Redline oil opinions, experiences

[rainman]

I've heard Redline mentioned here and there on this board, but haven't seen any type of detailed discussion. I've wondered if it's better than other synths, worth the price, etc. A lot of racers seem to use it, which lends credibility, but racing and street use are two different things. So, I'd like to hear from Redline fans (and foes, if there are any). Especially about the 5W-20...

Thanks in advance...

 

[SSDude]

There have been many discussions regarding Redline. It is a group V oil and is worth the price. In fact, it the only oil that **** Guldstrand, the former Corvette racer recommends to his customers. He told me that it result in very little wear in the engines that he has examined.

 

[AndyH]

AE Haas is running Redline 5w-20 in his Lamborghini Murcielago & in his Maybach 57. Some pretty nice vehicles there, neither of which is spec'd for a 5w-20 oil.

Here's a UOA of Redline 5w-20 in his Maybach:
http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=003317

 

[sprintman]

Subjectively the best I've used in our Outback (5W30). Best economy achieved with this oil.

 

[Not the Autorx Frank]

I've had some pretty decent UOA's under extreme conditions...Don't be afraid...Good stuff...

 

[427Z06]

I've been using the Redline 5w-20 and I'm really impressed with it. I've been a Redline fan for many years.

 

[carock]

I have been using Redline for 29 years for myself and my customers. If you have an aircooled car, Redline is for sure the best oil to use because the heat capacity of the ester based oil stock is significantly better than other oil base stock formulas. This helps cool your engine better. The flash point is also higher than most other oils, a factor for air cooled cars on hot days. For normal water cooled cars I think Redline is certainly one of the best oils if not the best. Redline uses all the good additives and have the best base, so I don't think you could go too far wrong with Redline. I have lots of "testimonials" about how much better Redline works than conventional dino oils, but Redline is the only synthetic I have used over a long period of time, so other synthetics might be as good.The only way to really "know" what the best oil for your car is would be to run actual tests on the same cars running similar duty cycles... very expensive! For many applications we can only make an educated guess about the best oil for your car, and many educated guesses would rank Redline oils right at the very top.

 

[den_s]

I’ve Mitsubishi mirage running exclusively on redline since 7K miles. Now I have 62K on it without single engine problem except valve cover gasket leak (just replaced) Valvetrain looks absolutely brand new. Never done oil analyses and believe most oil labs can’t properly analyze redline basestock anyways. Oil changes interval 8-12K.

 

[JohnBrowning]

The only real issue with Redline is that you should run at least three OCI before doing a UOA. SOme labs have a hard time testing Redline because they really need to recalibrate for it and seldom do! Redline is an excellent oil and has put up some impressive UOA on this site. In most applications that have at least three OCI on Redline the UOA looks excellent.

 

[surfstar]

I've never used it but if I owned a high performance car or turbo and wanted the best protection I'd definately go with redline.

 

[sprintman]

Search for Tyrolkids UOA's on RL 5W40 in his high HP turbo and you will be impressed. As good as any UOA on this board IMO.

 

[Al]

As John mentioned. If you do just one UOA on your first use of Redline it won't be anything special. I uave been using it as a mix of 25% in a number of cars and I feel that my UOA's are improved bc of it.

 

[Alcibiades]

I've been running Redline 5W20 in an '03 CR-V for about a year, and have been very impressed. Better MPG than with Castrol GTX and Syntec. Very quiet, great protection in hot GA summers...no complaints.

I'll be putting their 10W30 in my other car soon.

 

[Volvohead]

Redline generates some controversy around here.

You'll not find a starburst on the bottle. Big deal. It generates slightly higher wear metals on the first couple UOAs (as if an extra 10 or 20 ppm really matters). But for many who actually use it (including this driver), they swear by it.

I only wish it weren't so darn expensive. Its relatively high cost limits it to very high stress applications where its benefits are better justified.

I certainly wouldn't use it in grandpa's '83 F-150. But for a new Volvo R or other HO/HP turbo ride, it fits just fine.

 

[OriginHacker21]

Is it more expensive than Amsoil or GC? I haven't seen a place to buy it anywhere.

 

[den_s]

Yeap, depends on where you buy. The price tag very dramaticly from $6.xx up to $13 per/qt. Unfortunately almost impossible to find it in a local retail store. Try http://redlineoil.com/dealers.asp and Demo for folks who have not seen yet

 

[rainman]

Thanks, all, for the replies. Sounds like it's a winner, and not all hype. I find it remarkable that there were no detractors posting, since practically every other oil, including synths, have those that don't like it. The cost doesn't bother me, but I wish it were more available. However, from what I read here, I may just have to try it.

 

[AndyH]

JAG had a negative experience with Redline and his Subaru:
http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=014108#000015

But yes, overall I'd say the positive experiences with Redline far outweigh the negatives here.

 

[Volvohead]

Locally, check with speed shops. The typical street price is in the $8-$9/qt range. There are some discounters on the Internet, but you need to buy sufficient quantity to balance the savings against the shipping expense.

This oil is not hype. But I wouldn't buy it unless you really need it or have money to burn. Many performance engines will do just as well on GC or M1 for much less.

 

[Blake Sobiloff]

Check out http://www.myoilshop.com/ for a good price and inexpensive shipping. The break-even point for me is only four quarts when I factor in the local sales tax I'm saving.