Turbos Vs Mobil ESP or Mobil EP (0w-20)

LazyDog

LazyDog

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The latest posts have me wonder what would be a better choice for turbo cars. Besides the drain interval what other factors would consider
to make your selection??

I know , I am in rabbit hole but this question just came to mind.
 
All grades of Mobil 1 are great for turbos. Hard to really say because the testing is different.

Before someone says xyz Euro spec >API, consider that the EP lines are built beyond baseline specifications.

buster

Thread 'Mobil 1 AP- GM Turbo Test'

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

Here is some Amsoil data:

1741094474247.webp

https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants...tor-oil/turbocharger-performance-with-mobil-1
 
I'm not sure exactly what you are asking. Is one form of M1 better than another for turbocharger life? The answer really is no, any M1 will tolerate turbocharger bearing heat without coking. If you are asking whether 0W-20 is a good choice for turbocharged engines, that's another debate entirely.

I'd answer the question of low viscosity in a highly stressed engine with this. We hope manufacturers alter the engine design in every aspect necessary to ensure long life. AND manage oil temps to ensure safety. Even mighty Toyota is experiencing rampant bearing failures in their turbocharged truck engines. Seems to be a combination of low oil pressure and low viscosity. No magic bearing design is going to fix oil starvation.

Oil starvation can happen when conditions are right. One towing test of a new turbocharged engine had the engine shutting down due to high oil temp and loss of pressure. Maybe the software saved the engine, maybe not...

In the case of my supercharged Jaguar F-Type,,, Jag increased the size of the rod bearings and altered the timing chain design to tolerate 0W-20 oil in all conditions. Fantastic. Except the main bearings were not increased in size, and the cam lobes+DLC coated shims last only so long with the 0W-20. My point, Jag did not address every potential issue and users pay the price. I use 5W-30.
 
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If I was at the store trying to make a selection between these 2 oils and car having a turbo which one would you pick.

I currently have EP on the CRV none turbo and have no problems.
 
kschachn said:
Oxidation resistance and HT/HS are your friends here. I’d use a Euro -30 or -40 grade with demonstrated resistance to deposit formation.

That’s what I do in my Tiguan, but maybe that’s just me.
Click to expand...
If I had a turbocharged car, especially one that I was going to drive hard, I would definitely choose an oil with a higher HTHS over the factory fill. Case in point, if I had a GR Corolla (which has a 1.6L 300 hp turbo 3 cylinder) there’s no way I would run it on the average 0w20, which would have only a 2.6-2.7 HTHS. I would want a minimum of 3.0 if it was still completely stock and as soon as I got it tuned with more boost I would want an oil with about a 3.5 HTHS.
 
I do think the added HT/HS and better VM is ideal for turbo, so many European grades would be arguably better for off-the shelf. But keep in mind that Lingenfelter recommends Amsoil SS for many of their builds, and the HT/HS of SS is on the lower end. Point being it's the entire formulation that matters. I'd rather look at specific turbo tests than just HT/HS viscosity.
 
buster said:
All grades of Mobil 1 are great for turbos. Hard to really say because the testing is different.

Before someone says xyz Euro spec >API, consider that the EP lines are built beyond baseline specifications.

buster

Thread 'Mobil 1 AP- GM Turbo Test'

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

Here is some Amsoil data:

View attachment 266370
https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants...tor-oil/turbocharger-performance-with-mobil-1
Click to expand...
What’s the Amsoil number - 9.5 ? , 9.8 ?
 
Mobil 1 EP has been working fantastic with my GDI turbo. Also, haven't had any fuel smell in the oil since switching to Mobil 1 EP.

Previously, I was using HPL Premium PCMO, and my oil usually smelled like gas. But this was also during the first 35k miles, so probably the engine just breaking in.
 
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Always MB229.5X approval for turbo or high stressed engines.
Oxidation resistance
Stay in grade requirements
HTHS
OCI.

I use Castrol Edge 0W30 in Sequoia and that is not even high stressed engines or turbo. But at 4,000rpm there is no sound of valve train like it wants to depart head. Which was the case with 0W20.
 
used Havoline Pro-DS 5w-30 in my past car with a turbo no problems at all,,great oil if you can find it, not the same oil as the Life long though, has different specs.
 
I don't put a whole lot of faith in Mobil 1's website but according to them and when comparing it appears that Mobil 1 ESP x2 excels over Mobil 1 EP 0W-20 oils in most everything except Dexos 1 Gen3 (not listing that license) and a longer oil change rating (15K/20K) reading their "star ratings"...

https://www.mobil.com/en/lubricants...mmendation/13226/105812/0-2025/Subaru/Outback

I am trying to decide which oil to use in my 2025 Subaru Outback 2.4T that will never tow but is a boxer design, GDI and has a turbocharger...

Bill
 
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