. old and it was switched to this syntec as soon as they started making syntec..

i still try to change it every 3000 mls. but it can go as long as 6000 if you want.

i recommend Castrol Syntec, but ONLY if you dont leak oil.
engines that do not leak motor oil have been seen to leak Syntec.
fortunetaly my ciera has never dripped a drop of fluids of any sort.

I used good old Napa oil and Napa Gold Oil Filters.

TOC Admin
Brando

88SC- what happends if your car does drip oil with syntec? That was one of the ones i was thinking of , but the oil pan appears to have a small leak.

Hi, 85cieraholiday, All
Because synthetics oils are more expensive, they are not suggested for use in an engine that leaks or uses oil, due to the cost of replacement between changes.
Regards, Norm

Mobil 1 and other synthetic oils do lubricate somewhat better than normal oils, I've heard some people say you can even get a couple more horsepower out of your engine, but I'm not sure that's true. Many professional racers use synthetic oil in their cars because they are less succeptible to breaking down at high temps and high RPMs. Synthetics also clean your engine and cylinder walls which is good for the older engines, but you will be changing your oil more often so keep that money thing in mind as well.

Hi schippa2, All
Dynomometer sheets show power gains with Synthetic lubricants. The pros use the synthetics because of the power gain.
Both natural and synthetic oils will break down under the same conditions. Variances will be caused by the difference in additives.
Again, it will vary by the different additives and not by the molecular makeup of either.

Regards, Norm

HI 88Ciera_SC, All
Please explain.

Regards, Norm

Oops, I think I generalized. What I said was correct in regards to Mobil 1 synthetic though, right Norm? I think I figgered they was all the same animal. ops:

i use valvoline high mileage oil and i have used it for a long time i think its just brand preference....

Hi schippa2, All
It was not. They are.

Mobil 1 is a brand name for a synthetic oil.

Regards, Norm

i use Quakerstate High Mileage 10W-30...it seems fine for my engine. But then i think it all depends on the wear on the engine and the driving conditions u exert on it...i dont know about u guys but to me the word "Synthetic"
makes me think of putting plastic in your engine!! ...im probably wrong. and im sure its made up with more than just plastic. but it is something to think about. I have read something that said that "some" synthetic oils can make a small number of cars run like shit... or it screws things up in the engine...is this true??

there was some talk about synthetic oil Here