My Real-World Test with Synthetic Oil

Realmongo

I prefer to be called "Evil Genius"

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#1

• Nov 10, 2010

• #1

After I broke in the engine on my new Silverado 4x4 and commuting through rural driving, I got a steady 16.7 MPG out of it. When I switched over to Mobil 1, that number increased to a steady 17.3 MPG. Has anyone done a comparrison with 1/4 mile runs?

 

blown65

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Jul 7, 1999

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#2

• Nov 10, 2010

• #2

I did it on a dyno between Royal Purple and Valvoline VR1. The VR1 made 8hp more.

edit: it may of been 6 was two years ago.

Did multiple pulls on the VR1 and was staying within 1hp each pull. Swapped to RP and warmed stuff back up, made a few pulls and the closest it ever got to the VR1 was the 6-8hp down.

 

Realmongo

I prefer to be called "Evil Genius"

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#3

• Nov 10, 2010

• #3

Well that does show a little free HP. Maybe I will give it a try with my girlfriend's Sable next spring.

 

brianj5600

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#4

• Nov 10, 2010

• #4

I have had 2 different vehicles that I bought new, drove 5k miles, switched to Mobil1 and gained 30-40 miles per tank. It is more expensive than conventional oil, but more than pays for it's self in fuel savings. I put 200k miles on both and neither needed oil added between changes at 10k miles. I use Mobil1 in everything I own.

 

blown65

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#5

• Nov 10, 2010

• #5

Realmongo said:

Well that does show a little free HP. Maybe I will give it a try with my girlfriend's Sable next spring.

Click to expand...

Except my findings were opposite. LOL VR1 is non synthetic and made more power.

 

tx65coupe

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Nov 29, 1999

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Nov 11, 2010

#6

• Nov 11, 2010

• #6

Is the VR1 synthetic blend?

I'm curious since we are talking about oil, if I should keep using the Valvoline Durablend or switch to Mobile 1 in my 65.

 

blown65

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#7

• Nov 11, 2010

• #7

tx65coupe said:

Is the VR1 synthetic blend?

I'm curious since we are talking about oil, if I should keep using the Valvoline Durablend or switch to Mobile 1 in my 65.

Click to expand...

Pretty sure VR1 is a conventional oil with extra zinc.

nvm, quick search confirmed it. lol

http://www.valvoline.com/faqs/motor-oil/racing-oil/

 

N

npg3

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Oct 1, 2010

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Nov 11, 2010

#8

• Nov 11, 2010

• #8

One of the best synthetics is Amsoil, and a friend of mine is a dealer. He can talk with you about the 1/4 mile times, and it is true not myth.

I am going to replace all of my fluids with Amsoil...one of the oldest synthetic companies...great product. He delivers it straight to your door.

If you need any info, contact me:
Nick
npg3@yahoo.com

 

tx65coupe

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#9

• Nov 11, 2010

• #9

Sorry, I'll pass on Amsoil. I don't support MLM schemes. I don't care if its the best stuff ever made. I also won't run stuff that I can't just go pick up at the store.

 

horseballz

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Nov 11, 2010

#10

• Nov 11, 2010

• #10

Has anyone here heard of or had any experience with Schaeffer Manufacturing oils? It was recommended by a local speed shop/circle track parts house. They claim that for a street/strip application, it beats Royal Purple, hands down. They sell both product lines.

Schaeffer Oil 3.0 | Industrial Lubricants | Diesel Fuel Additive | Synthetic Motor Oils

Just Curious,
Gene

 

Max Power

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Jul 31, 2003

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Nov 12, 2010

#11

• Nov 12, 2010

• #11

Synthetic is usually slipperier, and the gains can be both in mileage and 1/4 miles times. Anyone who has tried to use synthetic in a motorcycle with a wet clutch has learned the hard way.

 

G

gearhead101

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Nov 12, 2010

#12

• Nov 12, 2010

• #12

i use mantek s/blend.

 

brianj5600

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Nov 12, 2010

#13

• Nov 12, 2010

• #13

Max Power said:

Synthetic is usually slipperier, and the gains can be both in mileage and 1/4 miles times. Anyone who has tried to use synthetic in a motorcycle with a wet clutch has learned the hard way.

Click to expand...

I ran automotive Mobil1 in all my bikes. The only thing I saw it that it made them a little grabby. I never had slippage problems though. We ran 2 seasons on a gsxr750 endurance racing with the same clutch. I was ruthless on the clutch at the start of a race too. I usually pushed against the front brake to get the clutch hot so it would not bite too hard. Same thing with my sprint bike too.

 

Realmongo

I prefer to be called "Evil Genius"

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Nov 13, 2010

#14

• Nov 13, 2010

• #14

Max Power said:

Synthetic is usually slipperier, and the gains can be both in mileage and 1/4 miles times. Anyone who has tried to use synthetic in a motorcycle with a wet clutch has learned the hard way.

Click to expand...

That's strange, when the local Harley Dealer sevices my bike, he always uses the HD-branded synthetic lubricants.

 

brianj5600

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#15

• Nov 13, 2010

• #15

Most Harleys have seperate oil for the engine and the trans/clutch.

I have been looking at Joe Gibbs oil for a while and after talking to one of thier reps at a local round track swap meet, I picked up a case of Joe Gibbs Hot Rod synthetic for my car today. It sounds like a good fit for me.

 

6

68RCodeConv

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Oct 2, 2003

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Nov 15, 2010

#16

• Nov 15, 2010

• #16

When I have changed out regular oil the viscosity is much thinner than when I put it in. Mobil 1 seems to be more stable in terms of viscosity. Big deal in a hot climate.

 

H

htwheelz67

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mission viejo ca.

Nov 15, 2010

#17

• Nov 15, 2010

• #17

I just put synthetic in my 1 ton duramax diesel pickup, I went from 15-40 to 5-40 synthetic, I did notice my oil pressure slightly dropped at idle, I will be making my usual 260 mile trip to the river tommorrow, we will see, usually at 80-85 mph I get about 17 mpg. I've ran synthetic in the stang for 15 yrs even the new 408 after 800 miles got some of the new castrol super duper synthetic.