If you run your oil longer, just change the filter at the recommened change intervals and have an oil analysis done at the filter change to tell you when to change the oil. That way you remove the solid particulates from the oil, and get the full life out of your oil and wallet.

TigerLily, The books can be bought at Barnes and Nobles, or from SmokeyYunick.com. B&N is where I got mine.

 

I said that synthetic oil is great stuff. It is slicker, and it stands up to much higher heat. My position, though, is that those are non-issues for a typical private vehicle. Dino oil provides all the lubrication and protection needed for 1/3 or 1/4 the cost, and while syn oil has much better specs, they're effectively off the scale of practical needs. One exception is cold start protection, syn oil is better there both for starting and wear. So if you live in a cold climate there's a more direct benefit to syn oil. But on the other hand, it seems pretty well accepted that the only measurable benefit of syn oil is extended oil change intervals, so those not comfortable going 12-15K on the same oil as the fleet users who use syn oil do aren't going to get that bennie. Reduction of waste oil is a very big deal for fleet users. In most economic analyses of syn oil, engine wear isn't even considered. What's that tell you?

I recall the Castrol commercial too; but realistically who drives with no plug in their oil pan? I also remember the one showing a Sumo wrestler who couldn't hang onto a screwdriver dipped in STP but easily held one dipped in motor oil. Attention getting, but so what? Lubricity isn't the problem, abrasive dirt is.

I still maintain that for the typical driver doing 12-15K miles a year who'll trade in less than 5 years, synthetic oil is just an extravagence. Granted, the extra cost isn't a big deal for most, so if it makes you feel better, by all means go for it.

And anyone relying on an oil-foam filter to protect the engine had better maintain it religiously because, unlike paper filters, the dirtier they get the less protection they provide. The power gain from less restriction is one thing, the protection from dirt is another.

 

I went to his site ... He did alot of things other than racing!!! I'm impressed with him too! I'm going to order the book, maybe the book set.

Thanks for the info~