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Old 01-05-2004, 12:47 PM
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gsxr gsxr is offline
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Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: USA
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Tim has a valid point in general. Like JMH mentioned, you can use crap oil, and probably still get 300k out of the engine if you change the crap oil frequently enough. It boils down to what you want. If engine longevity is the ONLY concern, fine. But some people would prefer some of the more subjective benefits of "botique" oils, i.e. synthetics:

1- Extended drains if desired - less frequent service needed
2- Faster cranking - huge help in cold climates
3- Lower operating temps - for both oil & coolant
4- Higher MPG - ok, this is small, but adds up over time (synth ATF & diff lube help too)
5- Reduced wear? - This is arguable, compared with FREQUENT changes of cheap oil


I want those benefits and choose the oil that provides them. You won't get that from $1/qt Wal-Mart special. But the total engine life may be the same, or not different enough to see a difference, assuming you sell the car BEFORE the engine blows up!
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