Redline 0w-20 vs 5w-20

[elwaylite]

Kinda hard picking here, because of the specs in certain areas.

Keep in mind that I am moving to South Alabama, so winters are not a big deal. I thinking, that because its easier to find, 5w-20 is a better choice over all, but I dunno.

0w-20 5w-20

100c 8.2 9.1
40c 43 55
VI 166 145
Flash 216C 251C
NOACK 9 8
HTHS 2.7 3.3

Normally I would go for the 0w-20, but the Flash, Noack and HTHS make me like the 5w-20 better.

Also, is the VI so high on the 0w-20 because it has more improvers?

Thanks

 

[StevieC]

I would pick the 5w20 because the HTHS numbers are excellent and this product is so close to the 0w20 anyways...

What kind of vehicle and temperatures will you be experiencing?

 

[elwaylite]

I'm moving back to Mobile Alabama, which gets a few 30 degree days in Jan and Feb, but not bad (at least compared to Virgina ). Summers are brutal and long. Another reason I thought the HTHS was a good idea.

I know BuickGN has said that in oil tests, oils with a 3.3 or higher show better wear numbers than lower HTHS oils. Or something like that.

I am changing the oil on the Hyundai this weekend (just did the Scion), so I was thinking now would be a good RL experiment.

 

[webfors]

Yep, for your climate the 5w20 for sure! That's an impressive HTHS for a 20 weight.

 

[elwaylite]

Yeah, I was shocked it was so high. Every other one I've seen was under 3.

 

[jmb106]

W/ the 5w20 RL you get a 20w that protects like a 30w oil! Can't go wrong w/ that!

 

[StevieC]

Originally Posted By: elwaylite
I'm moving back to Mobile Alabama, which gets a few 30 degree days in Jan and Feb, but not bad (at least compared to Virgina ). Summers are brutal and long. Another reason I thought the HTHS was a good idea.

I know BuickGN has said that in oil tests, oils with a 3.3 or higher show better wear numbers than lower HTHS oils. Or something like that.

I am changing the oil on the Hyundai this weekend (just did the Scion), so I was thinking now would be a good RL experiment.


The 5w20 will be a great fit and with all the ZDDP in the oil and the high HTHS will provide excellent protection for your engines.

 

[buster]

0w20. Lower HT/HS for better MPG, more HP. Redline 0w20 is a fully ester based oil loaded with anti wear additives. I think it's a great choice. 5w20 is too, but it's more like a 30 grade oil.

 

[Gary Allan]

I lean with buster. I doubt you have need for the higher HTHS of the 5w-20.

 

[elwaylite]

Thanks you two. Good points, as I dont know as much about the HTHS values.

I am not ordering till Monday, but am starting to lean back towards 0w-20. You gotta know its one helluva oil.

 

[CATERHAM]

Originally Posted By: Gary Allan
I lean with buster. I doubt you have need for the higher HTHS of the 5w-20.


I agree with Buster and Gary.

Neither the 0W-20 nor the 5W-20 contain any VII's.
For all intent and purposes their 5W-20 is a 30 wt oil.
At temperatures below 40C their 0w30 is lighter than the 5W-20.

 

[JohnBrowning]

Well itis true but the research on the higher HTHS oils like 3.3 and higher was done years ago with older ending designs, older base stock technology, older additive systems and the materials and surface finish's where also different. Now this does not make any of the research non-valid but it does date it a bit.

If you feel better with an HTHS of 3.3 then go for it. I do not think the difference going from 0W20 to 5W20 is going to make a huge difference for you in terms of fuel ecconomy. Personely I lthink 3.3 to 3.5 is the sweet spot but I routinely use oils that have HTHS's of around 2.9. Mobil 1 5W30 and 0W30 are around 2.9 and they work just fine in my engine with regard to preventing wear.

I would agree with buster and Gary that you do not need to have an HTHS that high in this application but it will not hurt so what ever you decide I am sure it will be fine.

 

[elwaylite]

Here is Dave's reply.

Jason,

Thank you for contacting Red Line Oil, in your Hyundai and Scion I would recommend the 5W20, the better choice all around where you don't require the very low temperature/cold flow characteristics. Either would be suitable so depends what you are most interested in. The lower HTHS of the 0W20 along with lower operating temperature viscosity would likely offer an improvement in fuel economy.

Regards, Dave
Red Line Oil

 

[buster]

Basically what I said.

Redline's customer service is great. Their answers are always to the point.

 

[elwaylite]

Yeah, he was quick with the answer.

I think I'm gonna stay with the 0w-20. I like watery oil

Buying 5 quarts for the Hyundai on Monday.

 

[stranger706]

Off topic!

Mobile huh? I live across the bay, in Daphne. I commute to west Mobile every day. I don't think I could live in the city. Why are you moving back?

 

[elwaylite]

Family friends, higher paying job. Wont live in Mobile, will either be out west, or across the bay.

 

[elwaylite]

Just ordered 5 qts of 0w-20. Going with a Mobil filter into the Hyundai next weekend.

 

[BuickGN]

Since we're off topic, I was born in Pascagoula. Used to fly into Mobile when visiting family though Gulfport has been cheaper lately.

 

[elwaylite]

Yeah, when I had been flying back lately, GP blows Mobile out of the water on price.