synthetic oil in new 8.1 vortec

[stryker17]

has any one swapped over to synthetic oil in their new vortex 8.1 mine has 10,000 mikes on it and I was wondering if I would gain anything,by spending the extra money? performance wise or millage? thanks people...

[Dunnpe]

I switched after a few months to synthetic oil when I first got my used unit. It had 12,000 miles on it. I believe now, that my rig runs smoother and quieter and cooler. I am constantly getting 7.5 to 8 mpg on frequent trips to Southern Calif. running 400 miles a day over I-5 and the grapevine, tail-wind and head-wind.

[mfire1339]

Our new replacement 8.1 started life with mobil 1. I believe it increased the break-in period of the engine by quite a bit. 13,000mi and it gets more power every trip. Oh and 1mpg better than first 1,000mi. I do believe in synthetic oil of any brand.

[Clay L]

I called Workhorse and asked them about that. That said to wait until I had 10,000 miles on it (As I recall it was 10,000) and then it would be okay to switch.

I ended up staying with regular oil and changing it every 3000 miles though.

[jojolou]

Changed mine at 5000 miles to Mobil 1 5/30, runs great and the mileage seems to be improving.

[Oemtech]

Change it when you want.... Remember there are only 2 (that I know of) TRUE full synthetic oils... Mobil 1 and Amzoil. The rest are grp III base oils with synthetic additives..

[two2go]

Everyone has their own preference and reason to use a particular oil, and some are quite passionate about it. I use synthetic because my motorhome engine is subject to more extreme operating parameters than my car engines and I believe syn oil is formulated for such. I also take advantage of a longer change interval, but still within reason, because time rolls up sooner than mileage in our situation.
I have never driven a vehicle to the end of its engine life, and I am sure I won't see the EOL on my 8.1 either. There is no practical way of knowing if one type of oil has an advantage over another unless you have a control, like identical vehicles operating in identical conditions. I use synthetic for its demonstrated benefits. I am averaging 8 mpg, but I have also added a power tune and different plugs and wires, so there are other variables. Cost is also relative because I buy the oil in bulk and change it myself for less than $43 per change whereas my friend takes his coach into an RV dealer and pays over $100 for a change using regular oil.
In summary, do what seems best for your situation.

[Full-Timers]

I agree with two2go however I stick with the 3000 mile oil change. Driving a motorhome is considered sever driving conditions and at less that $40 per oil change it's cheap insurance.

[DriVer]

I use synthetic oil as far as I know it's made by Ashland and it's branded NAPA.

I change my oil twice a year, July 1st & January 1st regardless of mileage. Right now I'm running Amsoil 10W30 until 7/1. I will probably buy 10W-30 M1 the next go round.

I have been using synthetic oil since I ticked over 15,000 miles. Currently I have over 77K miles.

I can tell you this, I am disposing of perfectly good motor oil when I change it. Maybe just maybe I like to do my own service and that's why I do it twice a year.

A chassis lube is also important - so everything gets tied in together.

[stryker17]

thanks guys, just turned 11,000mi and am due for change, guess its time to try this way................

[FDchief]

Originally Posted by DriVer

I change my oil twice a year, July 1st & January 1st regardless of mileage. Right now I'm running Amsoil 10W30 until 7/1. I will probably buy 10W-30 M1 the next go round.

Hey Driver, I know GM calls out 5W-30 for the oil fill. Why are you using 10-30? Is it due to your temps at home? Just curious.

I changed at 5000 miles to Mobil 1 Truck & SUV full synthetic with the 1 qt filter. Gives me a real warm and fuzzing feeling

[DriVer]

Originally Posted by FDchief

Hey Driver, I know GM calls out 5W-30 for the oil fill. Why are you using 10-30? Is it due to your temps at home? Just curious.

Chief, I use 10W-30 "because" it never gets down to "0" where we live PLUS when you narrow the viscosity range the oil is more stable from 10W or 30W rather than expanding the range down to 5W.

I changed at 5000 miles to Mobil 1 Truck & SUV full synthetic with the 1 qt filter. Gives me a real warm and fuzzing feeling

I sure don't have a problem with 5K oil changes. That's just about in line with GM's OLM. I use a NAPA 1080, 1 Quart oil filter. A nice filter (WIX), made in the USA.

[FDchief]

Thanks Driver, I maybe retiring this Summer and if I do, plan to spend the Winters in Fl. It sounds like 10-30 would be the ticket for that climate.

[DriVer]

Originally Posted by FDchief

Thanks Driver, I maybe retiring this Summer and if I do, plan to spend the Winters in FL

Chief, Make sure you stop by and see us on your way down. Myrtle Beach was my first stop after I retired from the FD.