I will play the Devil's Advocate for a moment:
https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/1005880/2
Yes, it is a little out of date, but worth bringing to the discussion....
Originally Posted By: Mannix
I work in the industry, and I do have access to most of the larger oil companies recipes for blending, including base oils and additive packages. Conoco-Phillips gets grp-III at or below the cost of locally blended grp-II bases from their Korean enterprise. Their blends are at a minimum of 50% grp-III, to a max of 70%.They are free with this info. Call the CP tech line, and specifically ask for Rex. He is a fluids engineer that I have business contacts with and he will verify. But I wouldn't get too excited about the grp-III component, because the additive pack is a standard SM/GF4 add pack. So their ant-wear and friction reduction, and other characteristics is equivalent to any other quality conventional oil. Unlike Durablend or Syntec, which have advanced packages for additional protection, the CP line is made to primarily pass spec. The grp-III component does aid in cold flow, so that PP depressants can be minimized and in oxidation properties.
Originally Posted By: Mannix
WPP Supertech synthetic uses the Conoco-Phillips stuff for their formulation also. I cant say that they use it exclusively though because they have a long term contract with Motiva. The joint facility you are referring to is the Excels plant in Louisiana. I don't know the exact details,, but prior to GF4, Pennzoil and Conoco-Phillips were contracting this plant for grp-II base oils. I don't know if they still are.
By the way, the lead formulation consultant for CP was instrumental in developing the processes for PAO. As a side note, IMHO, I like the performance of Grp-III synthetics over PAO synthetics.
From what I have seen, the grp-III syns of the major blenders seem to have stronger add packs, thus lower wear.
The PAO's only shine in extremes,
and most passenger cars and light trucks rarely see this type of service.
Originally Posted By: Camu Mahubah
I agree with Mannix. PAO only shines in extremes. Grp III has shown through UOA's to be super stout at least out to 5000 miles.