switch to synthetic oil

[Tonglebeak]

I have a 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, 2.8LV6 coming up on 112600 miles. It'd due for an oil change in 300 miles.

I've read quite a bit about the benefits of synthetic oil. Here are my questions.

1) Is Valvoline Synpower full synthetic oil a good option?
2) Does synthetic oil really give up to 4% HP gains?
3) If I do switch, what process would I need to follow to go from petro to synthetic? Would simply doing a normal change work, or is there more to it to make the switch?
4) Does the high mileage on my engine make any difference? I drive this car _hard_ and don't have any problems with the engine at this time.

Thanks.

[534BC]

I can take a whack at question 2,3,4

2 You will notice no measurable increase in power or mpg. If it did it would be extremely close to 0%.

3 A regular oil change with filter will suffice.

4 No, it won't make any difference necessarly going to synthetic.

I am a strong supporter of sythetic oils with the primary benefits being cost.
Longer drain intervals and longer engine life and protection being the causes of the low cost.

[Tuffdrvr88]

Best option is Amsoil full synthetics, i liked it so much i started to sell the product as well.

The better oil you use the less friction the engine contains. Yes you will notice an increase in power and mpg but the percentage varies. I get a mile per gallon better on my vehicles and so do my customers.

When making a switch the best thing to do is an engine flush. Amsoil has an engine flush that runs for 15 minutes before you change it. Run it while its hot then drain the oil and add the new stuff. You want all the old petro out because it will shorten the life of the synthetic.

As long as you have no leaks and its a fairly sound engine you will have no problem switching to synthetic. The only reason people ever do is because synthetic is a real thin oil with cleaners in it and it may clean out a seal that was plugged with sludge.

Hope that helps, take care.