2000 V6 firebird and synthetic oil?

Question

I have a 2000 V6 3.8l firebird, with 100,000 miles on it. it's run regular oil its whole life. what happens if I switch to synthetic?

Answer 1

As pbleek said: Synthetic oil has a naturally more aggressive detergent package in it and may cause a leak by cleaning and uncovering gum and varnish inside the crankcase.
You have the right idea concerning the switch over however because every item concerning synthetic oil is better for an engine. Among these are the low temperature pour point is 20 - 30 degrees lower, high temp. flash to fire point is higher, anti-friction additives are much better, it runs cooler as it returns to the pan faster, thin low viscosity oil carries heat away form internals more efficiently and as we mentioned the detergent package will keep the internal parts very clean.

Personally, I like the synthetics ability to pump up to the internals quicker on cold mornings. It's a fact that most engine wear happens within the first half minute any time a motor is started. The anti-wear properties help in cold starts.
Everyone knows that using synthetics may help fuel mileage because it's naturally more slippery.

If you'd like to go to Joe Gibbs Racing oil on the net. and read the information on the viscosity grades used for engine break -in, qualifying, plate racing and non plate racing. I'll admit I was shocked!

Answer 2

Synthetic oil is like normal multigrade oil, only better. That is why it costs more. It also will keep the viscosity longer.
I have a 1990 corolla and have always used synthetic.
I also add teflon(slick 50 or other, which keeps it running smoother) My engine has 160,000.
Bottom line, the less friction and better viscosity of the oil, the longer the engine will last.
I ve had the car for 5 years and from day one i used slick50 and synthetic or synthetic blend.
Also my car was smoking a little oil through the exhaust, so every once in a while i top off the oil with bardahl with valve guide sealer/conditioner . It worked; my car passes smog( I am in cali) and there is no oil visible from the exhaust. It took some time, it did not get better overnight.
I also use platinum 4 electrode spark plugs, changed spark plug wires and every so often put injector cleaner or fill up with premium 89 octane fuel.
I can swear my corolla has more horsepower after all this.
I only went to the mechanic to change alternator or starter.
Only, do not forget to check replace ALL your fluids. I forgot to check the differential oil and the differential gears seized.

Answer 3

More than likely you will find all kinds of leaks developing, whats so special about putting synthetic in an older mileage car?
Trust me ,it will leak, the engine is older ,has crud built up inside which is normal, the thinner oil will find the weak spots on the gaskets that at this point are fine.
I wouldnt do it.

Answer 4

nospeed. it's apparent you have no clue. as the superchargers from the horizontal fwd 3.8ls will not work without MAJOR modification on the longitudinal rwd 3.8l motors. and from hearing this. what 5.7l are you referring to. SBC, LT1, LS1?? you probably didn't even know their were multiple chevy 5.7l motors. anyways man. TA performance knows more about 3.8l motors than any other performance company on the planet. like LS1 mentioned i've never worked with them personally but i've been outrun on the drag strip by one of their shop cars. have you thought of saving your money up.. keeping this car original (you know the same way you father left it to you) and buying another car to work on like maybe a late 70s early 80s camaro

Answer 5

If the engine is still in good condition, absolutely nothing will happen.