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Old 01-13-2005, 10:04 PM
Jimmy Jimmy is offline
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Default Engine Oil?

Just bought an 87 GN up here in Canada. I am 21 and have been looking for one for 4 years Could not find a proper thread for fluids so I put it here. Car has been running on GTX 10w-40 its whole life. Should I switch over to a synthetic motor oil? She has 85K miles. Runs strong. GM mechanic told me if I switch over I cannot go back as it is like mixing vinegar and water. Is that true? But why would I want to go back if synthetic is that much better. Any help would be appreciated.
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Old 01-14-2005, 12:57 PM
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Default Re: Engine Oil?

Lots of myths and half-truths about oil out there ... a good FAQ can be found here:


http://lists.cs.wisc.edu/archive/vfr...msg00430.shtml

A good quality dino oil will work fine, but you need a narrower viscousity range than 10W-40 from all the advice I've seen. 5W-30 or 10W-30.

The newest oils seem to have eliminated a lot of the Zinc (antiscuff) and such, since they are considered a hazardous waste and a lot of modern engines now run roller lifters. The synthetics seem to better with this and have better temperature resistance too.

Some of the synthetic blends get decent marks from a performance standpoint, but for a couple extra $ in an oil change, I'd just go full synthetic.

If you watch, often times the large chain stores (Target, Kmart, Wal-mart, etc.) have a big sale on synthetic (most often Mobil One or Valvoline synthetic), which makes it less of a cost difference.

A good filter is important (Wix, Delco Ultra, etc) ... I personally stay way from the Fram.

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilterstudy.html
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2014 Silverado LTZ Crew 4WD
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Old 01-14-2005, 11:08 PM
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Default Re: Engine Oil?

Ken,

Thanks for the interesting reads--great information, I am new to these cars and trying to learn as much as possible. I have decided to switch to the synthetic. The positives outweigh the costs. But which to use? Spring cleaning recommends 5w 50 synthetic, others recommend simple 10w 30. Which to choose? I bought a stock AC delco PF 52c oil filter, is that compatible with a synthetic oil? Do all AC delco oil filters have an anti drainback feature, such as the ultra series?

Thanks

Jim
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Old 01-15-2005, 11:45 AM
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Default Re: Engine Oil?

Any of the brand name synthetics usually have extended viscousity ratings ... 5w-30, 10w-30, 5w-50 should all work fine. Use the "lighter" weights if the weather is cold.
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Ken Mosher
1987 GN original owner 650+ HP Black
2015 BMW 328xi XDrive wagon
2012 Volkswagen Tiguan (the Tig!) Night Blue Met (sold)
2006 Trailblazer SS Red Jewel Tint 395 HP AWD (sold)
2014 Silverado LTZ Crew 4WD
2012 Honda VFR 1200F Tahitian Blue (sold)
2015 BMW S1000R Racing Red
2013 Honda CBR500R Red (wife's bike)
2014 Triumph Bonneville T100
2003 Harley Davidson V Rod Anniversary Edition
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Old 01-17-2005, 01:13 PM
1985WH1 1985WH1 is offline
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Default Re: Engine Oil?

I'm running mine on Amsoil 10W-30 year round, I highly recommend a good Synthitic oil!
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