<VV> Synthetic Oil

[Bill Elliott]

This is discussed quite a bit here... so I'll try to summarize.

While there is some concern about running the latest generation of 
synthetics with the starburst symbol, the general agreement is that 
synthetic oils are a very good idea for turbocharged vehicles (less 
coking in the turbo bearing)... and won't hurt anything in any other 
Corvairs, but there is not agreement whether synthetics provide enough 
extra benefits to outweigh the extra costs. There is also not agreement 
on whether extended oil changes (like offered by some synthetic oil 
marketing) are acceptable or not. There is not much agreement on 
synthetics causing new leaks, but most folks seem to agree that if your 
car currently leaks, it will leak the same or possibly a bit more with 
synthetics.

That being said, here's where I stand. A decent quality synthetic is 
worth the extra cost over modern "dino" oil, but the gap is closing as 
dino oils now carry a load of synthetic bits. Either are far better than 
what your engine was designed for. I don't think the ultra-premium oils 
(Amsoil) are worth paying extra for (especially since I do not support 
the  use of long oil-change intervals), though I do use their gearbox 
oil. In Corvairs I have not seen new leaks started by synthetic oil, but 
I have witnessed that in British cars (where I still use it anyway).

I run Castrol fully synthetic 5W-50 in all of my Corvairs. I have been 
extremely happy with the performance in extremely cold weather, 
extremely hot weather, towing, and on the track.

YMMV

Bill Elliott

Luke Duddridge wrote:

>Hello All,
>
>
>
>I am curious, has any one tried using synthetic oil in their Vairs?  I am
>thinking that synthetic oil might be better for these older cars than
>'natural' oil.  I have no evidence to prove this, it's just a hunch, and I
>want to know if anyone else has given it a try.
>
>
>
>Thanks, Pax,
>
>
>
>Luke
>
>  
>


-- 
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.407 / Virus Database: 268.12.11/460 - Release Date: 10/1/2006