OEM specification requirement

[HyperJinx]

I have a Corvette that recomends Mobil 1 5w30 as it meets GM4718m requirements. I have been having a hard time finding Mobil 1 recently and since I needed a oil change I opted for Castrol Syntec (fully synthetic) 5/30. The Castrol is fully synthetic but on the back I noticed that its says it meets GM6094m.

Question: Is there significant enough difference in these two synthetics that I need to switch back to Mobil 1 or is this fine. I do not know the difference in GM4718m and GM6094m.

I am not a brand junky and will buy what ever is required. I have noticed in the past 24 months or so, Mobil 1 is harder to find in stock. The other synthetics all say GM6094m and not the spec'd GM4718m.

Please lend some advice, thanks.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Go on Mobil`s website and thay have a products locator that`ll show you who near you carries their oil.

 

[Herz]

are you still under warranty?

 

[HyperJinx]

Under warranty? ...Yes

 

[Johnny]

I could be wrong about this, but I believe GM4718M is a high temp spec and GM6094M is a low temp spec.

What the heck part of TN are you in? Wal-Marts usually have a pretty good stock of Mobil 1 5w30

 

[Herz]

if under warranty then stick with Mobil 1, thats what I would do atleast.

 

[jmac]

Originally Posted By: HyperJinx
I have a Corvette that recomends Mobil 1 5w30 as it meets GM4718m requirements. I have been having a hard time finding Mobil 1 recently and since I needed a oil change I opted for Castrol Syntec (fully synthetic) 5/30. The Castrol is fully synthetic but on the back I noticed that its says it meets GM6094m.

Question: Is there significant enough difference in these two synthetics that I need to switch back to Mobil 1 or is this fine. I do not know the difference in GM4718m and GM6094m.

I am not a brand junky and will buy what ever is required. I have noticed in the past 24 months or so, Mobil 1 is harder to find in stock. The other synthetics all say GM6094m and not the spec'd GM4718m.

Please lend some advice, thanks.



Hello Jinx,
Here is a list of GM4718M approved oils,
http://www.gm.com/corporate/responsibility/environment/maintenance/gm_approved_engine_oils.pdf

The following is a good statement on the differences of GM4718M and standard GF-4, SM (GM6094) oil.

In order to meet the minimum standard for GF-4 or SM, a test oil composition must have an ASTM Sequence IIIG viscosity increase of 150% or less, and weighted piston deposits ("WPD") of 3.5 or greater. The Sequence IIIG test performance requirements are about 50% more stringent than the previous ASTM Sequence IIIF test. However, certain Original Equipment Manufacturers ("OEMs") have demanded even higher performance levels for their specific families of engines. For example, the General Motors GM4718M specification requires an ASTM Sequence IIIG viscosity increase of 90% or less and WPD of 5.5 or greater.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Here ya go:
http://web.sa.mapquest.com/mobil1/?tempset=search

 

[HyperJinx]

Yep.. Looks like the Castrol has a problem dealing with the excess heat generated in a HP car without a oil cooler. Geeeeeeeeesh that was 50bucks down the tube... If I can do it cleanly, I reckon I will just drain it out and put it into the daily driver next OCI. Not a total loss.

Thanks for the info guys and you were correct. GM4718 is all about high heat.

 

[Johnny]

If you cannot find Mobil 1, the Pennzoil Platinum works well. I know Patman uses it in his Vette with great results.

 

[gfh77665]

Originally Posted By: HyperJinx
. Geeeeeeeeesh that was 50bucks down the tube... If I can do it cleanly, I reckon I will just drain it out and put it into the daily driver next OCI. Not a total loss.


Good thinking! Thats EXACTLY what I would do. Just keep the filter on, no need to worry about a few oz. left in.

 

[coffee]

Originally Posted By: Johnny
If you cannot find Mobil 1, the Pennzoil Platinum works well. I know Patman uses it in his Vette with great results.


+1 for sure as I would prefer to use the PP 5w30 over the Mobil 1.

GM6094 is mainly for cold pumpability.

 

[cchase]

No definitive answer after a quick search, GC doesn't say it meets the 4718 standard. I know plenty of other guys with my engine (LS2) that use GC but I am wondering if it has the high temp capability that apparently separates the 6094 from the 4718.

 

[wgtoys]

Do you take the Corvette to the track? Do you drive on the streets as if you were on the track? If so, maybe the extreme temperature performance of the oil in use is an issue. If, however, you drive on normal streets like a normal person I would loose exactly zero sleep over having the "wrong" synthetic in the car. If you are the worrying type, change it out next Summer once the outside temperatures start routinely getting above 90 degrees.