Please explain. From my understanding Amsoil, M1, PP, QS, Valvoline, etc... all meet or exceed Ford's specs. My goal is to protect the engine from cold starts, normal drive [city/hwy], towing, etc while following the recommended 7,500 mi oil & filter change. I see that the Motorcraft Blend is fairly ranked [or at least in the study from Amsoil site] however from reading most posts here some say I would be fine with it as long as I meet/follow Ford's guidelines w/ an 7,500 mi oil & filter change under normal use or Special Operating Conditions: 5,000 miles, 6 months, or 200 hours of engine operation .
Blend could be anything from 2% synthetic to 70%+ synthetic. So what data/aspects should I look for? How will I know if Motorcraft's blend will offer me the protection I am looking for? Its simple to say trust in Ford's engineers [which I do to an extent] However, why did they change the oil filter on the late 2009 early 2010 from fl400s to fl500s [was it a flaw in their design]? The engine is the same the oil is the same so why the change?
My reason for looking towards "full synthetics" is due to their claim of protection and ability to last for an "extended" period of time. Even though, I will be performing an 7,500 mi routine change, I would like to know that if my conditions change from optimal to "Special operating conditions" I will be protected. Now I am aware that I could just decide to stick with the MotorCraft and do my oil changes at 5,000 mi [which is not entirely that bad of an option]
[Note: I have learned tons form your posts as well as bbf2530, ClubwagonXLT, & many others. I am simply looking for the "best" method to take care of the vehicle. Moreover, I am sure the Ford engineers know what they are talking about, yet they do not make the oil nor the filters. These items are from external sources w/ a Motorcraft logo, hence, its what Ford will base their studies off of. If they were supplied PP, M1, Amsoil etc then those oils would probably have a Motorcraft logo as well. My point being, I would like to offer the most protection w/o having to spend a ton on over priced oils or extra change intervals.]
I look forward to your insight as well as everyone else insight.
Thanks