What is a Good Synthetic Oil to Use?

my 74 super does not mention multi-grade oils

Probably the top 3 true synthetics are Mobil 1 15-50; Pennzoil Platinum and Castrol 0-40 (this is the so-called German Castrol which is somewhat difficult to find, but meets some of the toughest standards out there.) I've used the Mobil Extended in an early 911 only because I got a free case - it's expensive stuff. As for the above mentioned fuel contamination discussion, if guys are running open crankcase vents on the street, then frequent oil changing is even that more important vs. long drain interval oils.

... talking about how the dirt comes in with the air at the crank pulley. Then the air goes out the oil filler/breather and the dirt stays in the oil.

So you're saying that a vacuum exists in the crankcase and significant amounts of air (and dirt) are pulled in?

Forgive the stupid question, but can anyone tell me the advantage of synthetic? For the life of me I cannot think of any other than the "less frequent oil changes" argument which, for someone like myself who learned to be religious about oil changes ages ago, is irrelevant

-- I actually like changing my oil :)

I could *possibly* see using it for better temperature control, but given the expense and the fact that Bug engines normally leak way more than modern cars I don't see the point.

My mantra has always been use a high quality, name brand, oil and change every 2500-3000 miles. Been doing that for 30-years...jeez I feel old... :)

Ken

the ACVW engine doesn't have to leak, owners LET them leak....

The long oil change interval (thanks to resistance to break-down) is one of the main selling points of synthetics, a feature completely wasted in an aircooled VW... leaks or no leaks. Our oil is changed because it gets dirty fast, much faster than oil in modern car engines that are more or less closed systems. Ours is open to the athmosphere. Our carbed old technology also generates more soot and other deposits that end up in the oil, contaminating it further.

For the cold winter months, synthetics could be a nice idea. They are thinner when cold, helping reduce resistance when starting a cold engine. They (supposedly, lol) get thicker as they warm up. Another thing our engines need. So in a way, that's best of two worlds for those who need to drive in the cold.

Ok, makes sense. Although even for my modern daily driver I don't see the point in synthetics. Still, part of me wants to find a good reason to use it...maybe a geeky car-guy thing :)

And Joey, you're right of course, but I think VW owners have to "not let them leak" more than other cars.

Ken

I agree, Ken... they are much more leak proned than late model cars, but comparable to cars of their vintage...