Synthetic Worth It?

[airtight_python]

I have a 4.3L with 35k miles. I drive 100 + miles every weekday to and from classes. I drive it hard. I've been running Pennzoil and was wondering if anyone has experience with a synthetic like Mobile 1. I was just wondering if double the price is going to be worth it, now and in the long run. Thanks in advance.

[pbergmann]

This is just my 2 cents worth, When you say you are driving hard, are you pulling a 6K lb trailer in 100+ degree temps or driving 2 mile runs at -30 degrees? If not a good name brand oil will be fine if you change it according to the manual. IF you are going to KEEP the truck for 200K miles which almost 100% of us DONT, go ahead and use synthetic. For YEARS I would change my oil at 3K miles then the light turned on.. all this money I'm spending is just going to help the LAST guy that buy's my truck 10 years from now. So now i switch to synthetic in the summer here in AZ when i pull my trailer then switch back to whats on sale. FYI i keep the trucks for 3-5 years or 70K miles change oil according to owners manual every 7-10k miles. I also have more time to do other things, in the past seemed like I was spending a lot of free time under the hood. A vehicle is an appliance use it, wear it out, replace it like a washing machine!

[dclonch1]

I use Valvoline Synthetic and have been very satisfied. A tip though - got to wal-mart and get the big jug - it will save you 3-4 bucks over getting it in quarts. Also - switch back to conventional about every 5-6 changes.

[jeep_cj4x4]

What is the reason for switching back to conventional? Is it for just one oil change interval? What benifits come from it?

[airtight_python]

I decided to go with Mobil 1 Synthetic. It was $20 at Wal-Mart for 5 quart jug. Got a friend to pick up a K&N oil filter for me since they're only available 50 miles away. Yes, why should you switch back to conventional every 5 - 6 changes?

[pbergmann]

My Logic on switching back is purely the cost. In reality for two changes a year I probably should just stick with Mobil-1. In winter in Az i dont need the cold protection.