Syntec 5w20 vs 5w30

[Patman]

As I mentioned a few weeks ago when I posted the most recent UOA for my wife's 2000 Civic, I have now switched it over to Castrol Syntec 5w30. After doing this, I was thinking that perhaps I should've gone with the 5w20 since she does a lot more short trip driving.

I know we've had a lot of 5w20 vs 5w30 debates on here, and I don't really want to turn this thread into that. What I'm curious about is whether or not anyone knows if the Syntec 5w20 and 5w30 are both formulated identically except for the 5w30 having a bit more VII in order to make it slightly thicker (the difference between the two isn't that big, it's 9.0 vs 10.0 cst I believe) Or does the 5w20 use a much better base oil and/or additive pack?

I'm going to stick with Syntec for a while in her car, I just don't know if it'll continue to be the 5w30 or if it'll be the 5w20. It also depends on which one of those two come on sale most often at Canadian Tire. I won't pay full price for this oil (it's $8.99 at CT!) I'll only buy it when it's on sale (I got the 5w30 for $5.22 a liter)

 

[Reg# 43897]

Slightly off topic here but I note that here in Fredericton, CT is selling the jugs of proprietary (Shell) synthetic for under seventeen dollars each. They were out so I got a raincheque for three of 'em. The 5w-20 weight was included. Can't knock it at that price.

John.

 

[double vanos]

FWIW I freezer tested both those oils and the 5w30 was pretty stiff at about 15 below zero. The 5w20 on the other hand was just fine, poured easily and I'm sure would have been supremely pumpable at that temp. I use Syntec 5w20 in my wife's Miata and it is doing a fine job; you can look in the oil filler hole and see the camshaft and everything is clean as a whistle. As an aside, the Syntec 5w20 does well with heat too - the engine in the Miata is referred to by the guys on a Miata board as "the little volcano". Cheers DV

 

[Patman]

Thanks for the input double vanos! If the 5w20 is pouring better at those cold temps, that suggests that perhaps it's base oil might contain more PAO in it than the 5w30. (I'm pretty sure Syntec isn't 100% group 3, it's a cocktail of group 3/4/5)

 

[oilyriser]

CT has Pennzoil Pt for $4.59/qt right now.

 

[Patman]

Quote:

---

CT has Pennzoil Pt for $4.59/qt right now.

---

I saw that yesterday and was super tempted to buy some! But now that I'm running Syntec in my wife's car, I'm going to stick to it for a while. I don't want to get into my old habits of putting in a different oil at every oil change.

At some point in the future I might go to the Pennzoil Platinum, as I know Terry Dyson likes that oil a lot. But for now I'm going to stick with Syntec.

 

[oilyriser]

I'm waiting for 0w20 Pt to show up. $9/L is too much for the Mobil 1 0w20.

 

[Rand]

In NE ohio we have PP at 3.99/qt and 18.99/5qt at walmart
or syntec at 5.56/qt or 21.63/5qt

Makes it hard to choose sometimes.

 

[Ron AKA]

Quote:

---

I'm waiting for 0w20 Pt to show up. $9/L is too much for the Mobil 1 0w20.

---

I got 0w20 PP at Bumper to Bumper, but at $8.30/L. When its gone, I will not buy more. I'm going to PetroCan 5w20 conventional and 5,000 km OCI's. Synthetic is just not worth it at that cost, when the 5w20 conventional is essentially as good, with short OCI's.

 

[delacerda]

Quote:

---

Thanks for the input double vanos! If the 5w20 is pouring better at those cold temps, that suggests that perhaps it's base oil might contain more PAO in it than the 5w30. (I'm pretty sure Syntec isn't 100% group 3, it's a cocktail of group 3/4/5)

---

I just picked up some 5W-20 Syntec. Been looking for info on it (in vain mind you!). Any info as to the makeup of the base oils? Add packs?

 

[unDummy]

http://www.castrol.com/liveassets/bp_internet/castrol/castrol_usa/STAGING/local_assets/downloads/p,q/pds_syntec_usa.pdf

Coin toss. Check the specs. I vote 5w20 because its a Honda and your location is northern!