Trying to decide between HPL Premium Plus PCMO vs No VII PCMO?

[Ed_Flecko]

Like the title says, I'm struggling to decide between these 2 oils.

I have a 2019 Toyota Tacoma (with ~18K miles) with the 3.5L, V-6 and a 2001 Volvo S-40 (with ~53K miles) with a 1.9L, turbocharged 4 cylinder. I'm planning to run a 5W-30 in both vehicles. The Tacoma OEM fill is 0W-20, The Volvo manual says, "Meeting minimum ILSAC specification GF-2, including ACEA A1, API SL, SJ/CF and SJ/Energy Conserving." and ..."SAE 5W-30 will provide good fuel economy and engine protection."

I'm confident the HPL Premium Plus PCMO would work well for both vehicles, but I'm wondering if there's a compelling reason to opt for the No VII PCMO instead? Since the Tacoma is both port and direct injected, maybe the Premium Plus might be better suited?

I know many of you really know the nitty-gritty on the HPL oils, so I thought I'd ask your opinion.

Thank you,
Ed

 

[WarEagle]

Like the title says, I'm struggling to decide between these 2 oils.

I have a 2019 Toyota Tacoma (with ~18K miles) with the 3.5L, V-6 and a 2001 Volvo S-40 (with ~53K miles) with a 1.9L, turbocharged 4 cylinder. I'm planning to run a 5W-30 in both vehicles. The Tacoma OEM fill is 0W-20, The Volvo manual says, "Meeting minimum ILSAC specification GF-2, including ACEA A1, API SL, SJ/CF and SJ/Energy Conserving." and ..."SAE 5W-30 will provide good fuel economy and engine protection."

I'm confident the HPL Premium Plus PCMO would work well for both vehicles, but I'm wondering if there's a compelling reason to opt for the No VII PCMO instead? Since the Tacoma is both port and direct injected, maybe the Premium Plus might be better suited?

I know many of you really know the nitty-gritty on the HPL oils, so I thought I'd ask your opinion.

Thank you,
Ed

I reached out directly to HPL when deciding which of their oils to use in our vehicles. They were very responsive and helpful

 

[Cujet]

If it were me, I'd go for the no VII oils. Reasoning: If one is going to spend big money on oil, might as well get something truly 'good'. As in robust as can be.

I simply use Mobil 1 Extended Performance 5W-30 and change at 5K intervals. It is a great AN based oil, zero deposits, wonderfully compatible with my rubber oil pump belt. (AN's are easy on seals, rubber, etc)

 

[kschachn]

The only reason to avoid the no-VII would be because of the winter rating. IIRC HPL said it was approximately a 15W. If that works for you then no doubt it would be superior due to the absence of VII.

 

[Japanese]

The only reason to avoid the no-VII would be because of the winter rating. IIRC HPL said it was approximately a 15W. If that works for you then no doubt it would be superior due to the absence of VII.

What does that mean?
The No-VII HPL have 5W and 10W oils?

 

[kschachn]

What does that mean?
The No-VII HPL have 5W and 10W oils?

Apparently they do. Apologies I was confusing it with their expressly monograde oils.

 

[Japanese]

I know many of you really know the nitty-gritty on the HPL oils, so I thought I'd ask your opinion.

I reached out directly to HPL when deciding which of their oils to use in our vehicles. They were very responsive and helpful

I would also call HPL, tell them my goals and needs, ask about the diference of their base oils and additive packages, and then make a decision. They are at the same price anyway.

I'll probably ask them the same questions about their PCEO and Premium PCEO too and compare them to the two you're asking about.

 

[McRightclick]

Third vote for shooting Dave an email, he was extremely friendly and informative when I did so. He will also not try to upsell you and only recommends what he feels best for your use case (just the Premium PCMO, in my case).

 

[spasm3]

I think the no V-II is the hot ticket in fuel diluting DI engines. It does not shear. I think how cold it gets where you are could help make the decision.

I use the no V-II in my mazda, except this time i had some Pennzoil Platinum sitting on my shelf that was going on 4-5 years old, and i wanted to use it, so thats why its in my signature in the mazda.

Premium Plus has a lot of Pao so its good at low temp start ups.

 

[AEHaas]

There is evidence that an oil with VII actually have less wear than a similar oil without VII, despite fuel dilution.

ali

 

[4wd]

Apparently they do. Apologies I was confusing it with their expressly monograde oils.

Not sure it’s been clarified here - but certainly can do that with mPAO in the mix …

 

[WarEagle]

I reached out to David at HPL this evening and he recommended the premium plus over the no VII for our Hyundai and Kia.

Specifically, he said he personally sees no advantages to the VII and would use the premium plus in his vehicles.

 

[hemioiler]

I reached out to David at HPL this evening and he recommended the premium plus over the no VII for our Hyundai and Kia.

Specifically, he said he personally sees no advantages to the VII and would use the premium plus in his vehicles.

None of HPL's oils really shear. Even with lots of towing, their basic PCMO 5w-30 which I'm using in my truck stays perfectly in grade.

For the OP, I'd just stick with the basic PCMO instead of Premium Plus. The Premium Plus gives you much better cold start but unless you're living in the artic or Alaska in the dead of winter there is no real need for the more expensive offerings.

 

[Ed_Flecko]

Thank you all for your feedback. I appreciate it.

David and I have been playing "phone-tag". "When" he has the time, I will be interested in his thoughts. I can only imagine how busy he is!

Ed

 

[thetricky]

Third vote for shooting Dave an email, he was extremely friendly and informative when I did so. He will also not try to upsell you and only recommends what he feels best for your use case (just the Premium PCMO, in my case).

This. I’ve done this for my car, boat, and motorcycle. He will not upsell yet he will get you exactly what you need. Been running off his recommendations for several years now. He’s also quick to reply, let’s see Exxon or another big player give you personalized help like that…