Synthetic Motor Oil
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Synthetic Motor Oil
While not for my Vette, shopping at the local food market recently, have an O'Reilly's in the same strip center, so decided on getting an oil and filter for a change for my daily car. Turns out they're having a special on their house brand 5 qt jug of full synthetic oil and US made MicroGard filter for $20 bucks, and went for it. Curious what some here think of this.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Strange, as not looking to offend anyone, even if the topic's been covered before. Never hurts asking again, as something to do. Anyway, bought the stuff, so guess it's going in.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Car's an 08' Pontiac GXP 3.6, turning the next 5K mi clock in a few day's. The O'Reilly full syn's going in this weekend. The cars read out shows nearly 40% life on the current change, assuming standard Dino oil. I prefer full syn at 5K mi intervals, as just easier to keep track of.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,879
Likes: 38
From: Los Gatos CA
MicroGard oil filters used to be made by Purolator (good!) and now are made by Fram. Compare the Fram and MicroGard; they are the same filter (except the Fram has that easy-to-grab coating). If you want a good cheap filter, try SuperTech (Walmart), NAPA ProSelect or Purolator ProLine.
Last edited by Jeff_Keryk; Aug 24, 2011 at 05:16 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 65
From: Seattle WA
St. Jude Donor '14
I'm personally not a fan of "off brand" oils - too many good name brand ones out there to save a couple of bucks on stuff in a bottle with no information at all on what it is 
I also stick with the Wix/NAPA filters as they've consistently come out on top in tests. I was a Fram guy for years...but I converted.
Just one guy's thought
I also stick with the Wix/NAPA filters as they've consistently come out on top in tests. I was a Fram guy for years...but I converted.
Just one guy's thought
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,959
Likes: 3,354
From: NYC NY
If the car is still under warranty I would use the correct AC Delco filter (yes I know know there may be better filters out there but that's what the manufacturer suggests). Around here you can still get Mobil 1 in Wallmart for about $23.00 for the 5 qt bottle. I would would stick with that on a GM product. Yes I know that sounds like a comercial but since GM uses Mobil 1 for their factory fill when it's synthetic that's what I would use. Oh and keep the receipts. For a few dollars difference in price why compromise? With that said I also don't think you would have any issues with what you have already bought (providing it meets manufactures requirements) but that's not the route I would choose.
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Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Yup, agree with the above posts, as was reluctant to buy house brand product's myself, but counter guy talked me into it for my daily car. Full synthetic, what the heck. Not using these products for the Vette, as actually run the crap out of it on road track day's. Thank's for all the responses, as why I put the question out there. O'Reilly's been in business for some time, and gotta be a reason. Thought I'd give it a shot.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,889
Likes: 23
From: Kansas
Yes Sir; I understand Germany ran Full Synthetic, no name oil, in their motors during World War 2. Amsoil is a great product, use it. Mike Ward is right, need a lot of info. to make a knowledgeable decision. Have a great day. Gene
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 65
From: Seattle WA
St. Jude Donor '14
Racer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Glendale AZ
It's manufactured by OMNI who buys the synthetic base stock from ExxonMobil currently. They blend in their own package of additives. It's no better or no worse than other low end synthetics so for the price it's a good deal.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Thanks for the response, as was really wanting to see if this stuff was maybe sewer water before putting it in. Probably even pick up another change kit this weekend when doing some shopping. As mentioned, not for the Vette's, as usually Mobil One or Castrol Edge for these.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 15
From: Oxford Ohio
Go for it. The in house NAPA brand is made by Valvolene. So I suspect the inhouse you are talking about is made by an oil company and packaged for them. Ask them who's oil it is. I'm sure O'Reilly's doesn't have a refinery.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Sure its just fine.
In the late 80s used to buy that Chief Auto parts recyled (term) oil and the cheapest filters I could find, never had a problem.
Think many waaaay over think the whole oil/filter brand thing.
Whats "BEST" well... !? Who knows.
Put it in and go. Whatever it is probably much better than what was around back in the day.
In the late 80s used to buy that Chief Auto parts recyled (term) oil and the cheapest filters I could find, never had a problem.
Think many waaaay over think the whole oil/filter brand thing.
Whats "BEST" well... !? Who knows.
Put it in and go. Whatever it is probably much better than what was around back in the day.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
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From: Ontario
Last edited by Paul L; Aug 26, 2011 at 09:58 AM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Was actually a bit reluctant about purchasing this stuff myself, and why I asked. Thought some here would be interested in the deal for daily rides. Just checked the jug and carries the SFI rating, along with seven others. Somehow feel confident using this stuff in my dailly car for the next 5K mi, rarely seeing much over 3000 rpm.
