Mobil 1 oil...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 199
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From: Bradford Mass
Mobil 1 oil...
Hey everyone, winter here in New England and as a result all I can do is read about Vettes and not drive mine 
. I was reading up on Mobil 1 and various independent studies/lab work down on various types of oil and I found that most say the quality of Mobil 1 oil has slid quite a bit in order to be a factory fill for lesser vehicles/more accesible- Wal-Mart etc (Many people switching to synthetic). Anyone else hear or see anything regarding this? Mobil 1 filters are still supposedly top dog for quality, thinking about switching to Royal Purple for engine oil in my TrailblazerSS for the rest of the winter and see how the quality is before next spring, it has the LS2 so drivability would be similar (performance/feel/color). I run Mobil 1 in every car I own so this set me back a little...
. I was reading up on Mobil 1 and various independent studies/lab work down on various types of oil and I found that most say the quality of Mobil 1 oil has slid quite a bit in order to be a factory fill for lesser vehicles/more accesible- Wal-Mart etc (Many people switching to synthetic). Anyone else hear or see anything regarding this? Mobil 1 filters are still supposedly top dog for quality, thinking about switching to Royal Purple for engine oil in my TrailblazerSS for the rest of the winter and see how the quality is before next spring, it has the LS2 so drivability would be similar (performance/feel/color). I run Mobil 1 in every car I own so this set me back a little...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
I'll stick with Mobil 1. 110,000 miles and no problems. There was a post on this where a drag racer (using highly modified engines) reported he had 2 engine blows with Royal Purple and NONE with Mobil1.
I switched from DELCO Premium UPF-44 Oil Filters to WIX (or NAPA Gold, same filter), because I was concerned about oil pressure. My cold oil pressure increased 10-15 psi. Since the oil sensor is after the filter, this means an increase in flow. An oil analysis showed no difference. I think premium filters filter too good, at the cost of oil flow. Not saying they actually hurt your car.
I switched from DELCO Premium UPF-44 Oil Filters to WIX (or NAPA Gold, same filter), because I was concerned about oil pressure. My cold oil pressure increased 10-15 psi. Since the oil sensor is after the filter, this means an increase in flow. An oil analysis showed no difference. I think premium filters filter too good, at the cost of oil flow. Not saying they actually hurt your car.
Last edited by Oldvetter; Dec 30, 2007 at 11:04 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,554
Likes: 35
From: Godfrey IL
I was reading up on Mobil 1 and various independent studies/lab work down on various types of oil and I found that most say the quality of Mobil 1 oil has slid quite a bit in order to be a factory fill for lesser vehicles/more accesible- Wal-Mart etc (Many people switching to synthetic). .
Independent studies... guys in their garage with nothing better to do?
I would say you don't have anything to worry about. Mobil does not want to join lesser quality oils when Mobil 1 has been at the top of the heap for so long...
Pro
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 669
Likes: 0
From: CA
When GM STOPS putting Mobile One in new Corvettes, then you may want to take a second look at your options. I'm sure not going to try to out engineer an engineer. There's a reason they chose Mobile One. While it may only be a better price from Mobile to GM, I think otherwise. I don't see many postings on this site about blown engines and Mobile One. After reading the post about Ferrari, I think $40.00 every six months or so is a pretty reasonable cost for oil in my vette.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 188
Likes: 0
In the Amsoil booklet it shows Castrol Syntec as a better then Mobile 1 product. However it also says that it is no comparison to their synthetic oil. Therefore I chose to use Castroll @ 4 bucks a qt. Amsoil is double that price.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,887
Likes: 2
From: Macomb MI
St. Jude Contributor
Royal Purple here 
Engine, Trans and Torque converter no issues. Just because GM uses it, doesn't mean it's the best just the best bang for their dollar. Bottom line it's your car run what you like
Engine, Trans and Torque converter no issues. Just because GM uses it, doesn't mean it's the best just the best bang for their dollar. Bottom line it's your car run what you like
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 4,735
Likes: 14
From: Visalia CA
I too have heard that the quality of Mobil1 has slid a tad. But like's been said. It still meets the same specs.
As long as GM continues to put Mobil1 in their Corvettes, I think I'll continue to put it in mine.
As long as GM continues to put Mobil1 in their Corvettes, I think I'll continue to put it in mine.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,993
Likes: 7
From: LaPine Oregon
Please post your references...............
vettesmith02 strated on the right track with asking who are these 'guys'. Please all posters, post your reference study , resource or quotes so that we can give credence to your post.
Most studies are funded by a manufacturer or concern and with no suprise they generally support the manufacturer's claims ( if published report is biased in their favor, naturally).
Studies also may have results that may not be applicable to real world or our vehicle application ( such as industrial applications for lubricants).
Vague references, "he said- she said", or I heard somewhere comments will not illuminate , enlighten , sway or educate which is the reason for your post.
As far as Mobil One motor oil , unless new facts can be verified to confirm a superior oil to what GM assures is the correct oil ( big gamble to them if the oil fails, yes?), then I'll stay with what works. Thanks for your concern.
Most studies are funded by a manufacturer or concern and with no suprise they generally support the manufacturer's claims ( if published report is biased in their favor, naturally).
Studies also may have results that may not be applicable to real world or our vehicle application ( such as industrial applications for lubricants).
Vague references, "he said- she said", or I heard somewhere comments will not illuminate , enlighten , sway or educate which is the reason for your post.
As far as Mobil One motor oil , unless new facts can be verified to confirm a superior oil to what GM assures is the correct oil ( big gamble to them if the oil fails, yes?), then I'll stay with what works. Thanks for your concern.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 199
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From: Bradford Mass
I agree with everyone on here, I am am just stating what I have read and was wondering if anyone else heard the same. I agree that Mobil 1 is great, I have never had any problems whatsoever, They (mobil 1) did just complete a 44k miles trip around the world on a SINGLE oil change with no signs of excessive wear on the engine (land rovers). I have Royal Purple in all other parts of my Vette and TBSS except engine oil, and it feels great, checked after 3500miles on the trans fluid and it still looks great. I was just wondering if there was something better out there for engine oil. Hell Mercedes switched to Mobil 1 back in the mid 90's for the V12's that burnt over a qt every 3,000 miles, with Mobil1 it burnt next to nothing. I have always prefered M1, I also do my oil changes every 3K on the button, I know lots of people go closer to 5k miles, so I don't think even if quality did slide at all, it would never affect myself. I saw Ferarri switched factory fill, just throwing out there what I read.
As for quoting the source, (I don't want to quote sources anymore I am sick of law papers! lol, jk) it was on the other forum I am on somewhere TBSSOWNERS.com...I'll find it, my puppy just had some surgery but give me a couple days I'll get it on here. I also read online at Motortrend, comments being made about M1 slipping in quality because it is being considered by Ford and other manuf. for certain vehicles to be a factory fill- so many people are reading into "switch to syntehic and get better gas mileage". Mostly just as posted before, people in garages who hire someone at a lab to test viscosity and what not out, nothing hugely funded. I didn't realize this was a touchy issue, I was just throwing out there what I read on some forums as well as what my Benz tech buddies are saying as well as 2 gm tech's that I am friends with. This is turning into a pissing contest, it's almost worse than ford vs chevy (which we all know the answer to haha), I apologize, just wanted to pick people's brains and see if anyone else heard the same things.
As for quoting the source, (I don't want to quote sources anymore I am sick of law papers! lol, jk) it was on the other forum I am on somewhere TBSSOWNERS.com...I'll find it, my puppy just had some surgery but give me a couple days I'll get it on here. I also read online at Motortrend, comments being made about M1 slipping in quality because it is being considered by Ford and other manuf. for certain vehicles to be a factory fill- so many people are reading into "switch to syntehic and get better gas mileage". Mostly just as posted before, people in garages who hire someone at a lab to test viscosity and what not out, nothing hugely funded. I didn't realize this was a touchy issue, I was just throwing out there what I read on some forums as well as what my Benz tech buddies are saying as well as 2 gm tech's that I am friends with. This is turning into a pissing contest, it's almost worse than ford vs chevy (which we all know the answer to haha), I apologize, just wanted to pick people's brains and see if anyone else heard the same things.
Last edited by ZO6TrailblazerSS; Dec 30, 2007 at 03:12 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,374
Likes: 423
When I started using Mobil 1 in the 80's it was perfectly clear. It looked like salad oil. It stayed that way until the car had over 75k miles. Then it would darken just a bit before the next change. By the looks of the oil I knew that engine was clean.
Now Mobil 1 looks brown going in just like regular oil. I don't see the thinking behind that.
Now Mobil 1 looks brown going in just like regular oil. I don't see the thinking behind that.
Jacks996
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: eagle mountain lake tx
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
do a search for this, there have been a lot of people talking about Mobil 1. all the oil analysis says mobil 1 doesn't even begin to wear at 5k miles. I'll stick with it.
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I've not heard any negatives being written about Mobil 1, but that's not to say there hasn't been any. I just don't see many articles on oil quality. I've had very good luck with Mobil 1 so far and will continue to keep it in my car. If you want to try Royal Purple, that's OK too. I'm sure it is a good alternative to Mobil 1.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,152
Likes: 3
From: Hawaii
Earl is Earl...............
Come on guys! 264 hits and ONLY 14 responses...... I'm so disaapointed...
I'll take the "bait".
Earl is Earl! They ALL meet the specs required by GM. I use Amsoil because 1) I heard it was tops & 2) I get it wholesale. ($4.25 a quart) I have always used Royal Purple and Mobile when Amsoil wasn't available in both my cars & motorcycles. I really don't think there is "that much" difference in the three. There are 2 or 3 other brands that are up there as well. GM puts them in their top performers because they have a "good deal" contract with Mobil just as they do with the tire and battery manufactures. The key is 1- does it meet the required specs, 2- availability & 3- price.
Earl is Earl! Don't sweat the small stuff.
I'll take the "bait".
Earl is Earl! They ALL meet the specs required by GM. I use Amsoil because 1) I heard it was tops & 2) I get it wholesale. ($4.25 a quart) I have always used Royal Purple and Mobile when Amsoil wasn't available in both my cars & motorcycles. I really don't think there is "that much" difference in the three. There are 2 or 3 other brands that are up there as well. GM puts them in their top performers because they have a "good deal" contract with Mobil just as they do with the tire and battery manufactures. The key is 1- does it meet the required specs, 2- availability & 3- price.
Earl is Earl! Don't sweat the small stuff.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
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ExxonMobil Strengthens GM Racing Technology Partnership in 2007
FAIRFAX, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE1)--ExxonMobil today announces the 11th year of its technical partnership with reigning American Le Mans Series (ALMS) champions General Motors (GM) Corvette Racing team and further support of GM’s Cadillac, Pontiac and Cobalt race teams.
The six-time ALMS championship winning Corvette team will continue to only use Mobil 1 lubricants in all engine and gearbox preparations, something it has chosen to do since the team’s formation in 1996. The Corvette team holds Mobil 1 products in such high regard it recommends them for use by other race teams who purchase Corvette Racing cars each season.
For the 2007 season, as part of a two-year deal, ExxonMobil will support official GM teams in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Speed World Challenge; drift racing and NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) championship. Cadillac Racing, Pontiac Solstice Racing and Cobalt Racing teams respectively will use Mobil 1 lubricants and fuels. Mobil 1 branding will appear on all race cars, drivers’ suits, support vehicles and in GM’s advertising and promotional material.
In just eight years, GM Corvette Racing has won the top GT class in the gruelling 24-hour Le Mans five times and recorded 51 race victories and six manufacturers' championship victories in ALMS using the LS7.R Corvette engine filled with Mobil 1 lubricant.
Mobil 1 products were GM’s first-choice when the manufacturer began developing the racing Corvette in 1996 under the stewardship of Doug Fehan. Fehan, a former American racer turned program manager, has established himself as one of the most respected team principals in sports car racing. World Sports Car and Trans-Am titles were the forerunners to his current unrivalled winning streak with Corvette Racing. During the subsequent decade of development, the team has continued to use Mobil 1. Extensive engine testing and post-race analysis reveal minimal component wear, improved engine reliability and outright performance. “Ten years ago Mobil 1 was the best. To this day it continues to offer the best performance for our engines and gearboxes,” adds Fehan.
To get the race cars onto the winners’ podium as quickly as possible, the team chose components, manufacturers and suppliers with a known and envied track record, as Mike Atkins, Purchasing/Customer Service Manager for Pratt & Miller, explains, “Mobil 1 has always been highly regarded throughout GM by the GTO, Cadillac and GTS V8 race teams. We needed a lubricant that would not only maximize power and reliability of the Corvette’s road-orientated engine, but also provide a stable platform from which to develop its potential. Mobil 1 exceeded our requirements.”
FAIRFAX, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE1)--ExxonMobil today announces the 11th year of its technical partnership with reigning American Le Mans Series (ALMS) champions General Motors (GM) Corvette Racing team and further support of GM’s Cadillac, Pontiac and Cobalt race teams.
The six-time ALMS championship winning Corvette team will continue to only use Mobil 1 lubricants in all engine and gearbox preparations, something it has chosen to do since the team’s formation in 1996. The Corvette team holds Mobil 1 products in such high regard it recommends them for use by other race teams who purchase Corvette Racing cars each season.
For the 2007 season, as part of a two-year deal, ExxonMobil will support official GM teams in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Speed World Challenge; drift racing and NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) championship. Cadillac Racing, Pontiac Solstice Racing and Cobalt Racing teams respectively will use Mobil 1 lubricants and fuels. Mobil 1 branding will appear on all race cars, drivers’ suits, support vehicles and in GM’s advertising and promotional material.
In just eight years, GM Corvette Racing has won the top GT class in the gruelling 24-hour Le Mans five times and recorded 51 race victories and six manufacturers' championship victories in ALMS using the LS7.R Corvette engine filled with Mobil 1 lubricant.
Mobil 1 products were GM’s first-choice when the manufacturer began developing the racing Corvette in 1996 under the stewardship of Doug Fehan. Fehan, a former American racer turned program manager, has established himself as one of the most respected team principals in sports car racing. World Sports Car and Trans-Am titles were the forerunners to his current unrivalled winning streak with Corvette Racing. During the subsequent decade of development, the team has continued to use Mobil 1. Extensive engine testing and post-race analysis reveal minimal component wear, improved engine reliability and outright performance. “Ten years ago Mobil 1 was the best. To this day it continues to offer the best performance for our engines and gearboxes,” adds Fehan.
To get the race cars onto the winners’ podium as quickly as possible, the team chose components, manufacturers and suppliers with a known and envied track record, as Mike Atkins, Purchasing/Customer Service Manager for Pratt & Miller, explains, “Mobil 1 has always been highly regarded throughout GM by the GTO, Cadillac and GTS V8 race teams. We needed a lubricant that would not only maximize power and reliability of the Corvette’s road-orientated engine, but also provide a stable platform from which to develop its potential. Mobil 1 exceeded our requirements.”
Amsoil is a high quality oil, among the best, but don't let the testing fool you.