mobile one?
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 84
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Is synthetic bad on a L-98 motor? I have been using regular dino oil but all the gaskets have been replaced so there shouldn't be a problem of leakage and I know it cleans out all the sludge build up. Would Mobil1 hurt my car if I switched to synthetic? Repezard just said so. Thats not a good thought.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
The perils of switching to synthetic and back are nothing but an Urban Legend...
You can do it... if you want.
Generally speaking synthetics do 4 things better than mineral oils.
1. Flow better at low temperatures ( the molecules are engineered to be the same size/shape) better flow at low temperatures means faster lubrication upon start-up.
2. Better lubrication at higher temperatures gives more protection in engines known to run hot.
3. reduced tendency to shear thin menas it stays in grade longer. this leads to extended drain capability.
4. higher levels of detergency to prevent soot and varnish build associated with longer drain intervals.
There is nothing inherent about that that can damge your engine. Switching back and forth is NO issue.
HOWEVER, if you are running a older car with pre-existing leaks, the higher detergency will clean your engine and will remove the sludge and varnish that MAY be minimizing your current leaks. Therefore pre-exisitng leaks may leak more....
That is the only downside to using a synthetic, other than price.
You can do it... if you want.
Generally speaking synthetics do 4 things better than mineral oils.
1. Flow better at low temperatures ( the molecules are engineered to be the same size/shape) better flow at low temperatures means faster lubrication upon start-up.
2. Better lubrication at higher temperatures gives more protection in engines known to run hot.
3. reduced tendency to shear thin menas it stays in grade longer. this leads to extended drain capability.
4. higher levels of detergency to prevent soot and varnish build associated with longer drain intervals.
There is nothing inherent about that that can damge your engine. Switching back and forth is NO issue.
HOWEVER, if you are running a older car with pre-existing leaks, the higher detergency will clean your engine and will remove the sludge and varnish that MAY be minimizing your current leaks. Therefore pre-exisitng leaks may leak more....
That is the only downside to using a synthetic, other than price.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Sorry,
I meant to add that I use fully Synthetic in my L98.
It keeps the engine clean and there are no leaks. It had Mobil 1 in it when I bought it 4 years ago , but I swithced to Pennzoil Platinum becaus eof its impressive low wear metals results and its avialablility at Advance Autoparts in both spring and fall BOGO offers that brings the price down to $3/qt.
I meant to add that I use fully Synthetic in my L98.
It keeps the engine clean and there are no leaks. It had Mobil 1 in it when I bought it 4 years ago , but I swithced to Pennzoil Platinum becaus eof its impressive low wear metals results and its avialablility at Advance Autoparts in both spring and fall BOGO offers that brings the price down to $3/qt.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
HOWEVER, if you are running a older car with pre-existing leaks, the higher detergency will clean your engine and will remove the sludge and varnish that MAY be minimizing your current leaks. Therefore pre-exisitng leaks may leak more....
That is the only downside to using a synthetic...
That is the only downside to using a synthetic...
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
From: los angeles ca
I have a '94 LT1 and from what I've read most OTC, over-the-counter, oils have been so dumbed-down lately. You really have to do your research to find a decent performing brand or product.
My search has led me to the following as very good for an LT1:
Castrol 0W-30, Made in Germany - (European Formula) only available thru internet order or from outside USA.
Pennsoil Platinum 5W-30 (European Formula) again buy over the internet or outside USA.
Mobil1 0W-40, European Formula, this one you can get almost anywhere.
Notice all are European Formula oils. That seems to be what separates them from other common, dumbed-down oils.
Mobil1 in the other grades, 5W-30 10W-30 are not as performance oriented as the 0W-40 is.
My search has led me to the following as very good for an LT1:
Castrol 0W-30, Made in Germany - (European Formula) only available thru internet order or from outside USA.
Pennsoil Platinum 5W-30 (European Formula) again buy over the internet or outside USA.
Mobil1 0W-40, European Formula, this one you can get almost anywhere.
Notice all are European Formula oils. That seems to be what separates them from other common, dumbed-down oils.
Mobil1 in the other grades, 5W-30 10W-30 are not as performance oriented as the 0W-40 is.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 38
From: King George VA
I have a '94 LT1 and from what I've read most OTC, over-the-counter, oils have been so dumbed-down lately. You really have to do your research to find a decent performing brand or product.
My search has led me to the following as very good for an LT1:
Castrol 0W-30, Made in Germany - (European Formula) only available thru internet order or from outside USA.
Pennsoil Platinum 5W-30 (European Formula) again buy over the internet or outside USA.
Mobil1 0W-40, European Formula, this one you can get almost anywhere.
Notice all are European Formula oils. That seems to be what separates them from other common, dumbed-down oils.
Mobil1 in the other grades, 5W-30 10W-30 are not as performance oriented as the 0W-40 is.
My search has led me to the following as very good for an LT1:
Castrol 0W-30, Made in Germany - (European Formula) only available thru internet order or from outside USA.
Pennsoil Platinum 5W-30 (European Formula) again buy over the internet or outside USA.
Mobil1 0W-40, European Formula, this one you can get almost anywhere.
Notice all are European Formula oils. That seems to be what separates them from other common, dumbed-down oils.
Mobil1 in the other grades, 5W-30 10W-30 are not as performance oriented as the 0W-40 is.
I'd also note, that I don't think any of the oils you listed, with the possible exception of the German Castrol 0w30, are labeled to meet GM Standard 4718M for the Corvette.
AMSOIL does sell a European spec oil, the AMSOIL Synthetic 5w40 European Motor Oil, but as I mentioned above, due to similarity between the API SM and ILSAC GF-4 standards, this oil, like most others on the market, meet both requirements. But, as an FYI, this oil is made in the USA and doesn't have to be imported from Europe. Note however, that it too doesn't meet GM Standard 4718M.
I use AMSOIL's best API SM oil in my 2006 CTS-V:
AMSOIL Series 2000 0w30
For my Corvette Z06 on the track, I use an oil which doesn't meet the API SM standards:
AMSOIL SAE 10w40 Formula 4-Stroke Marine Synthetic Motor Oil
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AMSOIL Dealer (Forum Vendor)
AMSOIL Preferred Customer Program (Members buy at Wholesale - a savings of about 25%)
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
It sounds like it'd be much easier to be using these compromised oils that are readily available, and spend the effort looking for a good additive that will make up the difference. I assume these additives are not regulated much or at all by the smog *****.
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Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 283
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From: stanwood wash
amsoil
subdriver......i use amsoil in most of my vehicles. iuse mobile one in the rest. my 94 lt1 uses series 2000 with an eao 25000 mile filter. it runs great......i am here in stanwood, wash........just north of everett....
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
How often do you change the filter?
What is your oil pressure before and after a filter change?
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 38
From: King George VA
That's the same oil and filter I use in my 06 CTS-V, which is my new daily driver. Lots of fellow forum members in the PNW. I got to a Vette get together about a year ago over in Lynnwood, but haven't had time to get to another one. I'd like to though as I have a few free weekends left this summer. I need to go check the local Vette club sites for get together dates...
Why change??
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,314
Likes: 3
From: In a van down by the river! Florida
Mobil 1 5w-30 and a Wix filter every 5k or 1 year.
The reduction in ZDDP really only had an extensive effect in flat tappet engines. But if it is a concern to you, go to your local chevy dealer and pick up a bottle of G.M E.O.S.
It contains all of what was removed from the oil and mixes well with synthetics, unlike other additives like STP which I would not mix with a syn oil.
The reduction in ZDDP really only had an extensive effect in flat tappet engines. But if it is a concern to you, go to your local chevy dealer and pick up a bottle of G.M E.O.S.
It contains all of what was removed from the oil and mixes well with synthetics, unlike other additives like STP which I would not mix with a syn oil.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,715
Likes: 2
From: Santa Teresa New Mexico
My E320 takes Mobil1 per the factory manual, and Mobil 1 autotrans fluid.
Oil change and the A service, with the trans was $265.00
Mobil 1 is factory fill for the Corvette, Mercedes, Porsche, Aston Martin, etc.
Personally I don't like 5-30.
Oil change and the A service, with the trans was $265.00
Mobil 1 is factory fill for the Corvette, Mercedes, Porsche, Aston Martin, etc.
Personally I don't like 5-30.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 4,590
Likes: 48
From: W MI
HOWEVER, if you are running a older car with pre-existing leaks, the higher detergency will clean your engine and will remove the sludge and varnish that MAY be minimizing your current leaks. Therefore pre-exisitng leaks may leak more....
That is the only downside to using a synthetic, other than price.
That is the only downside to using a synthetic, other than price.
All of my families other car's engines(cars bought needing rebuilds) were rebuilt w/ new seals and gaskets, no leaks on the ones running synthetic.
