Switch to synthetic?

[DTR rex]

02' Stage4 WRX. Been putting regular in it this whole time but about to do another change and realized that I have 110k on the car

Would it be appropriate to switch to synthetic now or is it not worth bothering? And will this affect my custom tune currently on the car?

[teflon_jones]

Why haven't you been using synthetic all along?

The additional viscosity of synthetic can make it leak more past seals in higher mileage cars versus running conventional oil. They do make higher mileage synthetic these days though I believe. All in all, synthetic is superior to conventional oil so it's always a good idea. If you find you burn more than normal, you can switch to a weight heavier to combat that.

I don't see how changing your oil would affect your tune...

[DTR rex]

Why haven't you been using synthetic all along?

The additional viscosity of synthetic can make it leak more past seals in higher mileage cars versus running conventional oil. They do make higher mileage synthetic these days though I believe. All in all, synthetic is superior to conventional oil so it's always a good idea. If you find you burn more than normal, you can switch to a weight heavier to combat that.

I don't see how changing your oil would affect your tune...

I was always told synthetic wasn't necessary with the WRX unless it gets into higher mileage. So I always held off for cost savings sake.

Wondering if it would help the life of the car at all to switch to synthetic now that I'm at 110k.

[Timdog1650]

http://www.blackstone-labs.com/

I would do an oil analysis at your next change interval and write a note to them saying that you're considering a switch to synthetic, based on what they find could they recommend a good product or would they recommend sticking to what you're doing. If you have a healthy oil analysis at your regularly scheduled change interval, I wouldn't do anything differently because clearly what you're using is working.

[Donkey]

I was always told synthetic wasn't necessary with the WRX unless it gets into higher mileage.

Who ever told you that is a moron. Synthetic is perfect for turbocharged vehicles as the oil has a much more stable temperature/flashpoint and tend to not "coke" turbo bearings like dino oil. Not to mention it extends OIC's. I run Rotella T6 5w40.

[SD_GR]

If you are very concerned send a sample of the existing oil to Blackstone. If the numbers are good there is little reason to change since what you are doing is working.

If there are deposits masking failed seals or gaskets by clumping at those points, and your new oil dissolves them whereas your old oil either failed to do so or allowed them to occur in the first place, you will notice leaks. If not, you will not notice leaks due to the new oil. Your seals and gaskets may fail at some point anyway though.

I've run synth since the third oil change or so, and am about to have a look under the front cover. I see a bit of juice on the front passenger side and will report back what I find just for info purposes.

[teflon_jones]

Who ever told you that is a moron. Synthetic is perfect for turbocharged vehicles as the oil has a much more stable temperature/flashpoint and tend to not "coke" turbo bearings like dino oil. Not to mention it extends OIC's. I run Rotella T6 5w40.

+1 but calling that person a moron is being nice. They make morons look smart!

[DTR rex]

Ok, so we've come to the conclusion that synthetic oil is best... but is it worth switching at this point?

[EJ257]

Ok, so we've come to the conclusion that synthetic oil is best... but is it worth switching at this point?

Can you DIY?

It costs me $20-25 for 5qts from Walmart and $30 for a 6-pack of OEM filters from my dealership. $25-30/change. I'd only save a little money going with a quality dino oil, so it's worth it for me.

[zax]

Ok, so we've come to the conclusion that synthetic oil is best... but is it worth switching at this point?

Just be aware that you will likely burn a half a quart to a quart between oil changes (meaning carry an extra quart of synth oil with you). Synthetic oil tends to percolate through the oil seals on a high-mileage motor and especially with forged aluminum pistons

[DTR rex]

Just be aware that you will likely burn a half a quart to a quart between oil changes (meaning carry an extra quart of synth oil with you). Synthetic oil tends to percolate through the oil seals on a high-mileage motor and especially with forged aluminum pistons

So considering this should I just stick with the regular stuff since it seems to be working fine?

[zax]

So considering this should I just stick with the regular stuff since it seems to be working fine?

Meh, like Donkey said, synth is better for the high temps of the turbo (IIRC it has something to do with molecularization under high temps, but I'm no materials scientist). I have no problem with just buying an extra quart of oil and stowing it in the back. It usually gets me through two oil changes.

[Timdog1650]

Get an oil analysis and see if your current choice of oil is providing adequate coverage. If it is not, I would consider a change, but otherwise, no.

[TheJ]

Get an oil analysis and see if your current choice of oil is providing adequate coverage. If it is not, I would consider a change, but otherwise, no.

+1

[Donkey]

Switching to a 5w40 weight oil cut down on my oil motors consumption. I have no issues with leaking either and did previously before using Mobil 5w30. This is on a motor with 170k on it running 20 psi for a long time!