A lot of inexpensive conventional oils won't hold up as well as top-shelf full-synthetic mixtures. Full-synthetic motor oil generally offers a number of advantages over conventional oils. For one, it flows through the engine more smoothly while keeping it cleaner at the same time. With so many natural impurities such as reactive hydrocarbons and sulfur in conventional oil, it usually requires more frequent oil changes to maintain a properly running engine. Synthetic oil is also better at preventing engine wear because it maintains its viscosity longer, which also helps extend oil-change intervals.
Along with the full-synthetic Pennzoil Platinum, we also picked up some Pennzoil Multi-Vehicle ATF. The ATF is a synthetic blend with excellent high-temperature oxidation protection, and it features an advanced additive system for automatic and powershift transmissions. Since we'd be draining both the oil and transmission fluid, we also obtained new fluid filters and pan seals from Fram and Summit Racing.
The new Fram transmission filter was then installed. A new gasket was also installed before the pan was bolted back up. | 
The old oil was drained from the engine. We inspected the old oil for obvious debris and discoloration. | 
Once the pan was dropped, we performed a visual inspection of the oil pump and checked the oil pickup screen for debris. If properly maintained, the factory-installed oil pump can last for 150,000 miles or more (158,876 in our case); however, it's also forced to operate in severe conditions and suck unfiltered oil straight from the crankcase. Changing an engine's oil at regular intervals will help extend the life of all its internal components. |
Here the new Pennzoil Platinum full-synthetic oil is shown alongside the old oil. There's no question that the new oil will be an improvement. We were unsure of the mileage since the last change, but it looked like it had been awhile. | 
With the oil pan and new gasket in place, we installed the new Fram Tough Guard oil filter. The filter includes a seal that should be lubricated with a dab of new oil before installation. | 
Pennzoil offers a full line of premium fluids, including brake fluid, Antifreeze & Summer Coolant, Gearplus SAE 80W-140 GL-5 heavy-duty gear lubricant, and power-steering fluid. We'll try out these products throughout the next few months as we continue our typical maintenance chores. |