There are other clear indications that Mobil 1 is now using Group III basestocks, in addition to the GC scan. For example, grade for grade their Noack volatility numbers are significantly higher than Amsoils (who are using PAO's sourced from ExxonMobil).
Heres just one example:
Amsoil 10w-30, Noack of 5.4%
Mobil 1, 10w-30, Noack of 7.5%
So the volatility of the Mobil 1 product is fully 40% higher...
If anything, the additive treat level of the Amsoil formulation is higher, which typically RAISES the volatility,since some of what burns off is the add pack.
Comparing these oils at the low end, we also see a clear difference in Pour Points:
Amsoil 10w-30, PP of -51C/-58F
Mobil 1, 10w-30, PP of -45C/-49F
It is very clear to me that Mobil is NOT using the same quality of basesstocks in their own Mobil 1 line, that they are selling to Amsoil (the exception being Delvac 1 and possibly their 0w-40).
Since Amsoil is charging a premium for their products, they can afford to use more expensive raw materials. For their part, Mobil doesn't care if they sell their PAO's directly, or indirectly through Amsoil (as they have been doing for over twenty years). It's all business....
TD
Heres just one example:
Amsoil 10w-30, Noack of 5.4%
Mobil 1, 10w-30, Noack of 7.5%
So the volatility of the Mobil 1 product is fully 40% higher...
If anything, the additive treat level of the Amsoil formulation is higher, which typically RAISES the volatility,since some of what burns off is the add pack.
Comparing these oils at the low end, we also see a clear difference in Pour Points:
Amsoil 10w-30, PP of -51C/-58F
Mobil 1, 10w-30, PP of -45C/-49F
It is very clear to me that Mobil is NOT using the same quality of basesstocks in their own Mobil 1 line, that they are selling to Amsoil (the exception being Delvac 1 and possibly their 0w-40).
Since Amsoil is charging a premium for their products, they can afford to use more expensive raw materials. For their part, Mobil doesn't care if they sell their PAO's directly, or indirectly through Amsoil (as they have been doing for over twenty years). It's all business....
TD