Its a 1996 Chevy Cavalier...A/T, 2.2L, 149,000 Miles.

Should I switch over to synthetic? its had Castrol GTX (now using GTX high mileage) its whole life, but im switching the civic to 0w20 M1 Synth for winter (summer is 5w20 M1), and wonder if i should switch the cavi from 5w30 dino to 5w20 synth? It currently has no leaks and burns no oil but....

I just dont wanna have to do the head...i only paid $1,000 for the car...thoughts on the switch?

BTW, the reason my oil weights are so light is the -50F Winters...I have to start my cars from a dead cold at these temps for 4-6 months of the year.

 

nah, i don't think you need to switch to synthetic for the beater. like you said, its a beater. save your money on your non beater.

 

the 5W is the effective cold thickness... switching to 5w20 from 5w30 will not change it's cold start ability... the second number is it's lubricity - it's ability to lubricate and stick to the bearings and such... basically a 5W20 acts like a 5 weight oil in terms if thickness, but a 20 weight oil in terms of engine protection...

you could go with a 0w30 if anyone actually makes it, but a 5w30 is what Chevy recommends for that vehicle for all temperatures...