Let's talk Oil and etc....

[Grn92LX]

Does anone know who makes Walmart oil? They had a 5qt jug of synthetic for like 15 bucks.

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

Castrol GTX and Motorcraft FL-1A here.


I'm not a big synthetic oil fan. In fact, it's sometimes not recommended in manual transmissions because it makes it too slick and the synchros can't grab the gears and slow them down. I know Tremec now states to run conventional ATF in it's 3650 because of that exact reason.

Have you heard anything like that concerning the 3550? I've been planning to change the fluid in mine and if i can use regular fluid instead of Synchromesh, that'd be awesome and a lot cheaper.

 

[Vipersix]

From all the research I have done, 3000 mile oil changes are a waste of money. Oil does not break down in 3000 miles, it gets dirty. If you really feel that you must change something, change the filter and top it off every 3k. I usually go 7 - 8k between changes and a filter every 3.5k or so.

Also, synthetic oils do not cause engine oil leaks. Deteriorated seals and gasket material cause engine oil leaks. The main difference between the two is the superior thermal protection characteristics of the synthetic. Feel free to mix and match to your hearts delight as long as you use corresponding viscosities.

My recommendation is to use conventional unless you have an expensive motor which you want to protect.

 

[Grn92LX]

Have you heard anything like that concerning the 3550? I've been planning to change the fluid in mine and if i can use regular fluid instead of Synchromesh, that'd be awesome and a lot cheaper.

Use pennzoil syncromesh you can get it at pep boys cheap as opposed to going to a GM dealer and paying 12 bucks a quart.

 

[svtpower]

oil

Regular Mobil 10W30

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

Use pennzoil syncromesh you can get it at pep boys cheap as opposed to going to a GM dealer and paying 12 bucks a quart.

I keep hearing this but i have yet to ever see the stuff.

 

[Grn92LX]

Pep boys and autozone should have it in the section where they have gear oil.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Have you heard anything like that concerning the 3550? I've been planning to change the fluid in mine and if i can use regular fluid instead of Synchromesh, that'd be awesome and a lot cheaper.

Nope, unfortunately the 3550 is Synchrmech only

 

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

Damned '95 Cobra R trans

So is the Penzoil stuff "legal" by Tremec's standards? Not that i have a warranty left on it but is it safe to use instead of the GM stuff?

 

[magnj]

I used Mobil 1 Synthetic and a K&N Filter. I'm not sure what type of oil the 6 PO's used, but I was advised to go synthetic and to never look back. But I have been getting check oil lights so who the hell knows.

 

[Bullitt347]

You can use the best motor oil in the world, and if you never change it, you will screw up your engine, and you can use the cheapest stuff made, and if serviced at a regular basis, I doubt that there would be a problem. I use synthetics myself, like the added protection from extreme temps, and a little bit of power is freed up. And I don't mind the added fact that I am not using up any of the crude oil reserves to lubricate the drivetrain. Rather save that stuff to burn in the tailpipes!

 

[shootshescores]

I use 5W30 Valvoline Durablend & a Fram Extra Guard Filter.

 

[88-378]

10W-30 Castrol GTX. Castrol is one of the better mineral based oils.

when i rebuild i will use the Castrol for about 5-10K and swich to Mobil 1.

 

[maxine-70]

i had a 97 escort go 255,000 using valvoline maxlife. it only died at that point because a valve seat fell out and grenaded the head and one piston. no oil leaks ever, no oil usage, no nothin'! i replaced the motor and continued to use that oil. i sold it to a buddy and he is still driving it