Gilles,
I just put 20w50  Mobil 1 synthetic in my '85 westfalia and could not be
happier.  The lifters are quieter and the idle is just under 800rpm with no
shake in the needle.  I'd say go for the synthetic.
-----Original Message-----
From: Gilles Gallant <ggallant@RDS.CA>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Wednesday, March 24, 1999 6:04 PM
Subject: Synthetic oil

>Hi,
>
>  I am seriously thinking of changing my ordinary castrol 20w50 oil for the
Amsoil 5w30 synthetic oil.  Because I am not sure of the impact of this
(except the $$$ one) I would like to have some feedback from the list about
that.
>  -Should I use synthetic (I don't care to pay some more money if it is
better for the engine.)
>  -If I use the synthetic oil should I use the 5w30 or another grade?
>  -Should I take some precautions prior to change it or to run the engine
after the change.
>  -Should I flush the engine with some special liquid before put synthetic
oil.
>  -May I use ordinary oil with synthetic one?
>
>  P.S.  My first language is frencg so, sorry for the english language
mistakes.
>
>  Thanks,
>
>  Gilles Gallant
>  1990 Westfalia
>  Montreal, Quebec
>