Thinking of switching to synthetic oil

[stupesnova]

My motor has about 8000 miles on it and I heard that synthetic oil is much better to use. Can I safely switch to synthetic from conventional? Will I notice any difference in oil pressure?

Thanks in advance!
Stupesnova

[270win]

My engine builder said not too worry with it. They only see a 2-3 hp gain on an 1850hp motor between synthetic and conventional. I also change the oil in the car every 500 miles or so, so they said conventional would be fine.

JMO

FWIW- I do run only synthetic in my other daily cars but I change their oil every 3000 miles.

[veno]

what oil are you running now and what weight? what is your spring pressure on the seat and over the nose?

[stupesnova]

what oil are you running now and what weight? what is your spring pressure on the seat and over the nose?

Right now i am usin VALVOLINE 10W30 as far as spring pressure I don't know. The heads are camel humps that have been MILDLY ported and have had the studs PINNED. Otherwise they are mainly stock. My cam is a tad larger than the 350 hp 327 cam.

[veno]

you live in Wisconsin? are you driving the Nova in temps below 30 degrees? is so stay with the VR1 10W30... If not go with straight 30Wt... you motor will thank you for it.... and you will see a small rise in pressure....

There are not many choices to chose from in the synthetic oils for old cars with performances cams.... those that are available with the Extreme pressure additives necessary for FT cams are very limited... Mobil1 15W50and Q horse power 10w60, and((Castrol 20W50 (for old cars) only)). a couple of others,,, Lucas has some synthetics... but finding a synthetic in the 10W30 range with enough EP or Zinc is a challenge... unless you order some of the racing oils... then be prepared to spend 14.00 a quart

the major benefit you will see in switching to synthetic oil is a lighting of your car by the lighter your wallet will be:eek:....

Stay with the VR1 Valvoline.....

[bowtie0069]

They only see a 2-3 hp gain on an 1850hp motor between synthetic and conventional

I know a Comp Eliminator racer that sees far more difference than that in the 280-320" SBC's he builds. I wouldn't advise it for long term use, the stuff he uses looks like water!

[270win]

I know a Comp Eliminator racer that sees far more difference than that in the 280-320" SBC's he builds.
I bet the difference is due to the rpm range. Those 815 cube motors don't turn up like an SBC.:D I wrote 2-3 but it's actually 10-15hp which is good for them, but on a 400hp motor it's a waste of time/money.

[novaboy009]

Veno's made me a convert to VR1 Racing oil. It's readily available, affordable ($3.19/qt) and has all the good stuff our big flat tappet cams need.

Kev

[veno]

I know a Comp Eliminator racer that sees far more difference than that in the 280-320" SBC's he builds. I wouldn't advise it for long term use, the stuff he uses looks like water!

Yeah thats some scary stuff... 0w5 and 0w10 oils... man.... talk about sacrificial bearings....

Tho I have never investigated the difference between the super light oils and the difference seen in a group2 oil and group4 HP numbers... I think it would be interesting....

I know this... IF I were in contention every year.. as were looking for that every 1/5 hp... I would do all the little things.. to add up to that 5hp over my competitor, and thus the win light... that providing I did not bring my woobie and pillow...:sleep:

[bowtie0069]

talk about sacrificial bearings....

Veno,
I don't think they have bearing issues, but he puts bronze bushings in the lifter bores to avoid lifter issues. He had a customer who insisted it wasn't worth the extra expense--first pull on the dyno at a bazillion rpm--lifter seized and ruined most of the engine. The replacement got bushings.

[veno]

Yeah I bet they did not have any problems.. ya know, ya have to balance the weight of the car, load on the engine, bearing clearance, lots of factors to decide on a oil weight for a pure race car...... plus I bet they change the oil often and inspected the filter on a very regular basis...... all part of winning...

However, a bearing is intended be sacrificial..... I bet they watch them close... I would If I were running any of the 0w oils..

I like the part about the bronze liners... hehe... Pay me now or Pay me later...

[novawagonman]

I have been using AMSoil in all my cars AMS oil is the first ever so in my opinion they have done there research, check out there web site, I dont change my oil until 25,000 yes 25,000 miles they have a state of the art type oil filter not cheap paper type.




My motor has about 8000 miles on it and I heard that synthetic oil is much better to use. Can I safely switch to synthetic from conventional? Will I notice any difference in oil pressure?

Thanks in advance!
Stupesnova

[veno]

This is the Co. that formulates ALL of Amsoil...oils...

http://www.championbrands.com/

Read ZDDP and Modern oils.. in the sticky at the top of this section or the link below.

http://www.stevesnovasite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80715

Not bashing, but I would not run any AMSOIL product... Lots of misleading advertisements.

So Amsoil was the first to bring Synthetic oil to market... well thats not quite true is it? Amsoil was the first CO. to spend 500,000.00 for API approval of synthetic oil.. during a time when the only use was by nasa... Was it not Germany during WWII that actually Developed Synthetic OIL and fuel? and not Amsoil?:o