Idemitsu response to my email Re: Mazda 0W20 SN

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JDD

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Here is the email I send to Idemitsu USA and the response is below. Intrestingly, he did not address my main question about viscosity index of the new SN formula.


Hi—
Thank you in advance for your time in answering my questions.
Specifically, I am inquiring about the new Idemitsu SN formula Mazda 0W20 synthetic oil I purchased today at my local Mazda dealer. I have been using the 0W20 SM formula in two of my vehicles. I asked the parts counter person at the dealership if they had any of the SM formula left, which they did not. I have liked the SM formula for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it has a very high viscosity index and is known to be a high quality product .
Can you indicate what are the main changes to the SN formula from the SM formula? Specifically what is the Viscosity Index of this new formula in the 0W20 weight and what are the moly levels in comparison to the old formula? Any other changes you could point out would also be greatly appreciated. As a sidenote, the cost of the new SN formula was approximately $2 more per quart !


Sincerely,
--------------------------------------------------------------

Hi,

My name is Chris and I’m the Account Manager for the OES division and handle our Mazda account. You brought up a good question I would like to help answer for you.

One of the main reasons for the switch to SN from SM was because Mazda wanted to switch to a GF-5 formulation (SN) from the previous GF-4 formulation (SM) that was found in their previous genuine engine oil. The American Petroleum Institute (API) considers the GF-4 as an obsolete product and considers the GF-5 formulation as a direct replacement. As you might have already discovered, U.S. Government regulations drive the future of automotive and lubricant industries that push for further improvement in fuel economy and reduce exhaust gas emissions. One specific example is the CAFÉ requirements that require manufacturers to have vehicles produced with at least 35 mpg by 2020. As the lubricant industry is a supporting technology for automotive manufacturers, the GF-5 (SN) formulation was designed to improve fuel efficiency and performance with the launch of Mazda’s new technology in the Skyactiv vehicles.

While most individuals will not see any large performance improvements with the transition of formulation, the benefits are seen from a cumulative stand point when you consider how many Mazda vehicles are produced and in operation globally. Some of the main changes include a formulation that enhances seal compatibility, fuel economy, engine sludge protection, and wear protection. On the Mazda Genuine 0W-20 GF5 formulation, the moly content is much higher to reduce friction on engine components.

Pricing to the end –user is unfortunately up the individual dealers but if its helps support the cost, the formulation you are paying for is really an overall better product with distinctive advantages over the previous formulation.

I hope this information helps.
Chris "CJ"

Sr. Marketing and Sales Specialist, OES Division
Idemitsu Lubricants America Corporation

21241 S. Western Ave. Suite # 130
Torrance, CA 90501
 
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If this is the same as the SN Subaru 0W-20. Then they cut the moly from 900 to 100. We need a VOA on this to confirm.
 
Yes and that is less than PYB SN. But I hear this moly is much better than the kind that needed 900. I heard that.
wink.gif

Originally Posted By: Finklejag
If this is the same as the SN Subaru 0W-20. Then they cut the moly from 900 to 100. We need a VOA on this to confirm.
 
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