Originally Posted by
BaadVR4
Almost the entire difference in lubricants is in the additive package and how the package is blended into the base stock. Most base stocks alone are inadequate for most purposes. The advantage synthetics have is the base stock is built by a chemical process, resulting in molecules which are, for all intents and purposes, identical clones. This gives the synthetic tremendous advantages over "Dino" oils in a lot of physical properties, mostly relating to stability and molecular breakdown. There are a host of "Full Synthetic" lubricants on the market. The vast majority of them are actually blends of synthetic and standard oil. The amount of dino oil allowed to still call the oil "full synthetic" varies with jurisdiction. Used according to manufacturer's direction and changed periodically, virtually all lubricants will provide acceptable service.
The additive most in question is Zinc. Diesel and racing oils historically contain high amounts of Zinc to provide extra protection against bearing failure from bearing "pound out". That's why these oils are popular in very high horsepower engines. That said, the formulation and additive packages of even the "full synthetic" oils varies.
Personally, I have a little over 40 years using every type and brand of lubricant under the sun. I used them in drag race only cars, ultra high horsepower street cars, family cars, tow vehicles and trucks. My thoughts/opinions/experiences: Synthetics out perform non synthetics, except for initial engine break in. Most synthetics are VERY similar in results. Some synthetics (Royal Purple and Castrol in particular) show greater use (burning) than others. My best experience has been with AMSOIL products, both on the dyno and on the track/street.
Just my 1.5 cents worth.
