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1953 Citroën 15 six

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First vehicle experimentally equipped with Syn!
Synner since 1/26/1953

This car (N° de série : 717735) was the first ever vehicle to be experimentally equipped with early versions of SynLube™ the Syn! is still operational today in 2001 !

The car which has 2.8 Liter in-line six-cylinder engine was used to test different laboratory produced samples of the early SynLube formulations from 1953 to 1966.

It was sold to a business man in Vienna, Austria in fall of 1969, he then sold the car to a Swiss Car Collector in 1972.

The car had its last "oil analysis" in December 1999, before a long distance drive to Paris, France for a car collector's meet and auction. The SynLube™ that was last changed in 1992 still was in good condition!

 

1966 FIAT 500

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First SynLube test cars

After 22 years of laboratory testing and development (1944-1966) the first generation of Syn! was ready for "official" real life automotive test. Two FIAT 500 cars with air cooled engines were driven  for 16 hours daily in the summer of 1966 in Italy and Yugoslavia.

One car was serviced as recommended by FIAT in official FIAT authorized garages,
all maintenance inclusive of oil changes was performed.

The second car was equipped with Syn! Motor Oil, which was NEVER changed, other maintenance was done as usual.

The first car whose engine seized at 93,275 km after steep hill climb in August 1966 near Lake Como (pictured above) used conventional motor oil supplied by Agip, the second car that used Syn! was then used to "rope tow" the non-running car back to Milano.

The seized engine was  beyond economical repair, while the Syn! lubed engine when disassembled at 96,000 km had only three minor engine parts worn so they would not mach "new" part tolerance specifications, however all lubricated parts were within service tolerances.

The typical service life for these 1960's vintage FIAT 500 engines was generally accepted to be 60,000 km (36,000 miles) when "General Overhaul" was recommended by FIAT.

 

1966 CITROEN DS 21

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First SynLube long-term test car

Since many in the Automotive Industry did not consider the air-cooled two cylinder FIAT 500 a real car, the long term SynLube test vehicle that was selected was CITROEN DS 21.

This vehicle was specially ordered from CITROEN and fitted with SynLube fluids in the factory. It was first exhibited when NEW at BRNO Auto Show in Czechoslovakia.

The car was then driven throughout Europe, then shipped to Canada, driven in North America till 1972.

Motor Oil was changed only once in 1969 @ 100,000 km (62,000 miles).

The car was then driven another 215,000 km (133,300 miles) without any oil changes before timing chain broke and caused the engine to stop.

Vehicle was then sold to CHALLENGER MOTORS in Hollywood, CA (Citroen Service Dealer).

 

1968 SUBARU 360

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This car with two-cylinder air cooled 360 ccm two-cycle engine, which featured unique oil injection was driven from 1972 to 1986 utilizing SynLube™ Motor Oil. Although this oil was originally designed for a four-cycle piston engines, due its low ash content, it worked just fine in this car's two-cycle engine.

When operated on conventional petroleum two-cycle motor oil, the vehicle was able to reach top speed of 68 MPH, with no modification and on the same fuel, with SynLube™ the top speed was 74 MPH.

Fuel economy improved from 33 MPG to 36.5 MPG or 10% improvement!

 

1972 CITROEN SM V-6

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Second SynLube long-term test car

At one time CITROEN (French Automaker) had serious intentions to use SynLube products as standard equipment on its export models to USA, since it would reduce or eliminate majority of maintenance tasks.

This 1972 CITROEN SM with MASERATI V-6 engine was one of few cars shipped to the USA that were equipped with SynLube fluids from the factory.

Unfortunately the idea of  NO Oil Changes proved to be too radical in 1972 and most uninformed mechanics have drained the "BLACK" SynLube Motor Oil because it appeared to be "dirty".

Further CITROEN decided to stop marketing their vehicles in the USA, due to low sales volume and lack of experienced mechanics to maintain the rather complex vehicles with complicated hydraulic system which operated the vehicle's self-leveling suspension and anti-lock brakes as well as variable assist power steering.

Also the vehicle's top speed of 165 MPH was considered too dangerous for "unskilled" American drivers and a legal liability during the "55 MPH National Speed Limit" then enforced.

The car shown above was driven for over 500,000 km (310,000 miles).

The Motor Oil was changed every 50,000 miles.

The Transmission Oil was changed @ 100,000 and 210,000 miles.

The Hydraulic Fluid was changed @ 50,000; 185,000; and 300,000 miles.

Vehicle was sold in 1986 @ 310,950 miles to a vehicle collector in Oregon, USA

The car did not suffer any lubricant related failures during it's service life.

 

1984 YUGO 45

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The first three YUGO's were introduced in the USA in May 1984 at the Los Angeles AUTO EXPO 84.

The vehicles were imported and modified for the US market by YugoCars, Inc of  Sun Valley, California.

More interesting than the low Retail price of $4,500, was a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty that included all scheduled maintenance FREE. This was possible due to SynLube™. Essentially only topping of the engine motor oil with ADD OIL to compensate for normal oil consumption was needed. There were no oil changes scheduled over the 10 year 100,000 mile interval. This was possible because SynLube™ Lubricants were used in the engine and in the 4-speed transaxle. 

What was amazing is, that after accumulation of 92,000 miles, one test car that was equipped with SynLube™ had exhaust emissions 20% lower than a new car with only 1,500 miles on Conventional Petroleum Motor Oil (CASTROL GTX 20W-50). Two other test cars that were equipped with Conventional Petroleum Motor Oil (one with ZASTAVA OEM oil, the other with CASTROL GTX 20W-50) and with 5,000 mile oil changes, have both failed the California Exhaust emission test at 32,000 miles and 36,000 miles respectively. The increased emissions were attributed to excessive engine wear due to use of  low quality metals in the engine production. This was a proof that SynLube™ can make even a poor quality materials last at least three times longer than normal.

Emission testing was done by Olson Laboratories in Orange County, California.

Engine disassembly and inspection was done by M.I.K. Automotive, Inc. in North Hollywood, CA.

In August of 1984 the marketing rights for the YUGO were sold to IAI (International Automobile Importers) of New Jersey operated by Malcolm Bricklin. He later formed Yugo of America, Inc. a company which marketed the YUGO in the USA until 1992.

The Bricklin organization decided that to market a car in the USA with "unconventional oil" in the engine was not a good idea, and that Fuel Injection was too luxurious for an economy car. They reduced the retail base price to $3,995 and reduced the warranty to the 3 year or 36,000 miles, a durability that was expected from the YUGO if  it was operated on conventional petroleum motor oil as was documented by Olson Labs.

The YUGO 45 as introduced by YugoCars had 850cc 4 -cylinder engine with BOSCH L EFI and BOSCH electronic Ignition with BOSCH Platinum Spark Plugs and ZEUNA Three-way Catalytic Converter so that Unleaded Gasoline could be utilized for low exhaust emissions. The same system was utilized by FIAT and later BERTONE from 1980 to 1989 and was able to meet stringent California emissions through 1992 model year. A 4-speed manual transaxle was used. This allowed a top speed of over 75 MPH and delivered fuel economy of 45 Miles per Gallon and engine delivered 45 HP, hence the marketing name of YUGO 45.

The vehicles that were eventually sold by Yugo of America had 1.1 and 1.3 Liter engines with 4 or 5 speed transaxle, but only retained the BOSCH electronic ignition. The very complex emission system ( which was cheaper than EFI) used a carburetor, a two way Catalyst that required an Air Pump and EGR; it was one of major problems that caused the vehicles to get a poor reputation due to poor driveability, inability to meet emission standards when used, etc.

Making the initial "indestructible" maintenance free car $505 cheaper, effectively killed all prospects of YUGO to become another VW Bug or FORD Model T as the initial promotional advertising claimed.

Yugo America realized its "fatal" mistake by 1990 when, EFI version of the YUGO GVX was introduced, but it was too late to save YUGO in the USA. The prospects of recalling over 126,000 vehicles that were sold in the USA by EPA, due to failure to meet exhaust emissions effectively caused Yugo America to close its doors for good in 1992.

 

1988 SKODA Favorit 135 LS

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This car was designed in 1986 by BERTONE for production by SKODA in Czech Republic.
However, the vehicle design was influenced by SkoCar (Canadian SKODA Importer) and
M.I.K Automotive (BERTONE X1/9 Dealer in California) and was the first SKODA vehicle designed from blank sheet concept to North American Safety Standards (US & Canada).

The vehicle was a radical departure for SKODA which for many years was manufacturing rear engined cars.

This car with 1,350 ccm SOHC 4-cylinder engine, used newly designed 5-speed FWD transaxle.

Equipped with BOSCH EFI, it was intended to be the "better" YUGO that Yugo America, Inc. refused to sell in the USA.

The car design utilized many of the YUGO GVX features.

This test car was equipped with following SynLube   products:

bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® Motor Oil was used in the 1.3 Liter SOHC engine
bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® Gear Oil was used in the 5-speed transaxle
bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® Grease was used in the drive shafts' CV joints

This pre-production hand made prototype went through extensive test driving in Europe and Canada.

Over 200,000 Km (124,000 miles) were accumulated in less than 9 months.

The "used" vehicle was then given to automotive press writers to "test drive" and it got such raving reviews in Germany that VW Group bought the entire SKODA car factory from Czech Government from paltry sum of $8 billion US.

After the purchase of controlling interest in SKODA, VW decided to stop SKODA exports to Canada and cancelled the plans for the US distribution of the SKODA Favorit 135 LS. The rumors were that the 1988 model of VW Golf which sold for more than twice the price of SKODA Favorit could not measure up in comfort, performance and durability.

 

1996 KIA Sephia

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This 1996 model KIA Sephia was used to demonstrate the maintenance free capability of SynLube products to the manufacturer (KIA Motors).

bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® Motor Oil was used in the DOHC engine
bulletSynLube MicroGlass™ Motor Oil Filter   (M20wl)
bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® Gear Oil was used in the 5-speed transaxle
bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® Grease was used in the drive shafts' CV joints
bulletCool-4-Life™ Synthetic Coolant  was used in the Cooling System

No fluid changes were done in the 150,000 miles.

The Motor Oil Filter was changed @ 100,000 miles.

Unfortunately our products outlived the KIA company in Korea,
which went bankrupt in 1998 and was acquired by Hyundai in 1999.
(Hyundai still continues to use the KIA brand name and still markets the vehicles in the USA independently of Hyundai)

For more information about this car go to Press Release 11/98

The KIA Sephia has been tested & evaluated by MIROX Corporation.

You can contact them by e-mail:  mirox@aol.com

 

1999 DODGE Durango V-8

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This is one of our "official" test vehicles 1999 model year DODGE Durango 4x4 with V-8 engine and, Automatic Transmission.

It had following SynLube products installed @ 900 miles:

bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® Motor Oil is used in the V-8 engine
bulletSynLube MicroGlass™ Motor Oil Filter   (Fwm)
bulletSynLube TriMagnet™ Motor Oil Filter Magnet  (1 unit)
bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® RE Gear Oil is used in the rear differential
bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® ATF-3 is used in the Automatic Transmission
bulletCool-4-Life™ Synthetic Coolant  is used in the Cooling System
bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® PSF is used in the Power Steering System

This vehicle was used daily for commuting.

No fluids have been changed since the initial SynLube installation.

The DODGE Durango was driven by David Dorn of San Jose, California

You can contact the driver by e-mail mrmum_95136@yahoo.com (David Dorn)

Update:  This vehicle was traded-in @ 76,400 miles on 4/10/2004

1999 GMC - Savana 3500

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One of our current "test" vehicles which has been using SynLube products since new.

It had following SynLube products installed:

bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® Motor Oil is used in the V-8 engine
bulletSynLube MicroGlass™ Motor Oil Filter   (GLwl)
bulletSynLube TriMagnet™ Motor Oil Filter Magnet  (2 units)
bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® RE Gear Oil is used in the rear differential
bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® ATF-3 is used in the Automatic Transmission
bulletCool-4-Life™ Synthetic Coolant  is used in the Cooling System

No fluids have been changed since the initial SynLube installation.

bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® PSF was installed @40,000 miles in the Power Steering.

SynLube Lube-4-Life® Motor Oil   used in the V-8 engine lasts and lasts,
it outlived following OEM equipment / components:

bulletTwo FIRESTONE Rear Tires (they failed: tread separation; sidewall cracking)
bulletDELCO Freedom Battery (it failed to start the vehicle)
bulletWindshield Wipers Rubber Inserts deteriorated
bulletTwo FIRESTONE Front Tires (excessive tread wear)
bulletOne FIRESTONE Rear Tire (another tread separation)
bulletOne FIRESTONE Front Left Tire (Sidewall bubble)
bulletAnother DELCO Freedom Battery (it failed to start the vehicle)
bulletFuel Filter (clogged and restricting fuel flow)
bulletOEM serpentine belt (excessive cracking)
bulletOne Front Headlight (Low beam Burned out)
bulletOne FIRESTONE Rear Tire (another tread separation)

The 1999 GMC - Savana 3500 is used by SynLube, Inc. for product deliveries.

Update:  189,049 miles  on 7/21/2007

2001 SUZUKI Esteem Wagon


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Synner since 1/26/2001

This official test vehicle has been equipped @ 849 miles with:

bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® Motor Oil is used in the L-4 DOHC engine
bulletSynLube MicroGlass™ Motor Oil Filter   (Fnl)
bulletSynLube TriMagnet™ Motor Oil Filter Magnet  (1 unit)
bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® ATF-3 is used in the Automatic Transmission
bulletCool-4-Life™ Synthetic Coolant  is used in the Cooling System

Update:  81,327 miles on 7/20/2007

2001 FORD Crown Victoria

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Car owned and operated by Southern California Automobile Club (AAA)
Synner since 3/6/2002 @ 16,532 miles

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This official "exhaust emission" test vehicle has been equipped with:

bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® Motor Oil is used in the L-4 DOHC engine
bulletSynLube MicroGlass™ Motor Oil Filter   (M22wm)
bulletSynLube TriMagnet™ Motor Oil Filter Magnet  (1 unit)
bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® ATF-5 is used in the Automatic Transmission
bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® RE Gear Oil is used in the rear differential
bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® ATF-5 is used in the Power Steering

The before and after exhaust emissions tests confirm that the use of SynLube Lube-4-Life® reduces exhaust emission of CO and NOx by average of 50%

Update: 100,780 miles on 7/7/2007

 

2004 FORD Focus Wagon

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Our latest long term PZEV test vehicle

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It had following SynLube products installed @ 200 miles on 4/10/2004:

bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® Motor Oil is used in the 2.3L PZEV engine
bulletSynLube MicroGlass™ Motor Oil Filter   (Fns)
bulletSynLube TriMagnet™ Motor Oil Filter Magnet  (1 unit)
bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® ATF-5 is used in the Automatic Transmission
bulletSynLube Lube-4-Life® PSF is used in the Power Steering
bulletCool-4-Life™ Synthetic Coolant  is used in the Cooling System

Update: 45,501 miles on 7/20/2007

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Last modified: April 14, 2007

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