I think that Synpower is a very good lube. I like the fact it has a low volatility. I think the reason it isn't a big star on here is because of the additive package (no moly or Boron), the oil also doesn't appear to retain it's TBN as well as some of the other favorites, which lends to my last opinion on why it isn't so popular...the price. It is becoming one of the most expensive oils in its "class" so when you put that all together it just isn't as appealing. Just my thoughts.
Synpower has had some middle of the road UOA's in the recent past, but if I remember correctly, figures were not PP or Mobil 1 level. I sitll have a huge stash of it from prior years, but I prefer other syn's to it.
+2 Chubbs. If I can get SynPower at a good deal, along with NAPA Full Synthetic, (Ashland Clone for SynPower), I use these synthetics in a blended mix with Valvoline Premium Blue, Diesel Dino; VWB or Valvoline Durablend for some middle of the road OCI's.
IMO they haven't done anything to stand out from the crowd. NextGen is cool stuff but everything else is forgettable. Doesn't mean it's bad, it just isn't that spectacular.
In other countries they have the Synpower MXL with is a higher quality group IV. In the US you can sometimes find Synpower MST which is a Euro-spec oil with decent specs.
I picked up a 5+ Quart Container last week for $24 after discounts at Advance. I sent in a rebate for $7 for the jug of Valvoline Synpower purchase last week.
After Rebate....$17.xx with tax and stamp for 5+ quarts.
Thats almost what I pay for NAPA Full Synthetic, per quart, when NAPA has it on sale for $3.30.
I plan to blend it 50/50 or 60/40 with some Valvoline White Jugs that I picked up at Kmart for $9 a gallon, before rebate, for some winter runs of a blend.
It's superb oil for normal 3-5k drain intervals, possibly 7500mi maximum. People dislike it because the additive package is not built for extended drains like PP, PU, M1EP, Amsoil. However if you prefer to change your oil slightly more often, it does very well.
My 2011 Silverado 5.3L seems to love it. Got it on sale at AAP. Plus, wanted to compare to the PP I had just drained. I tow boats a lot, so I change oil at 4-5k intervals. I'll be doing a UOA on both in about a month.
