Ok

I bought my 2003 TL-S four months ago and its time for an oil change.
My only problem is that I have no idea what kind of oil the previous owner put in the car.

Two questions

1. Will my engine be f'd up if the previous owner used regular and I use synthetic and vice versa

2. What synthetic oil should I use (I used search and got varying answers)...Mobil 1???

Thanks

 

No it will not matter if you switch either way.
Mobil1 is good. I'm a big Amsoil fan but it's not the easiest to get.

 

if you dont have any major leaks, than it i s fine to switch to synthetic, some say that is you have leaks it might get worse when you switch. and Mobil one or Castrol are probably one of the best brands, i use penzoil synthetic because i got it cheap, $1.60 a quart, so i bought as much as the had. nice yea?

 

Do a full change (i.e. don't just top up) and you'll be fine. As for brand, I would stick w/ Mobil 1 or Quaker State for synthetics. I wouldn't use Castrol...I know the "history" of their development of Syntec and I'd much rather stick w/ a true synthetic.

 

people say you get more mileage on synthetics but i think thats a myth that people tell themselves to feel better. any scientific truth?

 

Actually they have done tests and show that Synthetics outlast dino oil for longevity. I've heard of tests from years back that they drain the syn oil and replace the oil filter, then pour the used syn oil back in for testing. Try that with dino oil!

Now I wouldn't do that myself, but I have pushed the envelope with syn oil compared to dino. I notice it stays golden in colour a lot longer than dino after some mileage put to it.

 

On my last oil change, I switched to Mobil 1 Fully Synthetic 5W-20 w/ a Mobil 1 filter. (Done at a shop)
I do not notice a difference in gas mileage (good or bad)
I do notice that the car turns over quicker w/ less cranks. (Right word?)
Overall, the car seems peppier and more responsive when I get on the throttle.

 

Why would you drain the oil to change the filter? You can remove the filter and the only oul you will loose is whats in it.

If your curious as to how/what condition your oil is get a test kit (free from blackstone labs and get a sample for them. It costs 20 bucks to have tested.

And yes syn is far superior to dino.

 

Amsoil all the way baby, best oil on earth. My car loves it.

 

superior in what ways? obviously its better in someway but i was asking about mileage specifically. but since we're on it. what ways are they superior in?

 

It protects better, doesnt break down as fast as dino, far better in colder weather as it doesnt thicken up like dino, it. There is a ton of info out there

 

FULLY SYNTHETIC- gotta read the fine print these days

Are superior also because reduced friction, reduced heat
contribute to better mileage and that reduces greenhouse emissions.

Snowmobile rental places proudly say the use a syth product to reduce emissions!

If its good for the forest, whats left of the ozone layer AND my wallet- cool!
I use Penzoil Platinum 6bucks qt and K&N oil filter #1004 $10
and of course the popular Seafoam now and then

 

What about your brakes and plugs?? :gheyfight:

 

Mock away Ehulk
My brakes keep me from becoming a part of the rocks and landscape!
And I am the guy who told you to buy a stethascope and you would have fixed that pulley by now.
I figure it helps newer members to be detailed with prices and part numbers- or the next post says how much and what part number De De Dee

 

I have no idea why they did. I guess they drained it for testing the viscosity..but who knows...thats what they did during testing according to the website.

 

Relax!! That comment was completely tongue in cheek. I just like giving you shit because you always work your brakes/rotors in the a thread. It's not a big deal. I was just joking around.

Also, you weren't the first person to tell me....just the first person on here. I do appreciate the feedback, per usual.

 

No sweat EH
My Fireproof underwear are also moisture wicking!!

Wait till you see the newest sick place I found to put my RacingBrake rotors and Hawk HPS pads to the good test. Reno -Fernley raceway
4 Miles, many long stretches winding out over 110 and fast esses at the rev limit in 3rd, then the dreaded hairpins
good fun eh!

 

I'd love to get some track time...but again, I do live in Kentucky....I think we invented the curvy road!!