Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications General Mods Switch to synthetic?

I have a PDF version of the owners manual for the 98, I searched for the word "synthetic" and also read through the part about oil change. I didn't see anything about synthetic. Matter or fact, the only time the word "synthetic" was mentioned was about waxing the car.

I say run the Mobil 1 and leave it in for 6K or do what I do, run 5K change the fitler and add a quart and drive another 5K and then do a complete change. I was doing this before I talked to our resident Ford engineer Terry Haines and he told me thats what he does

WOW!! I freak out when I pass 3500 miles w/the synthetic! This would mean that the price would be the same for the regular oil which would be changed every 3000 miles, and the synthetic, every 6000 miles.

Anyway, I never read the SVT manual calling for synthetic, and didn't care as I started using Mobil 1 anyhow.

Can someone give me a tip on the manual transaxle synthetics? Is anyone using synthex in their tranny? I want to do this, and need some advice on which one to use... Thanx!

Well since I am limited in my knowledge about this, here is something else I heard about synthetic oil, someone told me it doesn't have to be changed, just keep adding it as it burns, which seemed a little strang to me, then someone else told me that synthetic oil still has to be changed every 3K miles just like a conventional oil. Neither true?

That someone is a fool. Synthetics will degrade over time, just like any oil. There are some synthetics that can use drain intervals as high as 20,000 miles. Mobil 1 has been shown to have a slightly extended drain interval (through oil analysis done by CEGers). I do it every 5000 right now, but my next batch is going to Blackstone for analysis and I may go longer/shorter depnding on what the data says.

Bottom line: ALL oils will have to be drained eventually, but synthetics can go longer than conventionals. Some are specifically engineered for much longer.

Well, I personally run full synthetic motor oil, and change it (and filter) every 2700 miles. I know I could go a bit longer, but I chose to do it a bit sooner. (I'm a little nuts when it comes to maintenance)

(BTW, Airknight, I'm a "real" mechanic, and I do know about lowering springs and motor oil... :p )

Over the years, many customers have asked me which I would recommend, and I tell them the truth. I give them the pros and cons, and let them decide. I don't try to sway them in any way.

I've been using synthetics for about 20 years since I could afford it out of college.
I change it every 6,000 +/- 1,000 miles. I've never had any problems, and have noticed positive things such as extremely clean oil pans or valve covers without any traces of sludge after 100K.
All professional race cars use it, if that's worth proof. Also, I believe R&T stated a BMW study that said that its good for over 10K before oil change.
Snake oil, definitely not; miracle cure, definitely not; the best lube you can buy with characteristics superior to crude based oils, definitely yes.
I think we have put the question of its great benefits to rest many years ago.

......And still no response to the trans question....

I'm not even a mechanic, but I know what common sense is. I'm glad I work on my own car...these horror stories that I hear on here about stupid ass mechanics is frightening.

i switched to synthetic about two years ago in my 95 se and i will never use conventional oil again. i noticed that the engine ran quieter and the temp gauge use to be between the "n" and the "o" in normal, and now i am lucky if it gets to the "n." that and an increase in gas mileage convinced me to stay with synthetic. i would recommend this to everyone. peace.