Synthetic Oil

[nick bamberger]

Ok, I've heard alot of rumors about dino and synthetics, and now I need to choose one for my next oil change. '95 Acura Integra.. 175000 miles.
I've heard alot about the two, done research, but all I've seen is a bunch of opinions, no facts to back it up.

Mobile one seems to be great oil. Is it ok to start using synthetics at my mileage?
Also I read- Once you use synthetic, can't change back to dyno without damage?

Can I just drain dino and refill with synthetic, I know there will still be some left in the pan, but I wouldn't guess it would be enough to matter. Is it OK to mix a small amount?
Seems to me like synthetics would be OK, but alot of people post up on sites and dont know what their talking about, so I just wanted to see a few more thoughts.

Sorry about so many questions, but would appreciate a few answers,

Thanks in advance.

[RSX-S777]

Synthetic oils naturally have fewer contaminants, flow better at start/lower temps and even have higher stability at very high temps. With your mileage, if you've been running conventional oil for the life of your car, it probably doesn't matter a whole hell of a lot- but it wouldn't necessarily hurt the car at all to switch oils. Personally, synthetic is all I'll use from the get go- but I know some older car guys (race/drag types) who prefer conventional oils. This is probably because they worry about the synthetics under high stress. With today's stuff, though, it's not really a problem at all- it's just a matter of gearheads who are reluctant to change, you know?

There are plenty of facts out there to back it up- Google it.

[nick bamberger]

Ok, thanks RSX

[cowood]

synthetic is great for new engines , my uncles ranger is proof it has over 200 k mi. and still runs like new . a couple years ago ihad a 75 f-150 460 big blocck which i rebuilt the engine my self as always it ran like a champ, the first 20 k . i let my goofy uncle talk me into mobile 1. the very next day i had an oil leak. i had to change all engine gaskets flush synthetic oil from block it was a nightmare.switched back to conv. oil and the truck still runs today. no leaks. i wouldn't sleep a wink if i didn't share this w/ you. maybe it's the modern engineering, i wish i knew the true answer. anyway thats my 2 cents.

[RSX-S777]

^Some people feel that synthetic oils actually "clean" deposits that are blocking potential leak areas, thus causing leaks in old engines that have been running conventional.