Synthetic or Not???

[deven]

Originally Posted By: jsjonz01
Originally Posted By: deven
Originally Posted By: jsjonz01
I have a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado Z71, with the 5.3L engine, that gets driven about 5,000-6,000 miles a year. Would it be alright to run synthetic oil, such as Mobil 1 or Pennzoil Platinum, and change it approximately once a year (6,000 miles), or should I just stick with conventional motor oil and change every 3,000 miles??? I would also like to change out the front and rear differentials. What company offers me the best fluids for my engine and differentials?


I would use Pennzoil Platinum 5w30 with a yearly OCI and for the F&R diff I'd use Redline Gear oil.


Is Redline considered a high quality synthetic? I have never used it, nor do I no where to purchase it???


I only recommend Redline oils for the transmission and diffs since I have done used oil analysis on them and they have shown these oils to be superior. As for engine oil, I believe Redline can be an asset for a race car but for an everyday passenger car, it is truly a waste of money at $9/qt plus numerous used oil analysis on this board show them to have elevated wear but according to some of the "guru's" here they say you have to run redline motor oils for 3-4 changes in order to get a good read on the used oil analysis

 

[jsjonz01]

Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
I used a Syn for 4k or 8-9 months and had the WORST used oil analysis ever.

So that would be the same usage as your Truck.

My best used oil analysis was with conventional in my Silverado (and I ran syn in it) and for you, I'd use conventional and change it every 6 months MAX.

I would NOT ever go with 1 year changes period.

Just me.

Most people who recommend yearly changes have never done a used oil analysis or don't do it with their cars.

At the minimum since your truck is still in warranty, I'd follow the OLM with a conventional or 6 months.

The B S about fuel savings is just that. I've never seen any improvement syn over conventional in the same engine same grades. (this is my personal testing in MANY engines (I4, H4, I6, V6, V8) and many makes)

Syn only makes sense if your going to do long OCIs (ONLY if your follow with a used oil analysis like I did) or if your engine REQUIRES it (yours does not).

Differentials and transmissions however, I do and recommend Syn.

I've had poor results with Mobil 1 gear oil both in my Truck and car. I do like Amsoil for gear oils.

Take care,bill



What conventional oil provided the best used oil analysis for your Silverado?

 

[jorton]

Originally Posted By: jsjonz01
Would it be alright to run synthetic oil, such as Mobil 1 or Pennzoil Platinum, and change it approximately once a year (6,000 miles), or should I just stick with conventional motor oil and change every 3,000 miles???


I would use either synthetic or conventional unless you're hauling/towing heavy loads. Then I'd use Mobil 1 0w-40 or Pennzoil Platinum Euro Formula because those have the best base oils and-or more anti-wear and antioxidant additive than energy conserving oils that carry only US specs.

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Change once a year with synthetic and silicone ADBV filter.

 

[Bill in Utah]

Quote:
What conventional oil provided the best used oil analysis for your Silverado?


Chevron was the best with a close 2nd with Pennzoil. Both 5w30.

OCi was 4k miles with a 4-5month time point.

Take care, Bill

 

[Steve S]

If you want syn oils call a site sponser and have the oils delivered to your door.+ some extra for makeup etc.