Can I switch to synthetic Oil?

jerry w · #1 (**permalink**) 02-24-2007, 12:07 PM

Question:

Can I switch to 15w 50 synthetic oil in my engine?

I have been using 20w 50 in my 302 for over a year. Is there any reason I can't drain the 20w 50 and switch to a synthetic? Appreciate the time and comments of all who answer.

wtm442 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-24-2007, 12:24 PM

As long as there is 5000 miles on motor, I see no problem. But that is a little heavy for NY area. Maybe 10-40 would be better. That's what I use. With 15-50 weight it will take a loooooooooooooooooong time to warm up the oil. Been there ... done that....

jerry w · #3 (**permalink**) 02-24-2007, 01:08 PM

Thanks Warren,

I don't have 5,000 on the motor yet. My main reason for switching to synthetic is to reduce start up wear on the motor.

wtm442 · #4 (**permalink**) 02-24-2007, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jerry w

Thanks Warren,

I don't have 5,000 on the motor yet. My main reason for switching to synthetic is to reduce start up wear on the motor.

To reduce start up wear, you would be better off with a Morose Accusump or equivalent. Many synthetic oil mnfgs recommend 5K miles with regular oil b/4 switching to synthetic. Just my 0.02 cents worth.

WildBill3 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 01:36 PM

put it in a new engine your rings wont seat can you say blooooooww by did it to our racer@I70speedway boy were my competitors behind me ticked as they were wiping it off ther cars after the races.hehe ooops

lovehamr · #6 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 01:56 PM

I agree on the ring seating. But that should only take a hundred miles or less these days. Any time after that the synthetic should be fine. I run 15w50 Mobile 1 and have had very good luck with it. It's also worth mentioning that the newer 15w50 Mobile 1 has increased zinc content for those of us still hung up on flat tappet cams.

Steve

DAVID GAGNARD · #7 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 02:12 PM

I put the synthetic stuff in my 331 cu in race motor after it has been dynoed....which is about an hour of running time......no blowby and no problems so far, I run regular oil in my street car..........

David

jerry w · #8 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 04:41 PM

Thanks Guys!

Appreciate your experience and knowledge.

Regards

jwoodard · #9 (**permalink**) 02-27-2007, 06:28 PM

You might want to discuss this with your engine builder. As an example, my builder said to wait until after 6K miles before converting to synthetic oil.