questions on synblend

[Burt]

So being a middle-of-the-road kind of guy, I kind of like the idea of synthetic blended oil. Gives me the confidence to go 6 months and 6-7k miles on the OCI with a decent filter so that I don't have to change in the oil in the heat of the Texas summer. Synthetic seems like overkill unless you really want to push the OCI envelope.

But I wonder if it does not make sense to just buy a jug of conventional and one of synthetic and blend it myself? How do I know how much synthetic is in the synblend? Maybe its 20-30% and the supplier is making a great mark-up? I asked Valvoline what was the percentage mix of conventional and synthethic and they told me it was a trade secret. (I guess if competitors knew it was 47.8% they would pounce on it) Hmmm...inquiring minds want to know.

 

[teddyboy]

Many very knowledgeable people on the forum suggest that the % of syn in synthetic blends is pretty low.

 

[2oldtommy]

Motorcraft syn-blend 5-20 and5-30 are widely available at WM. I have used these with great sucess in Mazdas and Hondas.The price for a 5qt. jug is about $12. If you read the reports, it appears these are highly regarded by BITOGers. I previously used Valvoline Durablend, but it does not seem to be as readily available. FWIW--Oldtommy

 

[Eddie]

Probably OK but, I'm not ready to jump into it yet. My mental problem is we seldom know what % is the blend made up of. I have not seen enough used oil analysis to confirm that it is any better than a good Conventional oil. With gasoline cost per mile, insurance, depreciation etc so high the difference between Conventional & a blend is insignificant. JMO. Ed

 

[Spector]

I mix conventional and synthetic all the time for my lawn equip. I would have not problem doing it for an auto as well. I do 50-50 but % totally would be up to you.

 

[Spyder7]

I have toyed off and on with adding either Pennzoil High Mileage to my PP or making my own PP/Pennzoil conventional blend. Its never gone beyond the conceptual phase because I'm not yet convinced that I'd see any benefit to such a homemade cocktail. In the meantime I'll just run straight PP, but I'm keeping my mind open to using Pennzoil conventional at some point in the OCI as top up oil. If and when is still up in the air.

-Spyder

 

[gfh77665]

Originally Posted By: teddyboy
Many very knowledgeable people on the forum suggest that the % of syn in synthetic blends is pretty low.


For kicks, I called several of the companies and asked the question "What per cent of your blend is synthetic?" Several refused to respond, but those who did said 10-20%. The highest was Valvoline MaxLife at 30%, but I don't know if it is still that way. Heck, I just use Full Synthetic for an extra $5-$6 a jug.

 

[sicko]

Originally Posted By: Burt
How do I know how much synthetic is in the synblend? Maybe its 20-30% and the supplier is making a great mark-up? I asked Valvoline what was the percentage mix of conventional and synthethic and they told me it was a trade secret.



That's kinda funny b/c when they first changed to their new website the FAQs directly addressed that question and said it was 30% synthetic. I just checked and their FAQs no longer say anything about the percentage that's synthetic.

I remember it b/c I thought it was so interesting that they directly addressed the question that I made a thread about it when they first updated the site: https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/posts/1466481/

 

[gfh77665]

Originally Posted By: sicko

That's kinda funny b/c when they first changed to their new website the FAQs directly addressed that question and said it was 30% synthetic. I just checked and their FAQs no longer say anything about the percentage that's synthetic.

I remember it b/c I thought it was so interesting that they directly addressed the question that I made a thread about it when they first updated the site: https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/posts/1466481/


Yep. I bet it is not 30% anymore. Price is higher, too.

 

[yaris0128]

Originally Posted By: teddyboy
Many very knowledgeable people on the forum suggest that the % of syn in synthetic blends is pretty low.


From what ive read I believe its 30% synthetic. So.... whats the point? Seems like I could do a good 50/50 blend myself.

 

[Spyder7]

What is the point in blending dino & syn? This is what I ask myself when I walk past it in the store or have thoughts I could do the same thing at home but... why?

-Spyder

 

[Eddie]

I have considered blending my own and have read much on the subject. The single oil used, being conventional or synthetic, has an additive package to enhance the base oil. If I arbitrarily blend my own, then I am upsetting the additive balance and probably achieve a less ideal oil than the single oil. So, I will use a Dino or a synthetic or a factory blended oil that was blended by, we hope knowledgeable blenders.

 

[Spyder7]

Same conclusion I've come to. I am debating adding one of the after market moly additives to my moly-less oil though - if I can find what I'm looking for (until then its purely academic).

-Spyder

 

[yaris0128]

Originally Posted By: Eddie
I have considered blending my own and have read much on the subject. The single oil used, being conventional or synthetic, has an additive package to enhance the base oil. If I arbitrarily blend my own, then I am upsetting the additive balance and probably achieve a less ideal oil than the single oil. So, I will use a Dino or a synthetic or a factory blended oil that was blended by, we hope knowledgeable blenders.


Ive got my next oil changed lined up thats my own special blend of 1.5qt of SuperTech syn, 1.5qt of Valvoline Synpower, and 0.5qt of Royal Purple. I had a lot of partials that I have left over and dont want to throw away. Not going to buy any of those oils again. I plan on using it for 5k but I dont want to push it for that reason.

 

[hardcore302]

Motorcraft is good oil.

 

[malibu jimbo]

I've been mixng my own for about 4 yrs. Valvoline conventional & synthetic, 50:50

 

[Lethal1ty17]

i see no problem in mixing oils and "messing up the add packs" because each oil is already optimally mixed, by mixing two together you wont be changing the proportion of additives.