Hey folks

I've had my '92 SC400 since August and it's full of 5W30 Quaker State oil. I was thinking of switching over to a synthetic oil. Eventhough my car has 160K miles on it, I still occasionally drive it like a sports car was made to be driven! I am under the impression that a synthetic is a bit better for hard driving. I do follow reqular 3K oil/filter changes.

So is there any special steps I should take?


Tonights losers off the line...
Heavily modified MX-3 - performance cam, intake, exhaust, larger throttle body, etc...
New model Pontiac Grand Prix GTP (supposedly supercharged)
Ford Focus ( I was going to give the guy credit for "bringin' it", but he was a sore loser!)

 

Nope...none that I know of....when switching to synthetic. Mobil1 Synth

 

Just pour it in and go.

Some things to have in mind: 5K mile oil change intervals.
Any seals not in good condition may begin to leak.

 

My advice is "If it ain't broke, don't try to fix it." If regular oil got you to 160k, stick with it. Why change now and risk leaks?

 

ugh, i hate that saying. it ruins the whole point of technology and modifications.

the synthetic will allow his car to run smoother, and probably give it a little more performance. and those leaks are very easy to fix

 

Aerostar, please don't get me wrong, I love technology and mods, but in all fairness, if the leaks are coming from the engine seals, isn't that rather costly to change out? This is the primary reason that I've not switched over on my 90 LS/170K. I have no leaks now, but it's not worth my time and money to switch and then have to fix it...

Mike

 

I would suggest making the switch. It will take a day or so if there is any leakage past the seals and a month if there is any consumption. At that time you can evaluate whether to remain or switch back. Given that there have been many cars driven on dino oil well into 200K miles, it boils down also to how meticulous the prevous owner was about fluid changes. One can discuss the merits either way...

 

I'd swear mine ran quieter and smoother when I switched FWIW.

I want to keep this car a long time and I figured with a new car I wouldn't get leaks, and haven't yet.

How about part-synthetic for older cars as a compromise?

 

>"ugh, i hate that saying. it ruins the whole point of technology and modifications."

And most "technology and modifications" will f**k up the reliability/durability of your car too rather than enhance it. I know this is heresy here, but I say if you want to keep your car a long time and have no/few problems, keep your car stock. The Toyota/Lexus engineers knew what they were doing when they designed your car and they chose to do certain things for a reason. I bet most of the guys here who have early transmission/engine problems are the guys who are f**ing with their cars in ways they shouldn't be.

 

Gekko, i'm not sure if you are referring to switching to synth. or other engine "refinements" which I wouldn't do, but I found a dealer that carries Mobil1 and I haven't heard anything from any of the dealers that Lexus is averse to use of synthetic oil in the engine or that one shouldn't use synthetic engine oil.

In fact, I would say that if they are willing to install it while a car is under warranty, let alone carry it, then Lexus is certainly sanctioning its use.

Tranny fluid and others are probably a whole different matter due to specific engineering specifications.

jmo

 

If you may have concerns, talk to the service advisor and a Lexus technician about synthetic. These guys see thousands of cars and have a hands on point of view.