the mopar filter is a good one too.....

 

thanks for the input so far!

how many miles were most of you putting driving before the first change? then how many miles?

 

Well RP recommends 3-5k when you're switching over and mobil 1 high mileage says to do 3k changes if it's a dirty engine. I'd do a couple changes at 3-4k miles w/ a cheaper syn. then swap to a more expensive one if you want. When I swapped mine over I did 2 changes at about 3k each and the oil was black both times.

 

Is any cheap synthetic better than conventional?

 

Typically I'd say yes, especially if your gonna run it for extended drains or severe service. Walmart had good prices on 5qt jugs of all kinds oils from their in house brand up to Mobil 1 EP. Pennzoil platinum is a favorite on bobistheoilguy and makes claims of cleaning up to 46% of sludge during the first change.