Mongoose Kit from MPH

1) Synthetic oil is generally more viscous than standard oil...it seeps and creaks into every little pore. This is great from a lubrication standpoint, but under forced induction situations, crank case pressures increase dramatically and can actually create a blow oil situation where it forces oil mist past the PCV valve and into the intake. This is one of the reasons that many blower owners especially, use oil separators to control this. Oil separators trap most of the incoming oil before it can get into the system. Unfortunately, synthetic oil is still often able to get past the separators and into the intake side and create havoc. It causes fouled plugs, engine codes because of gummed up sensors, excessive oil consumption…and all while reducing the effectiveness of an intercooler. Not to mention it cold coat ACT sensors sending things into a fray there. You’ve heard of the problems associated with a dirty MAF element….well, same thing happens when your ACT sensor gets contaminated with oil. It’s a real headache.

...so yes, ditch the synthetic if you're getting a blower. Don't worry about it, I have yet to see any definitive proof that Synthetic oil is of much greater benefit than Petroleum based oil. Engine life seems to be about the same with both vehicles, as does performance. Some uses have convinced themselves that Synthetic oil gave them better SOTP feel, but I personally rank those ratings right up there with power gained by an aftermarket air filter, or turbonator.....negligible!

2) Yes, the Vortech, Novi 2000 and 1.7L KB based Mongoose kits are all CARB approved and from what I understand are even considered smog legal in CA.