tig1,
Ok, what is the best synthetic oil out there if Amsoil is not considered top tier? Amsoil seems to hold up better than almost all synthetic oils out there for higher miles between oil changes. To me, that is the gold standard. I am still wondering why Pennzoil doesn't advertise more miles between oil changes with their Ultra Platinum like Amsoil does. They simply state to follow your OEM's guidelines on oil change intervals. Any oil is sufficient for the job going by OEM standards whether it be dino, synthetic blend or full synthetic. My car came factory fill with AC Delco synthetic blend. GM expects the synthetic blend to last thousands of miles between oil changes in a high performance engine with no issues and with no sludge build up. I still don't understand that! I dropped the factory fill at 1,754 miles and went Mobil 1 with an Amsoil filter.
ARB1977,
You are 100% right! I am still very early in my warranty and really don't want to risk anything happening that may put me in a court battle with GM to prove the oil I used superseded Dexos 1 spec, but wasn't on the Dexos 1 approved list. There is a big difference when I think about it. I just re-read the Amsoil data sheet and while it shows the Signature Series 0W30 and 5W30 oils supersedes Dexos 1 spec, it doesn't have the Dexos 1 logo and is NOT on the approved list of oils to run. While I am sure I will be safe to run Amsoil, it is best to avoid any potential issues.
Dallas69,
While I agree with you, I was able to get a case of Mobil 1 5W30 from Costco while they had their $10.00 off per case discount at $27.99 out the door for 6 quarts. When compared with Walmart's $25.17 plus tax 5 quart jug plus $7.74 per additional quart of Mobil 1 plus tax, I scored a better deal buying it by the quart at Costco. My engine takes 6 quarts, so I have to buy 6 quarts. If my engine took only 5 quarts, the 5 quart jugs would be perfect!! Usually, it is cheaper for the 5 quart jug, but not when Costco runs their quarterly deal on a case of Mobil 1 at $27.99 for 6 quarts.
Rat407,
Yes, thank you for the info. After reviewing all data again, I see that running Amsoil may put me at risk of getting any engine related repairs covered under warranty. This is why I really like being on this forum. Nothing, but a wealth of information from a lot of guys that know their stuff.
OVERKILL,
Yes, thank you for the info. Much appreciated. Pennzoil Platinum and Ultra Platinum are both on the Dexos 1 approval list. I don't have a Mercedes, so that approval list doesn't really help me much. I have to make sure I run a Dexos 1 approved oil.
Nick1994,
Yes, while the car wasn't cheap, my question to everyone here was since price is equal which oil would you go with? I am currently running Mobil 1 which is Dexos 1 approved and is much cheaper than the oils I was going to upgrade to. I was basically going to spend more money on oil, not cheap out on the oil.
BHopkins,
You made a very good point. I only plan on going around 5K OCIs with this engine to ensure there is always fresh clean oil and a new filter, so going Amsoil may be overkill. The Ultra Platinum may be the way to go since Pennzoil doesn't say how long you can go on the oil. They state to stick to the OEM OCIs and in my case, it's about 5K-6K miles before my oil life monitor tells me I need to change the oil. Since I drive the car pretty hard and in L.A. driving conditions, the oil life percentage seems to drop very quickly. I am still trying to see if there is any real advantage to going Ultra Platinum over Mobil 1. So far, the reviews I have read of Ultra Platinum from people that switched from Mobil 1 are very positive. Their cars run smoother and quieter overall.
yesthatsteve,
You can never have oil flow fast enough to the critical engine components up top fast enough. The thinner the oil at cold start, the better no matter where you live. I used to run Amsoil 0W30 here in L.A. on my previous LSA engines and noticed how the engine would quiet down faster during cold starts due to the thinner 0W oil.
RedOakRanch,
While, I agree with you, do I really want to take a chance? I am sure the Mobil 1 I am running right now is ok, but I am always looking at going with something better. I just don't know if Ultra Platinum is going to make the car run better, cooler and cleaner.