Petroleum Vs. Synthetic oil
As a general rule of thumb, the cheaper the oil, the fewer additives it has and therefore, the less able it is to protect your engine. The majority of general users which so many of us probably fall into, get a multi-viscosity such as 10W30 5W30 or 20W50. Basically, the lower the first number, the better the oil will perform in extremely cold conditions, meaning it won't thicken into a glue like condition as it loses it's viscosity(ability to flow). The higher the second number the better the oil will protect at higher temperatures. If you were driving to Minnesota in the winter you would want the lowest number you could find like a 0W30. In Sunny California 10W40 would be a better choice. I use 5W30 in my Mustang GT and cruise at regular freeway traffic at liesurly 80's and (90's :nono: ) if that's the general speed.
Synthetic oils on the other hand are engineered specifically to provide all the lubricating properties that natural oil possesses, but none of the cold thickening or hot thinning properties of petroleum oil. I feel personnaly that the higher revving small engines and maybe the Turbo RL would be a good candidate for looking at this as an oil choice.
Regardless of my statements CHECK YOUR WARRANTEY before using anything but manufacturers recommended. Petroleum based is FINE for regular drivers.
By the way, I spent 23 years as a DC 10 Jet Engine mechanic trained by GE and synthetics are what we use in turbines for temps over 450 degrees and up. Let me know if someone wants to mount a turbine to their Sky and kick the Mallet into the stone age.:lol:
Everyone enjoy, the Sky's not the limit, just the beginning!
