What oil?

[borispeed]

Is it worth using full synthetic oil for my 3.8 (56,000 miles)? Explain.

[terminaldegree]

Do you change your own oil?
If you don't change your own oil, do you mind paying twice as much for an oil change?
Do you prefer running beyond 3,000 miles per oil change?
Do you run your car hard, or operate in extreme environments?
Are you going to keep your car past 100,000 miles?
Is your engine clean and dry? [no leaks]

If you answer "yes" to the vast majority of these, then synthetic may be a good idea. DIY with an inexpensive full synthetic and a decent quality filter is going to run you $25. Unless you keep your eyes peeled for sales, rebates, and giveaways. I haven't paid more than $2.75 a quart for a good synthetic in the last year by keeping an eye out for deals.

[BobbyZ72]

I have 277k on my 95 silverado 5.7, its never had a taste of synthtic. No smoke or problems what so ever.