Lower oil level = better running?

2006 2.7L automatic access cab

This thread is not about correct oil capacity or dipstick reading or any of the other hundreds of related topics.

I've decided to switch to synthetic motor oil after using up my remaining dino oil supply -- I had 3.5qt plus one new 5qt jug. I decide to split the difference and see if I can get 2 oil changes out of 8.5qt. So on my last oil change I put in ~4.25qt with a new filter and after running it and checking for leaks, the oil level was 1/4 inch above the "low" dot on the dipstick. This is in the normal range, it's still purring like a kitten without any noises or problems, plus I drive it easy so I'm fine running it like this since it's in the normal range.

So it has about 1qt less oil than all the previous oil changes and the engine seems to rev more easily and seems to make a bit more power at the same throttle settings. Plus the fuel mileage was a bit better on the last fillup, and I'm not doing any additional highway miles. (I drive slightly faster than grandpa, on the exact same routes at the exact same times every weekday.) Am I imagining that the engine is running better? Or is this plausible -- maybe less windage losses due to the lower oil level? Or something else?

 

I'd attribute it to your butt dyno being off.

 

You will have less drag in the oil sump.

 

The only thing I could see is if the oil is shearing more quickly and losing viscosity. Either that or just heating up quicker.

The uncalibrated butt Dino seems more plausible.

 

+1. And since our engines aren't very powerful in the first place, it's easier to notice small increases, kinda like turning your AC off.

Since its above minimum, it should be fine But oil temp will be higher and oil life potentially reduced. Probably never enough to matter, but I may would change it a little earlier.

 

You're dreaming!

 

If you're above the LOW dot on the dipstick you're good. I use 5qt and I'm right on the MAX dot

 

There’s no way a low oil level will make and engine run differently. The pickup tube is at the bottom of the oil pan so the same amount of oil is still flowing through all the components of the engine.

 

that's one thread that didn't need to be revived