Oil consumption problems.
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 57
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From: West Orange NJ
Oil consumption problems.
I was told by a very knowledgeable source to not use synthetic oil (despite GM specifications) in cars that are modified with head/cam packages. He specifically mentioned the rings will have problems seating properly when synthetic oil is used. I assume he knows what he's talking about since he builds modified corvettes for a living. He recommended using conventional motor oil with changes every 2500-3000 miles. More frequently if you're constantly beating up on Mustangs :D Can anyone else shed some more light on this?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 21,404
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From: Various places in Southern California.
Re: Oil consumption problems. (sinman02)
With all due respect, this stuff about synthetic oil being bad for some engines is really getting old. I know there are a lot of people who swear it's true, including some very qualified people, but there are also a lot of people who believe the moon landings were a hoax.
I don't think the engine's gonna blow if you use dino oil, especially if you change it frequently. In fact, I think the main advantage of synthetics is the longer drain intervals they support. Still, it just isn't true that synthetics hinder break-in, despite all the testimonials we hear.
Sorry for the rant!
I don't think the engine's gonna blow if you use dino oil, especially if you change it frequently. In fact, I think the main advantage of synthetics is the longer drain intervals they support. Still, it just isn't true that synthetics hinder break-in, despite all the testimonials we hear.
Sorry for the rant!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 19,976
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From: Bonneville Salt Flats
Re: Oil consumption problems. (Duck916)
Duck916 is basically correct.
We've used synthetics in comp cars for years with absolutely no problems (and did the same before synths, for that matter). Usually rings AREN'T the problem anyway in comp engines, moreso it's bearings, especially with wet-sump systems.
One of the main advantages of synths in comp engines is greater heat tolerance. However, the notion of longer change intervals is untrue since any oil accumulates contaminates and has additive package breakdown. There are only a very small number of additive manufactures and limited freedom in package formulation while meeting gov. certification standards (note diesel engine additive packages differ from gas engine oil additives). Sure, there will be those who disagree... just ask if they are petroleum engineers (my data sources).
All the best. :yesnod:
We've used synthetics in comp cars for years with absolutely no problems (and did the same before synths, for that matter). Usually rings AREN'T the problem anyway in comp engines, moreso it's bearings, especially with wet-sump systems.
One of the main advantages of synths in comp engines is greater heat tolerance. However, the notion of longer change intervals is untrue since any oil accumulates contaminates and has additive package breakdown. There are only a very small number of additive manufactures and limited freedom in package formulation while meeting gov. certification standards (note diesel engine additive packages differ from gas engine oil additives). Sure, there will be those who disagree... just ask if they are petroleum engineers (my data sources).
All the best. :yesnod:
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
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From: San Diego CA
Re: Oil consumption problems. (Avanti)
I believe the limiting factor as far as oil life is the filter, not the oil. There have been a few C5 forum members who have had their Mobil 1 oil checked at a lab after 5000 miles and were told that the oil was still within the minimum requirements for sufficient protection. When the filter can no longer do its job, synthetic oil must be changed.
As far as break-ins go, I spoke to a Mobil "tech" person who told me that years ago when engine components were assembled to a much looser tolerance, petroleum oil was mandatory for ensuring a relatively quick (1000 miles?) break-in period. Nowadays, synthetic oil as factory fill is very common among higher-priced vehicles, such as Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, and of course, Corvette.
As far as break-ins go, I spoke to a Mobil "tech" person who told me that years ago when engine components were assembled to a much looser tolerance, petroleum oil was mandatory for ensuring a relatively quick (1000 miles?) break-in period. Nowadays, synthetic oil as factory fill is very common among higher-priced vehicles, such as Mercedes, BMW, Porsche, and of course, Corvette.
