SYN vs DINO vs BLEND...Gas Mileage?

[FastSUV]

Okay so I know in general both RWHP & MPG can be gained by syn in the diffs & transmission...but what about the crank case?

I may be switching off full-syn 10w30 in favor of either a conventional or synthetic blend oil in one of my vehicles...is there anything to be said about better MPG with full-syn oil in the crank case?

 

[StevieC]

You may see an increase MPG with syn, but nowhere nearly enough to justify the cost difference IMO.

 

[jstutz]

i track my gas mileage every time i get gas and have done so for about 5 yrs. when i switched to synthetic i gained .7mpg on avg.This is on an older chevy 4.3 and i got about the same results from my newer vortec 4.3. I think it was a little less but about .5 mpg

 

[glenncof]

I found no significant difference in actual usage. Gas variability and driving style seem to be the big factors assuming it's a late model electronic ignition with reasonable maintenance. Tire pressure may play a greater role than oil.

Even IF synthetic had less friction it would be small to force to move vehicle especially during acceleration and headwind. On a controlled highway course with a 2005, headwind changed mpg 1-2mpg when driving in different directions.

 

[mechtech2]

About 24,000 members and many years around here have not shown full synthetics to be slipperier. It is all about viscosity [concerning more MPG or HP].

 

[hal]

I went from valvoline maxlife 5w30 blend (what i typically use in winter) to a QS full synthetic 10w30 and i can't tell any difference in mileage. it may actually be SLIGHTLY better. although it could be because i cleaned out the intake/TB/MAF right before i changed the oil, and it needed it pretty bad. i like this oil though, so i may use it from now on. engine is very smooth and quiet and likes to rev easier.

 

[rocketj55]

I've got a 2001 Accord EX V6 with 130k. I switched from Chevron Supreme (conventional) to MC Synethetic blend. Both at 5w-20. My mpg went down from 30 hwy to 26hwy. I went from coast to coast on Chevron and then returned on the MC. While my engine sounded nicer with the MC...I wasn't happy the mpg went down, esp when the gas prices were still 3-4$ a gal.
I switched back to conventional and my mpg is up to what I've always had.

 

[Eddie]

Subaru Forester NA. I changed the engine, AT and both differntals to Mobil1-same viscosity as factory. I keept very good records before and after (2,000 + miles per type) the change. My gas mileage went up with the synthetic by 0.37% with a SD of 0.14. This increase will NEVER cover the extra cost of synthetics and I change my own oil.