Oil specs (big difference / same designation)

[Dogsharks]

There's been a lot of (good) info on oil weights posted lately, however, posting (only) the weight designation just provides part of the story.

In fact, oils with the same weight designation can vary vastly in character. Look at the link I posted, and view the listing of specs for oils grouped in weight categories.

Of all the spec-hunting I've done, Amsoil appears to have the best. I'm an architect, have no financial interest in auto parts, oil, car sales, etc., so my info is not biased from a financial point of view. Since I've written specs for a quarter century, I'm used to looking at them, and Amsoil seems to be the best.


This link, although somewhat dated, is the "bible" for oil spec comparison. If anyone has a better link, please post it.

I've been using Mobil-1 15W50 in my '83 928S 5-speed, '84 944, and '90 S2 944 with good results. I've tried Amsoil 20W50 in the 928 and noticed no difference, although the Amsoil product is rated better, it's the kind of difference you can't see readily on just looking at the gauge. You will note, by the way, Amsoil 20W50 (and Mobil-1 15W50)flows better than some of the other oils also listed "20W50", and also better than some oils with a MUCH LOWER weight classification.

The point of this post is: don't just rely on the weight designation posted on the can. Look at the specs, because oils with the same weight designation on the can may have a vast difference in performance.

regards, Dogsharks




www.micapeak.com/info/oiled.html

[Dogsharks]

In addition to the aformentioned specification link, here are some specs for three products I consider to be "benchmarks" in the oil industry. Compare what you are using to these products. One nice thing about Amsoil, in particular, they lay out all their specs for the world to see. Not all oil manufacturers will do this, some for obviious reasons.



<a href="http://www.amsoil.com/products/tro.html"><a href="http://www.amsoil.com/products/tro.html">www.amsoil.com/products/tro.html</a></a>
Here’s the link to the Amsoil Series 2000 20W50 which I believe to be “one of the best” money can buy. Check the spec against what you are using.
Here's a pic.

www.amsoil.com/products/prodpics/2003/tro_bottle_350pxh.jpg








If it’s too thick for you (my motors are all over 100,000 miles) then I’d suggest looking at this spec
<a href="http://www.amsoil.com/products/tso.html"><a href="http://www.amsoil.com/products/tso.html">www.amsoil.com/products/tso.html</a></a>

Here's a pic
www.amsoil.com/products/prodpics/2003/tso_bottle_350pxh.jpg








If you’re running a turbocharger, then this spec may be the best for you, as it is specially formulated to avoid thickening due to heat exposure.

here's a pic
www.amsoil.com/products/prodpics/2003/atm_qt_600pxh.jpg



Here's the spec
<a href="http://www.amsoil.com/products/atm.html"><a href="http://www.amsoil.com/products/atm.html">www.amsoil.com/products/atm.html</a></a>

Since Amsoil is not available in some areas, you can use these specs as a benchmark to meet or beat. Amsoil is not a mega-company, they just produce a top quality (and expensive) product. Being “big” never was an assurance that you are also “good”.

Hope these specs prove useful,
happy motoring!

Dogsharks



>> Edited by dogsharks on Tuesday 21st September 14:58

>> Edited by dogsharks on Tuesday 21st September 15:01

>> Edited by dogsharks on Tuesday 21st September 15:03

[raftom]

Are there any european distributors for Amsoil?

[iguana]

raftom said:

Are there any european distributors for Amsoil?

Boots the Chemists.

















Oh hang on a mo, no thats Anusol

[ian8542]

Think Demon Tweeks have it.

[opieoilman]

If you want specs to compare then look here.

Motul, Silkolene, Fuchs, Castrol, Mobil1 and Total.

Happy browsing!

www.opieoils.co.uk/lubricants.htm

Look at VI Index, HTHS if mentioned and composition, esters are the best basestocks.

Cheers
Guy