I want to start using synthetic oil in my '03 sunfire, and just want to know if any brand really does stand above the rest. I'm thinking Mobil 1 or Castrol, any thoughts?
Would it be a good idea to flush out the engine prior to changing oil type? I've been told that mixing brands of synthetics is a bad idea, so it would stand to reason that just putting synthetic in right after using conventional oil could be a bad idea for the same reasons.
Synthetic costs more, sure, but it would probably save me money in the long run. And I might get about .005 horsepower!
Also what are good spark plugs to use on my 2003 2.2L ecotec, and how long should the factory ones be expected to perform well?
Thanks for any advice, ...
all of our synthetic, semi-synthetic, or conventional oils will work fine together, if they were'nt made compatible they would need to put big labels on them saying a full flush is needed if you want this stuff. I've always used Castrol synthetic on my cars and I like it. there was an article in PAS mag a few months back about the different oil technologies but im too tired to go looking through my old mags.
I would reccomend Amsoil above Castrol or Mobil IMHO.
if I post on this one everybody will hate me for shure
I will just come back later when I have all my ducks in a row for all the people who will bash me
but that won't be till tomorow......got stuff to do
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when you beat someone in a civic people wine and make excuses
when you beat someone in a cavalier they pull over and check under thier hoods
As long as you change your oil and filter every 3k to 5k miles, you will be alright. If you want to pay extra for the peace of mind that synthetic oil brings, then go for it. Personally, I use Mobil 1 with a Wix filter. (I like peace of mind
)
Rob
Sold 2/2/05
I used to be Mobil 1 all the way. Now that I've actually seen an actual independant study for wear comparison and thermal viscosity.
1.) Amsoil
2.) Castrol Syntec
I have an 03 sunfire that has been autocrossed regularly for 3 years now and have never had an engine problem.
-Chris
AMS OIL .... let me tell u this stuff is good and works great. it has a long life time and u dont need to change like regular oil.... i also say this becuz wit my business i used to sell the stuff so yea i got it for free, but still it works great.
I use Castrol Full Synthetic.
IamRascal wrote:I used to be Mobil 1 all the way. Now that I've actually seen an actual independant study for wear comparison and thermal viscosity.
1.) Amsoil
2.) Castrol Syntec
I have an 03 sunfire that has been autocrossed regularly for 3 years now and have never had an engine problem.
i have been autoxing for the past 3 years as well... not one issue either. IMO... keep the oil topped up... change when you have to.. and its all good.
besides... Mobil 1 is the standard oil in most sports/exotic cars.. thats got to tell you something....
Modfire wrote:
besides... Mobil 1 is the standard oil in most sports/exotic cars.. thats got to tell you something....
Well tells me it at least meets the minimum standard and Mobil cuts the manufactures a good deal so they can use what you just said in there adds.
I don't think Mobil 1 is bad oil and you are probably 100% safe to use it, I have just found that AMSOIL seems to stand up better than most. I have used it in Motorcycles, skidoos, my automobiles, and know people that have used it in Drag racing and stock car racing. Never had a oil related problem and at any overhaul time the engines were always remarkably clean, and I usually run about twice the reccommended change interval.
i would say M1. Its probably the best of the shelf oil you can buy (the easiest to get your hands on) If you want something more then theres always amsoil, royal purple and the like.
Click the banner to enter the best Quad4 & Twin Cam site on the internet.
Mobil 1 Extended Performance
I prolly won't be changing my current oil till this coming winter at least
-Seth
Mobil 1.....just started.........its awesome......
Its what GM put in the high performance engine @ work....
corvette....lsj.....so its gonna be good
*************Yea i spell liek wrong get over it*****************
** If i write in caps its cause im @ work and i can only write in caps cause the keyboard is a retarded CAPS only keyboard.**
Mobil 1 Synthec. Ill never go to other brands.
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My Car Specs
i use royal purple in both of my Zs and i love it!!
simple minds talk about other people.
average minds talk about events.
great minds discuss ideas
I've never gotten a smoother ride/acceleration then with Royal Purple. For some reason it just feels smoother all the way through. Even a smoother idle. I could be hullicaniting these last 10 months I've been using it, but I'm loving it regardless.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2208703
How do the 35 dollar oil changes feel for a cavalier? LOL, just kidding. But in a stock 4cyl with just boltons, I dont think Royal Purple is nessisary. I would say Mobile 1 full synth or Q full synthetic. My choice, Q, because Wal Mart had it for sale for 2 something a quart awhile back and I bought 3 cases.
REDGOTE wrote:As long as you change your oil and filter every 3k to 5k miles, you will be alright. If you want to pay extra for the peace of mind that synthetic oil brings, then go for it. Personally, I use Mobil 1 with a Wix filter. (I like peace of mind )
Rob
^ Werd!! No matter what you use.... conventional... synthetic.... whatever.... just change it (and the filter!) on a regular basis and you'll do just fine.
Personally, I use Walmart synthetic 5W30... it's cheaper.... it's actually pretty decent stuff.... and I change it every 5,000 km's with a new AC Delco filter (PF59, the longer one with more fitering material!). I've never had a problem.
Wal Mart brand is Quaker State
-Chris
Mobil 1 and i think the stock AC Delco Platinums are said to last 100k miles.
pennsoil full syn...get it for free
MY 2003 SUNFIRE 15.33@88.5mph
"A N/A ecotec is not gonna give Honda's and Mitsu's that much of a run for their
money unless their blown or bottle fed.GM is still smokin crack!"
~1QWKZ24
www.streetracing.org, 08/2001
IamRascal wrote:Wal Mart brand is Quaker State
Walmart synthetic is made by Warren Performance Products. When you look at the bottom of the bottle you will see WPP molded in the plastic. Quaker State used to make Supertech, but not any more. I'm not sure about their dino oils, but you could always just turn them over and look for the WPP.
