Thoughts on switching to HPL

Shel_B

Site Donor 2023
Joined
Aug 7, 2020
Messages
5,685
The time has finally come to start the switch to HPL. The first change will include M1 ESP 0W-30 (because I had some handy and want to use it) with a quart of the HPL EC "cleaner." I plan to run this mixture for a few months and 2,000-2,500 miles. That seems to be about what Dave at HPL recommends.

After that, because I have an extra quart of HPL PCMO 5W-30, I thought I'd add that to four quarts of M1, using it like a stronger cleaner. I'd run that with about the same interval as described above. The thought is that it would afford slightly stronger cleaning than the EC, but with the small amount of HPL still be gentle.

After that, the plan is to switch completely to HPL PCMO 5W-30. What do y'all think of this plan
 
On my 14 Venza NA V6, which had meticulous 5K OCIs, I did a 1 qt HPL EC30 and the filter had zero carbon particles in the filter. So I went to 6qts of HPL Euro with VII 5w-30 and planning to change the filter at 5K with an uoa. The plan is to continue to the 10k HPL OCI. Currently it is at 122k miles.

If ur engine is clean and sludge free u probably can go HPL directly but monitor the filter at 5K.
 
Last edited:
The time has finally come to start the switch to HPL. The first change will include M1 ESP 0W-30 (because I had some handy and want to use it) with a quart of the HPL EC "cleaner." I plan to run this mixture for a few months and 2,000-2,500 miles. That seems to be about what Dave at HPL recommends.

After that, because I have an extra quart of HPL PCMO 5W-30, I thought I'd add that to four quarts of M1, using it like a stronger cleaner. I'd run that with about the same interval as described above. The thought is that it would afford slightly stronger cleaning than the EC, but with the small amount of HPL still be gentle.

After that, the plan is to switch completely to HPL PCMO 5W-30. What do y'all think of this plan
Ok
 
The time has finally come to start the switch to HPL. The first change will include M1 ESP 0W-30 (because I had some handy and want to use it) with a quart of the HPL EC "cleaner." I plan to run this mixture for a few months and 2,000-2,500 miles. That seems to be about what Dave at HPL recommends.

After that, because I have an extra quart of HPL PCMO 5W-30, I thought I'd add that to four quarts of M1, using it like a stronger cleaner. I'd run that with about the same interval as described above. The thought is that it would afford slightly stronger cleaning than the EC, but with the small amount of HPL still be gentle.

After that, the plan is to switch completely to HPL PCMO 5W-30. What do y'all think of this plan
I like the Plan. Dave at HPL is usually Spot-On with his recommendations.
 
The time has finally come to start the switch to HPL. The first change will include M1 ESP 0W-30 (because I had some handy and want to use it) with a quart of the HPL EC "cleaner." I plan to run this mixture for a few months and 2,000-2,500 miles. That seems to be about what Dave at HPL recommends.

After that, because I have an extra quart of HPL PCMO 5W-30, I thought I'd add that to four quarts of M1, using it like a stronger cleaner. I'd run that with about the same interval as described above. The thought is that it would afford slightly stronger cleaning than the EC, but with the small amount of HPL still be gentle.

After that, the plan is to switch completely to HPL PCMO 5W-30. What do y'all think of this plan
Not to throw a wet rag at the plan but it is a 13 year old Toyota with a decent engine already running a decent oil, what gives you the idea it needs cleaning or some sort of special sauce?
 
You say "time has finally come". What leads you to believe that? Has anything you used previously caused an issue? An older car still needs good maintenence, but nothing extravagant or costly. SuperTech syn is more than good enough at a fraction of the price.
 
You say "time has finally come". What leads you to believe that? Has anything you used previously caused an issue? An older car still needs good maintenence, but nothing extravagant or costly. SuperTech syn is more than good enough at a fraction of the price.
My supply of M1 EP is exhausted and I've been planning to switch for quite some time. I already have two cases of HPL, and have had them since August of 2022. So, even if I don't "need" it, I already have it. Not gonna let it age out in its storage place. Therefore, the time has finally come.

I don't consider the M1 EP that I've been using as extravagant or costly. Likewise, I don't consider using a top-quality oil, of any brand (HPL, Amsoil, others), to be an extravagance. Further, I don't believe SuperTech is "more than good enough." I believe it's good enough, comparable to many API SP Dexos oils, but nothing "more than." And, to the cost issue once again, using HPL will allow me to extend my OCIs, which will save some $$$ and time.

The decision to move to HPL was made after visiting the HPL lab and factory. There I saw much and learned much about how motor oil is made and I listened to technical discussions both formally presented and that that I overheard between engineers, technical people, and a number of folks here at BITOG.

Finally, for this post, it makes me happy. I believe it's advantageous for my engine, I like supporting Dave and HPL, I appreciate the kindness Dave has shown me, the product fits with my preferences.
 
Older inexpensive car and $$ boutique oil doesn't make sense to some but it's his baby and his money.
To address your comment: I've never understood why an older, good-running car should get lesser quality care and materials than a newer, more expensive vehicle. One might argue that if one wants to keep it running well and for a long time, which I do with the Camry, attention to maintenance and materials might be a prime concern.
 
Nope ... last big trip was 6,500 miles and the the car used about 4 ounces of oil. Since then, nothing between OCIs.
Must be nice. Well, I like your plan, I say do it!

If it were me and my car, I might just skip the EC and sub a quart of your oil with a quart of the HPL PCMO, paired with a really good filter (better than OEM) and run that for a full OCI, which for me is 5000 miles. Monitor/check oil often.
 
Must be nice. Well, I like your plan, I say do it!

If it were me and my car, I might just skip the EC and sub a quart of your oil with a quart of the HPL PCMO, paired with a really good filter (better than OEM) and run that for a full OCI, which for me is 5000 miles. Monitor/check oil often.
I already have the EC (sunk cost - actually, it was a gift) so it'll be used. Plan to follow (+/-) Dave's suggested plan for switching to HPL. I already use better filters than OEM.
 
I already have the EC (sunk cost - actually, it was a gift) so it'll be used. Plan to follow (+/-) Dave's suggested plan for switching to HPL. I already use better filters than OEM.
In that case I think you have a solid plan, and would like to see how it goes.

What filters are you running?
 
To address your comment: I've never understood why an older, good-running car should get lesser quality care and materials than a newer, more expensive vehicle. One might argue that if one wants to keep it running well and for a long time, which I do with the Camry, attention to maintenance and materials might be a prime concern.
Sure, treat it well. Do you have reason to believe the mighty 2.5 needs cleaning? If not it just sounds like a complicated path to HPL. You also say your M1 stash is exhausted but you list 8 more quarts in your plan to make the switch. It sounds like you don't put a ton of miles on and some will say SuperTech or HPL will get you as far as you want in the Camry. If your plan is what HPL recommends then that's the thing to do. (y)

PM me when you want to sell the Camry. ;)
 
Sure, treat it well. Do you have reason to believe the mighty 2.5 needs cleaning? If not it just sounds like a complicated path to HPL. You also say your M1 stash is exhausted but you list 8 more quarts in your plan to make the switch. It sounds like you don't put a ton of miles on and some will say SuperTech or HPL will get you as far as you want in the Camry. If your plan is what HPL recommends then that's the thing to do. (y)

PM me when you want to sell the Camry. ;)
I'm pretty sure OPs first post mentions a recommendation of how to use the HPL EC/PCMO from Dave.

"That seems to be about what Dave at HPL recommends." - from the OP, but I'm not sure if that's hear say or something he reached out directly for.
 
In that case I think you have a solid plan, and would like to see how it goes.

What filters are you running?
Royal Purple Extended Life 20-967
Toyota TRD PTR43-00082

I just heard today that the TRD may be discontinued ... gotta look into that.
Filter.webp
 
Back
Top