Base oil versus add pack ....

[Baveux]

I've encountered numerous sources stating that one should pay closer attention to the additive package of an oil rather than its base origin.

Thus, could a mineral base or a blend offer performance of a higher quality than a full synthetic or blend?

 

[CharBaby]

I’m not really qualified to answer but I would think that anything can be done but at what cost?

 

[Glenda W.]

I've encountered numerous sources stating that one should pay closer attention to the additive package of an oil rather than its base origin.

Thus, could a mineral base or a blend offer performance of a higher quality than a full synthetic or blend?

Todays off the shelf synthetic oils are majority group 3 at this point. They do get very creative with additives to boost performance. Problem is we can only see a very small percentage of the actual add pack in a VOA and nobody posts their “recipe”. Best bet would be to look for the most stringent approvals or if money is not a concern buy a boutique that’s majority group 4/5.

 

[BMWTurboDzl]

I've encountered numerous sources stating that one should pay closer attention to the additive package of an oil rather than its base origin.

Thus, could a mineral base or a blend offer performance of a higher quality than a full synthetic or blend?

Depends on the viscosity but generally speaking I'd say no because there's only so much additive that you can add and "more" is not always "better". Besides the customer will never know the type of additives used let along be able to determine which is "better". A UOA does not give you that level of information.

 

[4WD]

How does one pay closer attention?

 

[Baveux]

Opting for conventional oil from a reputable company may be the most sensible, logical, and financially sound decision. The rest may simply be a matter of personal satisfaction, provided that one adheres to the recommended oil change intervals.

 

[userfriendly]

I’m in the Delo, Delvac, Duron and Rotella camps, so obviously I look at the additive packages and manufacturers’ approvals before base oil composition.
I like the attributes of group two base oil and the use of group three to achieve the cold start requirements of a multi grade.
Those products are sometimes called synthetic technology.

 

[kschachn]

Where do you purchase this conventional oil, at least one that would have a minimum current API SP license?

 

[The Critic]

Where do you purchase this conventional oil, at least one that would have a minimum current API SP license?

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/o-reilly-oil/o-reilly-conventional-motor-oil-5-quart/oro0/5305qt

Not sure why anyone would pay this much, but I suppose it does exist.

 

[kschachn]

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/o-reilly-oil/o-reilly-conventional-motor-oil-5-quart/oro0/5305qt

Not sure why anyone would pay this much, but I suppose it does exist.

Yeah I wonder if that is even accurate, I went to the SDS for the product (which actually opened up the one for the High Mileage product) and that noted a synthetic base.

 

[nascarnation]

There are many aspects to "performance".
Most horsepower?
Best fuel economy?
Best wear results on oil analysis sampling?
Lowest lube oil cost per mile of operation?
Least engine mechanical noise?
Least oil consumption?
Best exhaust catalyst life?
Ability to crank at extreme low temperatures?

Some of these require trade-offs vs. others.

So you first have to identify what is of importance for your application.
Then it's possible the smart folks here could give you some direction.

 

[Baveux]

There are many aspects to "performance".
Most horsepower?
Best fuel economy?
Best wear results on oil analysis sampling?
Lowest lube oil cost per mile of operation?
Least engine mechanical noise?
Least oil consumption?
Best exhaust catalyst life?
Ability to crank at extreme low temperatures?

Some of these require trade-offs vs. others.

So you first have to identify what is of importance for your application.
Then it's possible the smart folks here could give you some direction.

While rethinking about it and after reading your interesting post I'll say that paying a premium for an oil if used in normal services is a waste of money but help some to have a better sleep

More horsepower? Mostly unnoticeable
Best fuel economy? Mostly unnoticeable
Best wear results on oil analysis sampling? Marginal importance, placebo effect played the biggest role
Lowest lube oil cost per mile of operation? Not negligeable
Least engine mechanical noise? Placebo effect
Least oil consumption? Measurable and can be important and or negligeable
Best exhaust catalyst life? That can help , but misfiring can ruin all the gain in a very short period of time
Ability to crank at extreme low temperatures? Somewhat important

So my conclusion, buy a certified oil from a reputable company and invest the rest of the money in the S&P 500