Safe to change to synthetic

[Jimmiz71]

My 99' Silverado just hit 80,000 miles, I change my oil every 2,500 miles with valvoline high mileage 5w30, the oil comes out almost as clean as it goes in, I was considering using synthetic oil from now on but I wasn't sure if there was a possibility of doing damage?? I also add Lucas oil stabilizer with every change.. any suggestions are greatly appreciated..
Thanks, Jimmy

[rositis]

From my knowledge, you should'nt have any problems changing to synthetic oil. But you shouldnt use oil stabalizer at all. The oil has everything you need in it.

[kmoney67954]

I switched to synthetic at 60,000 miles and didnt have any problems with it. Its compatable with regular.

[arcus9]

I just changed to synthetic (MOBIL 1) at 92000 miles. 150 miles, so far so good. I just started using Mobil 1 in my 91 Dodge Stealth with 113000 as well. I know this sounds weird since I didn't mess with the trans fluid but both vehicles seem to shift smoother. Their both automatics. It could also be my imagination that my mpg has gotten better as well. I'm pleased.

[jjtotten]

Mobil 1 is compatable with other oils so there will be no problem. I have been running mine for 5,000 miles between changes and it is working well.

[Jimmiz71]

Theres alot of hype about RED LINE Racing oil its supposed to be the Best out there, with the best lubrication. Has anyone used this or heard any pros and cons about it, Im most likely going to use Mobil1.

[yankeeintruder]

Red Line certainly is a very good product....... I myself prefer Amsoil though. Some of the test results I seen showed Amsoil sythetic to be a little better, but not by that much. It's been 3 years since I did the comparisons and don't remember which tests they were (probably four-ball wear test and NOACK volatility test, maybe others from on-line info). Both companies may even have made changes to their products.

I've been using the Amsoil 10w40 High Performance (stock #AMO) since 1500 miles and now have 41,000 miles and no problems. Use K&N oil filters........ change filters every 3000 and change the oil about the middle of May (before the hot weather sets in). That's about every 15,000 mile or so even though Amsoil claims up to 25,000 mile intervals to be ok. They also make a XL-7500 synthetic oil good up to 7500 miles but I've never tried it.

Average about 1/2 to 3/4 quarts of oil use between filter changes. Been very pleased!!

Royal Purple is another very high quality synthetic but I've got no experience with it.

Going strictly by test results (on paper) Mobil 1 rated below all three of the brands I've written about but by no means is Mobil 1 a bad product. Alot better than any petroleum oil.

Just my 2 cents..........

[chevytrucks92]

Well, I've always heard changing brands or types of oil on an engine with alot of miles will cause them to use oil. But judging from the post, this doesn't appear to be true. So I don't know. My truck has 115,000 miles on and I would'nt switch to synthetic, but that's just me. I did switch to MaxLife, but I had always used regular Valvoline before. My truck doesn't use any oil between changes (3000 miles). After reading about the truck with just 41,000 miles using 1/2 to 3/4 quarts in 3000 miles is kinda shocking to me.

[radioralph]

I also use AMSOILin my 2000 5.3,change oil once a year,use Pure One oil filters,and change the filter every 6 months,purchased truck in Oct.2002 with 84,000 miles,it now has 98,000miles,have encountered no problems.....AMSOIL recommends oil change at 25,000 miles or yearly,and filter changes at 12,500 or 6 months....

[fabrikator]

I run Mobil full synthetic, in my modified (bored, cam, high compression, etc..) SBC S-10, NAPA (WIX) filter. I'm in no hurry to switch over my '99 Silverado, though I probably will eventually.

I've also run full synthetics in other cars (VW, BMW) with no problems, even after other oils had been used.

Keep in mind the type of driving you're doing. If it's hard miles you're putting on the engine and you're changing oil every 2000-2500 miles or so, you are still doing your engine good as long as it's a good brand oil. Changing to a synthetic will ultimately give your engine longer life but there's the added cost of a synthetic to consider as well. Products like Red Line were desigend for more extreme conditions. Thus their molecular struction will show superior to that of conventional oils, synth. blends and even Mobil1.

Changing brands of oil was thought to actualy help sludge build up since different brands contained differnt additives and would break each other down but still provide protection to engine vitals. With the advancements in oil technologies I'm not sure this applies any longer. I personally don't consider any truth to changing oils and oil usage unless going from a good brand to some generic discount brand.

[yankeeintruder]

Hey "chevytrucks 92"........ sorry if I ruined your day by letting you in on the the best kept secret out there that internal combustion engines are pron to oil consumption.

Since you have me playing defense, let me say that what I really should have wrote is that I use about 1 quarter of a quart of oil in the winter and about half to three quarters of a quart of oil during the hot summer months while I'm towing. Guess I'll have to "love it or leave it".

But enough about my problems....... I'd like to hear more about your truck that doesn't use a drop of oil, gets 45 mpg, still has the original spark plugs, air filter, brakes and tires and never needs washed or waxed!!

But seriously gang........ I'm kinda new to this board and I've found out that there are alot of guys and gals posting here that have quite a bit of useful info. Keep posting and thanks for letting me have some fun!!

[chevytrucks92]

"yankeeintruder", did'nt mean to upset ya like that!

I've just never seen a Chevrolet truck use oil at only 41,000 miles! I've seen it at 100,000, but not 41,000.

[desertmike1]

Don't do it!

[Jimmiz71]

Desertmike... change over to synthetic??
I drive 1.5 miles to work round trip, and occasionally tow a single space trailer with my quad on it, so most miles on my truck are easy.
I just didnt want to damage anything by switching.
Thanks for the input guys!!
-Jimmy

[chevytrucks92]

That 1.5 mile round trip to work is not as easy as you might think! I've always been told that short trips are much harder on an engine then longer ones (not talking about hundreds of miles trips now lol)