Originally posted by PoopStainz:
ive heard that switching can cause leaks on older, high milage cars. my car had been running regular oil, and i wanna switch to synthetic. its a 97, and has 73k miles on it. think its safe to switch? also, i heard something about flushing out the engine, and also whats the best oil to use?
Last things first. The best synthetic oil is likely Mobil-1 although Red Line is also quite good it is harder to get.
I've run Mobil-1 in my modified Merkur XR4Ti's since 1987 (they run much hotter than the 2.5L - the cooling system can't keep up with the turbo heat for long blasts at 18psi
at 21psi I could actually see the temp gauge increase!!!!)
If your motor is in good shape everything should be fine. I bought my 98 Mystique in March with approx. 68,000 miles on it and swithced to Mobil-1 to go to BMW's Advanced Driving school in June. I ran the car HARD (consistantly passing 6-7 BMW 325's during the afternoon fast lapping sessions on the 1.6 mile road course
) without any trouble.
Everyone else would come in and open their hoods, etc., between the 20 minute sessions while I just parked and relaxed. I was the only Ford there, except for my friends perefectly built AC Cobra replica (stroked 351W with 4 2 barrel chromed Webbers, etc., etc.). There were 50 drivers in 3 different groupings and most of them wanted to know what the hell I was driving and how it was so fast.
My reply was that it was just a little 4 door family sedan made by Ford running on all-season radials (205/55/15 Toyo FZ4's w/5% tread left). The only modification was SVT front rotors and theirs a Ford sticker under the hood (which no one got to see) that indicates the PCM was modified by Ford back when it was and undercover police car. I loved every minute of it.
I've since installed a KKM from CTA and my mechanic is just installing a rear SVT motor mount, front insert, 19mm rear bar w/ Performance Ford's end links, KVR pads w/ braided lines, new brake fluid, urethane bushings, and an oil change in readiness for Saturday and Sunday's run on the road course. Can't wait
Regards, Alan Coles
