Formula Shell Synthetic
- Thread starter viapol
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Originally Posted By: viapol
I was in my Shell station today and noticed a SYNTHETIC FORM.Shell.Is this any good? It was 4.99 QT. I have never seen this before, but maybe I never paid as much attention to oil as I do now??
It's been around for as long as the conventional Formula Shell. It's a decent Group III synthetic.
I was in my Shell station today and noticed a SYNTHETIC FORM.Shell.Is this any good? It was 4.99 QT. I have never seen this before, but maybe I never paid as much attention to oil as I do now??
It's been around for as long as the conventional Formula Shell. It's a decent Group III synthetic.
I see that all the time in BJ's, in cases of 6 bottles, for pretty decent prices. I was always curious about it, but never bought any. How are the additives in it? Will it hold up for a longer oil change?
If I was under warranty, doing 5000 mile changes, I'd probably use it with a low cost filter for the warranty.
If I was under warranty, doing 5000 mile changes, I'd probably use it with a low cost filter for the warranty.
The price on this stuff is great but i'm not too sure about it when compared to some other gpIII oils in terms of longevity. I used to have an 00' miata (1.8L dohc, 9:1 compression to give you an idea) which aren't known for being hard on oils and it would consume quite a bit of 5w30 formula shell "full synthetic". The stuff pours out like a soft drink(no joke but that doesn't mean it's a bad thing) Castrol syntec for example was far more robust it seemed but it would also cost about $20 more for the same amount. Castrol always seems pretty expensive off the shelf.
I must admit when using the oil I was doing a 100mile commute 2-3 weekly and with the short gearing on a miata the tach was at around 4200 rpms for a couple of hrs so perhaps a 40wt oil would have been ideal which for shell synthetics you'd have to look into buying rotella which can actually be had for around the same price and it's a top shelf oil. Some people are apprehensive about using oils that are marketed towards diesel engines as it could possibly affect emissions so that's something to keep in mind I guess.
I must admit when using the oil I was doing a 100mile commute 2-3 weekly and with the short gearing on a miata the tach was at around 4200 rpms for a couple of hrs so perhaps a 40wt oil would have been ideal which for shell synthetics you'd have to look into buying rotella which can actually be had for around the same price and it's a top shelf oil. Some people are apprehensive about using oils that are marketed towards diesel engines as it could possibly affect emissions so that's something to keep in mind I guess.
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Originally Posted By: esco
The price on this stuff is great but i'm not too sure about it when compared to some other gpIII oils in terms of longevity.
Take a look at this UOA of conventional Formula Shell that was run for 1 year and 7000 miles. If conventional FS can do this good, the synthetic should have no problem.
The price on this stuff is great but i'm not too sure about it when compared to some other gpIII oils in terms of longevity.
Take a look at this UOA of conventional Formula Shell that was run for 1 year and 7000 miles. If conventional FS can do this good, the synthetic should have no problem.
I did take a look at that used oil analysis before posting my opinion on my past experiences and it's why I explained my thoughts thoroughly as well, a 2hr freeway commute done on a peaky engine with short gearing may have a bit to do with the shearing too as the used oil analysis was from a truck with a torquey relatively low revving engine and long gearing and we don't know anything else about his driving patterns or conditions other than his trip to a mountain once or twice.
I just came from Walmart and saw a jug of valvoline and castrol synthetics for $20-$22 respectively. From my experience the castrol syntec didn't shear at all even at the same weight so i'd say that's an even better deal even if you bought an additional quart to equal the amount you'd still come out to about the same price as the shell synthetic case. The Syntec was often bashed here being a gp-III(even though everyone LOVES PP) the used oil analysis usually ranks it comparatively well to some boutique oils. The 5gallon jug's makes it a great deal, individual quarts though make it tough to recommend when PP is usually about a dollar or more less per quart(i guess thats why it's loved haha)
Chances are he'll be just fine ofcourse.
I just came from Walmart and saw a jug of valvoline and castrol synthetics for $20-$22 respectively. From my experience the castrol syntec didn't shear at all even at the same weight so i'd say that's an even better deal even if you bought an additional quart to equal the amount you'd still come out to about the same price as the shell synthetic case. The Syntec was often bashed here being a gp-III(even though everyone LOVES PP) the used oil analysis usually ranks it comparatively well to some boutique oils. The 5gallon jug's makes it a great deal, individual quarts though make it tough to recommend when PP is usually about a dollar or more less per quart(i guess thats why it's loved haha)
Chances are he'll be just fine ofcourse.
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The 5W-20 syn is not on the API list...
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