netverkin

I just put Shell V-Power in the Saturn today and it seems like its not even running. Is it worth it to keep putting this in?

Is it worth it to start using Synthetic Oil as well?

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PurdueGuy

From what I understand, Shell V-power is Shell's premium gasoline? See the Unleaded vs Premium thread to see the various thoughts & opinions on that.

On the synthetic oil topic: I calculated out costs quite a bit, and the cost of using Mobil's 15,000 mile synthetic oil compared with using el-cheapo oil and changing every 3,000 miles is almost the exact same cost overall. If you go with a synthetic and change less often, I recommend using a good oil filter, such as a Wix or K&N.

I personally use a Wix filter, and am trying out some cheaper synthetic oil (the Wal-Mart stuff, which actually meets higher standards, but may not have as many detergents) and a 10,000 mile change interval. I still have about 7,000 miles before the first change, so we'll see how it looks then.

Note when you go to buy your oil - look for the big jugs. If you have an S-series, you'll need 4 quarts to do the change, and the big jugs come in 5 quart bottles. It's good to have that extra around to top it off as the engine burns off a little oil (I'm about to add my first half quart or so after about 3K miles). The big bottles are usually cheaper - but compare first to be sure.

If you calculate out the total cost of using synthetic vs regular oil, be sure to account for how many miles you drive a year. I considered using AMSOIL, which is supposed to be good for 25,000 miles or a year, with a filter change halfway through. This would be the cheapest way to go IF I were driving 25,000 miles a year. I drive less than 15,000 miles a year, so paying extra for the AMSOIL would be a waste for me, when the Mobil 1 is a little cheaper and doesn't state that you need to change the oil halfway through.

The other part of the synthetic vs regular debate is the benefits of detergents. el cheapo oil won't likely have as many detergents, but will meet all the same official standards. If you use el cheapo oil, be absolutely sure to change it often, I'd recommend 3,000 miles.

On another note: I highly recommend AGAINST using Fram oil filters. I have heard of numerous occasions where they have come apart and parts of the filter element have caused damage to the engine. They're *probably* ok for 3,000 mile intervals, I'd strongly recommend against them for longer, but in general, I'd go with another filter either way.

If you're not bored yet, here's some interesting reading:

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilterstudy.html

netverkin

Thanks for the information. I will give that site a read over.

Yes, the Shell V-Power is Shell's new premium gasoline. The Saturn idles so much smoother than with the regular.

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SL2

its gonna burn oil. just go to walmart buy the 79 cent oil.

Coldsolderjoint

wait a min.. so with the amsoil, you gotta drain it all out.. then change the filter.. and then put the half used oil back in? thats just crazy.. you might as well just use cheaper oil cuz your not gunna be saving any time or nothing.. and.. you expose it to contaminents.. are you gunna buy a new pan every time you change it? and.. your deffinatley gunna loose some oil in the process.. from the filter.. drippage.. etc..

and idk.. my car is slowly turning into a beater/work car.. but id still feel REALLY bad about putting used oil back into it...

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Eddie
SPOC-NJ

PurdueGuy

Nope - your oil won't all drain out if you take the filter off. You'll only lose what's currently in the filter, then you top it off.

sifon187

if ur going use that walmart crap in ur car, just by some cooking oil, prolly work about the same :P

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2001 SL2 1.9 DOHC Electric Moon Roof, Electric windows, Keyless Entry
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Niff

I change my oil about every 2months reguadless of the mileage, idk im just schitzo that way. But anyway, this is sorta relevant, and i heard it from a pretty reliable source. I heard if you use Royal Purple Lubricant products on all parts of your car, IE Transmission, Engine, Rear end (You dont have one) and some other things, you can gain serious horsepower/gas mileage to your car. By serious im talking 5-7. (Rough guesstimation).

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-05' Saturn Ion 2 Coupe'

PurdueGuy

*reads sceptically* 5-7 hp or mpg? I seriously doubt it.

Niff

check the web man, its way less friction all the way around, think about it.

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-05' Saturn Ion 2 Coupe'