should i use synthetic oil in 1988 v12 jag

if its used daily reg oil is good, if not perhaps a better bet would be semi synthetic, a blend of both types...........synthetics stay on parts better so I hear.........

Paul,

A much as like synthetic oil (mobil 1)...I would stay with conventional oil for a 1988. My suggestion is Valvoline VR-1 20W-50 Racing Motor Oil. Make sure it is the SILVER bottle which is street legal, not the blue bottle, which is NOT street legal and should be used only for break-in after a rebuild for the first 500-1000 miles.

This particular oil also has higher levels of Zinc and Phosphorus, not as high as oil in the 1980's, but higher than todays's oil engineerd for newer cars. I used this oil after a rebuild of a 1987 Jaguar XJ6 Vanden Plas and was very pleased.

Scott

2001 Jaguar S Type 4.0
1997 Jaguar XK8 Convertible
1987 Jaguar XJ6 (sold)
1988 Jaguar XJ40 (sold)
1987 Jaguar XJ6 Vanden Plas (mechanically restored and sold)

Hi Paul, I use mobile 1 in my 89 XJS V12. I noticed a few more drops of oil than normal. I will have to check bolts etc. to sung up. Other than that, I am a firm believer in synthetic oils. I have been using mobile 1 for years with excellent results. I do all my own work on all my vehicles. mike

It's a waste of money. use the proper wt and change the oil regularly.

Heh heh. The merits of syn vs. conventional oil have long been debated.

There's no reason you can't use synthetic if you want to but it certainly isn't required.The only downside I've heard is reports from some, purely anecdotal, that existing oil leaks become a bit worse with synthetic...as is slips thru the old seals and gaskets more easily.

Cheers
DD