Re[2]: Synthetic oils (same theory for trannies!)

[Toby Erkson <Toby_Erkson@ccm2.hf.intel.com>]

Synthetic oil is the best damn stuff for automobile engines, period!  The 
stuff was created for turbine engines like the ones in airplanes.
The oil had to stand up to very high heat without breaking down 
and losing its lubricating characteristics.  Also, its ability to stick to 
surfaces is better than conventional oils.  Thus parts will keep a film of 
oil on them for much longer time periods; to the auto owner this means 
less engine wear when starting the car.  Synthetics also have a much 
broader weight range.  Basically this allows the auto owner to use only 
one oil weight year round.  It also means easier cold starting/operating.

There are other things about synthetics that surpass conventionals in 
*every way* (okay, except price, duh).  The above three factors are enough 
for the average auto owner to switch.  As an added bonus, when you run 
synthetic you can safely increase the time between oil changes.  Yes, you 
read that right.  I know some auto manufacturers are using synthetic oil 
and they give longer oil change intervals than they normally would for 
conventional oil usage.  For an air VW I really don't know what the 
extended period would be since much depends upon the engine type 
(stock/modified), driving habits (ha! this would be daily for me :), and 
whether there's an external oil filter (tough to do properly on a T3!).  I 
change my oil every 6-8,000 when running synthetic and 4,000 with the mixed 
blend.  If you extend the oil change period you get more value for your 
dollar.  Do the math.  Suddenly oil cost doesn't become so relevant.

My father used to use Pennzoil but it always left gunk in the filter.  That 
was then and the brand may have changed since.  When I took ownership I 
used nothing but Castrol and in my opinion it's the best -- conventional 
and synthetic.  RedLine looks like it may be good, too.

I'm going to make a bold statement here and if you feel otherwise you can 
personally write me but...  
     If you *really* care about your VW (or any other car) you should run
     synthetic oil.  It will help your engine out soooo much!  Swallow the  
     small extra cost -- the life of your engine depends upon it.

For more (better) info see --> http://www.redlineoil.com/engoilti.htm

     Toby Erkson
     air_cooled_nut@pobox.com
     modified '72 VW Squareback 2.0L
     stock '75 Porsche 914 1.8L