[davidgto]

What do you fellows think about using full synthetic oil in our Pontiacs??

[tom s]

Its the engine that can make the diff.I run Mobil 1 in all my roller cam engine but still run dino in my flat tappet engines.Tom

[The Champ]

I've run Mobil 1 0W40 FS or 15W50 in my wife's '72 Camaro 350 since 2002 and in my ''64 GTO 462 since after break in was completed in 2013. These are the oils that Mobil specifically recommends for flat tappet cams in our cars.

ZDDP levels for 0W40 FS are 1000/1100 Phosphorous/Zinc and 15W50 1200/1300.

[Goatracer1]

I've run Mobil 1 for over 30 years in my GTO with no problems.

[padgett]

I run Mobil 1 in all of my cars: 10W30 in computer cars and 10W40 with carbs. New AC (Mann in SLKs) filter at every change. Been using synthetics (AMZOIL) since the '70s.

[John V.]

I've used full synthetic for many, many years in all my cars. Mobil 1 exclusively for several years now because of good price at Walmart. I think they have a rebate on right now.

I used 0W-40 (for Euro cars) in the '64 for the zinc and phosphorous content when I changed it.

Mostly stock '64 389 with Tri-Power, about 700 or 800 miles in the couple years since the rebuild. So I can't really claim the oil is doing the job, only time will tell. But I trust it.

Only issue is a leak from the BOP rear main, unrelated to the oil choice IMO. I was told to expect some rear main leaking although I think I've read guys here have used the BOP seal in their Pontiac engines without leaks. I don't tolerate oil leaks or oil burning in any of my cars so the leaking from the GTO has been a disappointment for me.

Use of full synthetic being "better" might be more psychological than truly advantageous especially if you change oil frequently. For my daily drivers, I use it for convenience to avoid work. I go a year and will push as many as 20k miles in the daily drivers between changes, a 2004 GP with 150K miles and a 2012 Civic with over 160K miles, both owned from new, both always getting FS and neither having experienced any engine issues (knock on wood). Neither car burns oil, never add oil between changes and dipstick shows negligible loss prior to draining.

I also found a "will-fit" Fram Ultra for the GTO, see this thread:

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...92#post6138292

I have also used the Ultra for many years in all my cars and happy with it. Fram does not list the Pontiac as an application for the Ultra but I did the research and found it is a good fit, just gives up a tad of oil capacity. No leaks around the filter.

[455Grandville]

Originally Posted by The Champ

I've run Mobil 1 0W40 FS or 15W50 in my wife's '72 Camaro 350 since 2002 and in my ''64 GTO 462 since after break in was completed in 2013. These are the oils that Mobil specifically recommends for flat tappet cams in our cars.

ZDDP levels for 0W40 FS are 1000/1100 Phosphorous/Zinc and 15W50 1200/1300.

How recent is this information ?
I’m told Rotellas ZDDP levels have dropped recently, has Mobil 1s ?

Valvoline now sells 10w-30 high zinc.

[The Champ]

Originally Posted by 455Grandville

How recent is this information ?

If you go to the Mobil 1 website:

https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/...B&gclsrc=aw.ds

You can select any of their products listed - for simplicity - click on the 15W50 (1st row, far right side).

That will take you to this page:

https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants/...obil-1-15w-50/

Then as you read the info you will get to this section which reads:

"We stand behind our products
Please read our Mobil 1 limited warranty. Always check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended oil viscosity grade, API service classification and any builder approval. You can also refer to the Mobil 1™ Product Guide for a quick look at key manufacturer approvals and info on the zinc and phosphorus levels in Mobil 1 15W-50."

The bolded "Mobil 1 Product Guide" above is actually a hyperlink (on that webpage) to download the spec sheet I referenced. The spec sheet is dated October 2019 - but that is the current sheet as none of the specs have changed. Mobil will update the sheet, when and if any of the specs change. Every Mobil 1 synthetic oil is listed on this 5 page document. Mobil 1 15W50 is the last oil on page 3 and Mobil 1 0W40 FS is the last oil on page 2.

If you google Mobil 1 ZDDP Chart and look for images, you will find multiple charts with different dates. I've found charts from 2013, 2017 and for both of the oils the ZDDP levels listed are the same as the current chart.