No Full Synthetic Oil in the Z?

davidyan

Yes.

The only cars in which synthetics are not recommended are rotary engines or some very old engines. The debate on synthetics otherwise revolves around the following:

1. When to switch and if it affects break-in. See previous posts
2. Whether or not synthetics provide much more protection than conventional and over what change interval.

So the issue is not whether it can or can't. Just if its worthwhile. ZKindaGuy, I think your service manager just didn't take the time to elaborate in his recommendation to you when he stated that the Z can't use synthetics. There is nothing in the design of the Z's engine which would preclude the use of synthetics. There are however factors which indicate it could help including:

1. Higher than average oil temps. Synthetics shear less and hold better in hot and cold.
2. High RPM engine combined with the fact that Z owners typically drive hard.
3. the VVEL system uses oil pressure. Using synthetics results in more stable viscosities and thus more consistent oil pressure as compared to conventional all else equal.

Its up to you- but again the Ester oil they recommend while not a "full synthetic" due to its conventional base oil does have more esters (an additive found in synthetics) than most synthetics on the market (except for Redline, Motul, etc.)