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Folks,

I have a '03 Civic EX coupe(with VTEC motor) with around 35K miles. Had a couple of queries-
1) I am looking to change to Synthetic Oil (5W20) this time I am taking my car for service.. Does it increase performance or aid in smooth idle? Would you recommend holding off to higher mileage to switch over?

2) And I would like to change over to K&N air filter for that supposedly slight increase in HP and gas mileage.

But would it void the additional honda plus comprehensive warranty I have on the vehicle?? Do anyone have experience on that front...

Thanks in advance

Kris

 
Rep Power: 319

That should not void any warranty, although Honda Care plus is through and adjuster, and the final decision is up to him/her.

As for the synthetic, you can switch whenever you want, it may give you a tiny bit better idle, but chances of you noticing a better idle is about zero. Remember the only reason to switch to a synthetic is to increase the mileage between oil change intervals or you have a high performance engine, other wise you are just wasting your money. And you should change your oil every 6 months anyway, so if you don’t drive 8,000 miles every 6 months, what the point?

K&N air filter is not going to help you at all, I use because I like the drop it in and forget about it method, that's the only advantage. Anyone who says they got better performance is one of three things (1) changed from an extremely soiled filter, in which case any filter would have helped, (2) put a new intake system on and described it as a change of air filter, aka put a CAI on, or (3) is suffering from the placebo effect.

 
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Thanks for the information. It really helps.

Kris

 
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i agree with jrfish.

My engine has actually seemed smoother when i used conventional oil instead of synthetic. A k&n drop in filter isnt worth it on our cars. you wont notice any mpg or hp gains. I would actually recommend against k&n. I dont think they filter all that well and can cause oil and dirt buildup on your throttle body from the oiled gauze filter media.

 
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jrfish wins again.