Does oil brand really matter?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 219
Likes: 0
Does oil brand really matter?
I'm curious if any of you have really noticed a decrease in actual engine wear or increase in engine life from switching to another brand of synthetic oil? The more I read the more I tend to believe that Mobil 1 is all the Corvette needs. I'm not saying Redline or Amsoil aren't better, but that no engine failures are ever reported from using Mobil 1 5w30. I think all three are great products, but I've yet to see a situation arise where another lubricant was called for due to inadequate performance of Mobil 1.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,205
Likes: 40
From: Tucson AZ
I used Amsoil for years and I am sure that Redline is good too, but Mobil 1 is cheaper and easier to obtain; that is all I use now. Also, I once disassembled a Chev V6 engine, with 180K mobil 1 miles on it, and found NO discernible wear!
Racer
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 477
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Texas
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 4,067
Likes: 62
From: Houston Texas
For an everyday driver or cruze on the weekends no it doesn't matter, Moble 1 is an excellent product. If you plan to track your car, blower, turbo, etc. than yes there are several products out there that are better than M1 and can make a difference over time. For the average vette owner who puts 2k miles a year on their car, makes no difference. 
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 56,381
Likes: 79
I think most will agree that it makes a big difference in shifting effort in the 6 speed, and Amsoil has some additives that Mobil 1 removed to help GM with emissions.
From an Amsoils oil vendoor and a SCCA T1 racer:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ghlight=amsoil
From an Amsoils oil vendoor and a SCCA T1 racer:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ghlight=amsoil
My take on the above comments.
First, the owner's manual requires an oil meeting GM Standard 4178M. The above listed Mobil 1 product (Truck and SUV 5w30) does not meet this standard per Mobil 1's website. If your car is under warranty and you want to comply with the owner's manual, you shouldn't use the Truck and SUV 5w30.
API Restrictions
The new API SM/ILSAC GF-4 standards have higher performance standards than older standards, but they actually severely restrict ZDDP (anti-wear) additives (in general by limiting phosphorus to 0.08% for ). This was done at the behest of the automotive industry to help them meet EPA requirements, and protect the catalytic not protect the engine.
Here are the notes at the bottom of the API oil certification form which lay out the various restrictions on the many different types and viscosities of oils:
***Phosphorus content by ASTM D 4951. Sulfur content by ASTM D 4951 or D 2622.
****Phosphorus limits of 0.08 max and 0.06 min apply to API SM SAE 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-20, 5W-30 and 10W-30 oils. A phosphorus limit of 0.10 max applies to API SJ SAE 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30 and 10W-30 oils and API SL SAE 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30 oils. A limit of 0.12 max applies to API CJ-4 and API SH SAE 5W-30 and 10W-30 oils (SH must be preceded by a “C” category). If CF-4, CG-4, CH-4, and/or CI-4 categories precede SM or SL and there is no API Certification Mark, the limit for phosphorus does not apply. If CJ-4 precedes SM or SL and there is no API Certification Mark, the CJ-4 limit of 0.12 applies.
*****A sulfur limit of 0.5 max applies to API SM SAE 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-20, and 5W-30 oils and 0.7 max to API SM SAE 10W-30 oils. A limit of 0.4 max applies to API CJ-4 oils.
For the more adventurous willing to stray from the owner's manual requirements, several types of oils carry more antiwear additives and do not comply with the new API SM specification for automobiles. These include diesel oils, high mileage oil, marine motor oils, etc.
As a fairly telling example of the impact the API SM specification of xW20 and xw30 grade oils has on an oil's performance, I complied these High Temp High Shear rating directly from the various manufacturer's websites last year. I think it is interesting to see the impact that viscosity, brand and API specification has on how the oil performs in high temp high shear conditions, arguably the type seen in the LS7, particularly track driven cars. And disagreeing with AU N EGL above, the "extended drain" versions tend to perform better due to higher antiwear additive levels.
Amsoil Series 2000 20w50 (API SM) – 5.8
Amsoil Premium Protection 20w50 (API SL) – 5.0
Amsoil Marine Synthetic 10w40 (API SL) – 4.6
Mobil 1 EP 15w50 (API SM) – 4.6
Pennzoil Marine SAE 40 (API SJ) – 4.5
Mobil 1 15w50 (API SM) – 4.5
Amsoil Heavy Duty Diesel 15w40 (CI-4+) – 4.4
Amsoil Premium Protection 10w40 (API SL) – 4.3
Amsoil XL 10w40 (API SM) – 4.3
Pennzoil Truck/SUV 15w40 (CI-4+) – 4.3
Pennzoil Long Life Heavy Duty 15w40 (API SL) – 4.3
Amsoil Premium Diesel 5w40 (CJ-4) – 4.2
Mobil 1 High Mileage 10w40 (API SL) – 4.06
Pennzoil Marine 15w40 (API SL) – 4.0
Amsoil European 5w40 (API SM) – 3.7
Mobil 1 High Mileage 10w30 (API SL) – 3.66
Amsoil Marine Motor 10w30 (API SL) – 3.64
Mobil 1 0w40 (API SM) – 3.6
Amsoil Heavy Duty Diesel 5w30 (CI-4+) – 3.5
Pennzoil Long Life Heavy Duty (API SL) – 3.5
Pennzoil Marine SAE 30 (API SJ) – 3.5
Amsoil Series 2000 0w30 (API SM) – 3.2 (meets GM Standard 4718M)
Amsoil SAE 10w30 (API SM) – 3.2 (meets GM Standard 4718M)
Amsoil SAE 5w30 (API SM) – 3.2 (meets GM Standard 4718M)
Amsoil XL 5w30 (API SM) – 3.2 (meets GM Standard 4718M)
Amsoil XL 10w30 (API SM) – 3.2 (meets GM Standard 4718M)
Amsoil XL 5w30 (API SM) – 3.2 (meets GM Standard 4718M)
Pennzoil Platinum 10w30 (API SM) – 3.15 (meets GM Standard 4718M)
Mobil 1 10w30 (API SM) – 3.14 (meets GM Standard 4718M)
Mobil 1 EP 10w30 (API SM) – 3.1
Mobil 1 EP 5w30 (API SM) – 3.1
Pennzoil Platinum 5w30 (API SM) – 3.1 (meets GM Standard 4718M)
Pennzoil Truck/SUV 10w30 (API SM) – 3.1
Mobil 1 5w30 (API SM) – 3.09 (meets GM Standard 4718M)
Mobil 1 Truck/SUV 5w30 (API SM) – 3.09
Pennzoil Truck/SUV 5w30 (API SM) – 3.0
Mobil 1 0w30 (API SM) – 2.99 (meets GM Standard 4718M)
Amsoil SAE 0w20 (API SM) – 2.8
Amsoil XL 5w20 (API SM) – 2.7
Mobil 1 EP 5w20 (API SM) – 2.7
Mobil 1 5w20 (API SM) – 2.62
Mobil 1 0w20 (API SM) – 2.61
Pennzoil Platinum 5w20 (API SM) – 2.6
Pennzoil Truck/SUV 5w30 (API SM) – 2.6
Pennzoil Platinum 0w20 (API SM) – 2.6
Data verified from corporate website May 07.
Note: Many companies such as Castrol, Shell, and Royal Purple do not list HTHS ratings
First, the owner's manual requires an oil meeting GM Standard 4178M. The above listed Mobil 1 product (Truck and SUV 5w30) does not meet this standard per Mobil 1's website. If your car is under warranty and you want to comply with the owner's manual, you shouldn't use the Truck and SUV 5w30.
API Restrictions
The new API SM/ILSAC GF-4 standards have higher performance standards than older standards, but they actually severely restrict ZDDP (anti-wear) additives (in general by limiting phosphorus to 0.08% for ). This was done at the behest of the automotive industry to help them meet EPA requirements, and protect the catalytic not protect the engine.
Here are the notes at the bottom of the API oil certification form which lay out the various restrictions on the many different types and viscosities of oils:
***Phosphorus content by ASTM D 4951. Sulfur content by ASTM D 4951 or D 2622.
****Phosphorus limits of 0.08 max and 0.06 min apply to API SM SAE 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-20, 5W-30 and 10W-30 oils. A phosphorus limit of 0.10 max applies to API SJ SAE 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30 and 10W-30 oils and API SL SAE 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-20, 5W-30, and 10W-30 oils. A limit of 0.12 max applies to API CJ-4 and API SH SAE 5W-30 and 10W-30 oils (SH must be preceded by a “C” category). If CF-4, CG-4, CH-4, and/or CI-4 categories precede SM or SL and there is no API Certification Mark, the limit for phosphorus does not apply. If CJ-4 precedes SM or SL and there is no API Certification Mark, the CJ-4 limit of 0.12 applies.
*****A sulfur limit of 0.5 max applies to API SM SAE 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-20, and 5W-30 oils and 0.7 max to API SM SAE 10W-30 oils. A limit of 0.4 max applies to API CJ-4 oils.
For the more adventurous willing to stray from the owner's manual requirements, several types of oils carry more antiwear additives and do not comply with the new API SM specification for automobiles. These include diesel oils, high mileage oil, marine motor oils, etc.
As a fairly telling example of the impact the API SM specification of xW20 and xw30 grade oils has on an oil's performance, I complied these High Temp High Shear rating directly from the various manufacturer's websites last year. I think it is interesting to see the impact that viscosity, brand and API specification has on how the oil performs in high temp high shear conditions, arguably the type seen in the LS7, particularly track driven cars. And disagreeing with AU N EGL above, the "extended drain" versions tend to perform better due to higher antiwear additive levels.
Amsoil Series 2000 20w50 (API SM) – 5.8
Amsoil Premium Protection 20w50 (API SL) – 5.0
Amsoil Marine Synthetic 10w40 (API SL) – 4.6
Mobil 1 EP 15w50 (API SM) – 4.6
Pennzoil Marine SAE 40 (API SJ) – 4.5
Mobil 1 15w50 (API SM) – 4.5
Amsoil Heavy Duty Diesel 15w40 (CI-4+) – 4.4
Amsoil Premium Protection 10w40 (API SL) – 4.3
Amsoil XL 10w40 (API SM) – 4.3
Pennzoil Truck/SUV 15w40 (CI-4+) – 4.3
Pennzoil Long Life Heavy Duty 15w40 (API SL) – 4.3
Amsoil Premium Diesel 5w40 (CJ-4) – 4.2
Mobil 1 High Mileage 10w40 (API SL) – 4.06
Pennzoil Marine 15w40 (API SL) – 4.0
Amsoil European 5w40 (API SM) – 3.7
Mobil 1 High Mileage 10w30 (API SL) – 3.66
Amsoil Marine Motor 10w30 (API SL) – 3.64
Mobil 1 0w40 (API SM) – 3.6
Amsoil Heavy Duty Diesel 5w30 (CI-4+) – 3.5
Pennzoil Long Life Heavy Duty (API SL) – 3.5
Pennzoil Marine SAE 30 (API SJ) – 3.5
Amsoil Series 2000 0w30 (API SM) – 3.2 (meets GM Standard 4718M)
Amsoil SAE 10w30 (API SM) – 3.2 (meets GM Standard 4718M)
Amsoil SAE 5w30 (API SM) – 3.2 (meets GM Standard 4718M)
Amsoil XL 5w30 (API SM) – 3.2 (meets GM Standard 4718M)
Amsoil XL 10w30 (API SM) – 3.2 (meets GM Standard 4718M)
Amsoil XL 5w30 (API SM) – 3.2 (meets GM Standard 4718M)
Pennzoil Platinum 10w30 (API SM) – 3.15 (meets GM Standard 4718M)
Mobil 1 10w30 (API SM) – 3.14 (meets GM Standard 4718M)
Mobil 1 EP 10w30 (API SM) – 3.1
Mobil 1 EP 5w30 (API SM) – 3.1
Pennzoil Platinum 5w30 (API SM) – 3.1 (meets GM Standard 4718M)
Pennzoil Truck/SUV 10w30 (API SM) – 3.1
Mobil 1 5w30 (API SM) – 3.09 (meets GM Standard 4718M)
Mobil 1 Truck/SUV 5w30 (API SM) – 3.09
Pennzoil Truck/SUV 5w30 (API SM) – 3.0
Mobil 1 0w30 (API SM) – 2.99 (meets GM Standard 4718M)
Amsoil SAE 0w20 (API SM) – 2.8
Amsoil XL 5w20 (API SM) – 2.7
Mobil 1 EP 5w20 (API SM) – 2.7
Mobil 1 5w20 (API SM) – 2.62
Mobil 1 0w20 (API SM) – 2.61
Pennzoil Platinum 5w20 (API SM) – 2.6
Pennzoil Truck/SUV 5w30 (API SM) – 2.6
Pennzoil Platinum 0w20 (API SM) – 2.6
Data verified from corporate website May 07.
Note: Many companies such as Castrol, Shell, and Royal Purple do not list HTHS ratings
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 2
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,083
Likes: 3
From: Buena Park CA
AmsOil
I use AmsOil in all my vehicles; engine, transmission, and rear end, and I use their grease.....I love their stuff. I've seen their power, gas mileage, and wear comparisons against Mobil 1, Castrol, Pensoil (yuck), others...AmsOil beats them all. However, any synthetic is the most logical choice.....you spend $50,000+ on an absolutely gorgeous vehicle, why use cheap oil? More professional racers are using AmsOil and that should mean something I think; just my two cents, but obviously it's the user's choice.
Premium Supporting Vendor
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 5,364
Likes: 38
From: King George VA
Not sure if it qualifies as a decrease, but my wife's 03 Chevy Trailblazer, which has the 5.3L V-8 in it, is showing very low wear numbers compared to Blackstone Labs average for that motor family:
Chevy Trailblazer AMSOIL XL 5w30 Used Oil Analysis
I did get a used oil analysis done on my 06 CTS-V about 3000 miles after I bought it, but don't have an oil sample on the Series 2000 0w30 I have in it yet. OLM is showing 41% right now...
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AMSOIL Preferred Customer Program (Members buy at Wholesale - a savings of about 25%)
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 0
From: Eagle River Wisconsin
St. Jude Donor '08
Stay with Mobil 1, I don't think anything is any better. I use Mobil1 in all my gasoline engines, lawn mowers, riders, snowblowers and generators. It never fails me.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 13,592
Likes: 187
From: Hudson WI
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,597
Likes: 3
From: READING PA
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I use MOBILE1 in all the vettes I have and had. However Royal PURPLE
shows a dyno test where they show a 9 HP increase by simply changing
from regular oil to ROYAL PURPLE.
shows a dyno test where they show a 9 HP increase by simply changing
from regular oil to ROYAL PURPLE.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 663
Likes: 0
From: Arvada CO
For an everyday driver or cruze on the weekends no it doesn't matter, Moble 1 is an excellent product. If you plan to track your car, blower, turbo, etc. than yes there are several products out there that are better than M1 and can make a difference over time. For the average vette owner who puts 2k miles a year on their car, makes no difference.
I do use my 07 vette as a daily driver, about 8000 miles a year. I dont race or track my car, but I get 'on it' whenever I can. I believe that Mobil 1 is an excellent product for my needs. I also believe that keeping the oil clean is MORE important than the brand for a daily driver. I do NOT wait until the DIC says some very low percentage remaining.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,236
Likes: 61
From: Branford, Connecticut
As long as the oil meets the manufacturers requirements, it's fine. I will use whatever 5w30 synthetic meets those requirements, and that is on sale. I thnk for my last oil change, I used Valvoline 5w30
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Only the answers to 4 questions matter
1. Is it a Brand I trust?
2. Does it meet the spec for my Vehicle? ( GM4718M)
3. Is it the correct viscosity for my vehcile? ( 5W30 or 10W30)
4. Is it a price I am prepared to pay?
To my knowledge, Oils meeting GM4718m
Formula Shell Fully Synthetic
Quaker State HorsePower
Pennzoil Platinum
Mobil1
Redline
Ammsoil
Castrol syntec
1. Is it a Brand I trust?
2. Does it meet the spec for my Vehicle? ( GM4718M)
3. Is it the correct viscosity for my vehcile? ( 5W30 or 10W30)
4. Is it a price I am prepared to pay?
To my knowledge, Oils meeting GM4718m
Formula Shell Fully Synthetic
Quaker State HorsePower
Pennzoil Platinum
Mobil1
Redline
Ammsoil
Castrol syntec
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,236
Likes: 61
From: Branford, Connecticut
The only difference between the engines in Corvettes of today and say a 68 Vette, is the electronics. The rotating asemblies are pretty much the same. So why does the new Vette require Synthetic oil? Didn't all the older Vettes with big blocks and hig revving, high horsepower small blocks use conventional oil? I bet you could use conventional oil in a new Vette and not have a single problem
Drifting
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,709
Likes: 18
From: Montgomery Il.