Who’s making the best 5w30 these days?

[SubieNate]

You said “best”, in that case, in order:

1) HPL
2) Redline
3) Amsoil

Cost is no issue as you stated so go complete with oil and other fluids with the brands above.

To take it a step further, and not sure if the engine even calls for it (if not, then there is no notable performance enhancements etc) pump the highest grade octane just because “you can”.

You got comments and opinions. Do your own research here and you’ll come to your own conclusion. Cheers.

It calls for premium. I try to fill up at top tier stations. There's a Marathon and a Shell within a half mile of my place.

I've bought HPL for both the engine and trans. Going to use Bosch ESI6 for the brakes and the OE rebottled Castrol in the diff. It has electric power steering. The clutch uses the same reservoir as the brakes if I'm understanding right, so it should get some fresh fluid by proxy.

Cheers,
Nathan

 

[irollo]

Yes the 5W-30 has an API SP license. The 0W-30 meets the engine test requirements for the SP license but not the bench test. This is due to the phosphorus level, which many would consider a benefit.

The phosphorous looks the same

https://www.mobil.com/lubricants/-/...-1/pdf/emsga-mobil1productguide-v2-9-1-22.pdf

 

[Carlostrece]

All SAE API rated oils are good these days whether conventional, blend, or synthetic. Brand doesn't matter much (if at all) anymore.

The main thing is buy the correct weight. I suggest using the same oil the prior owner used or whatever is low cost and available.

If you're still determined to throw money at it for a slight advantage, then I suggest any brand of high mileage conventional or synblend oil in appropriate viscosity.

I wouldn't switch an old vehicle to a full synthetic because that sometimes causes an oil leak. Convention oil is least likeky to leak, synthetic blend the next best choice for not leaking. Most oils these days are blend or full synthetic.

Another question would be which oil filter to use because brand matters for filters. I think Baldwin and Wix make the best filters. They cost the same, but Wix are sold in more stores so Wix is more convenient to buy. However, I think Baldwin is slightly better quality than Wix because Baldwin has a thicker/tougher can and slightly finer filtration. Baldwin's tougher can is advantageous if you drive on gravel or rocked roads or offroad because a Baldwin can will never get punctured by flying gravel/rocks or sticks when driving fast offroad. However, Wix are also good. Most autostore house brand filters are made by Wix. I would avoid Fram.

 

[Patman]

Wix filters are no longer as good as you think. They are now made by Mann & Hunmel and the quality has gone way down. The new filters that a lot of people here swear by are the ones made by PG, such as the Carquest Premium, NAPA Gold and Microgard Select.

 

[gasman556]

Wix filters are no longer as good as you think. They are now made by Mann & Hunmel and the quality has gone way down. The new filters that a lot of people here swear by are the ones made by PG, such as the Carquest Premium, NAPA Gold and Microgard Select.

Napa Gold is still made by MH, no?

 

[Patman]

Napa Gold is still made by MH, no?

No, it’s also a PG filter now. It’s biggest problem is that it’s priced a lot more than the identical CQP filter. So it’s really only a good option if it’s on sale and there are no stores around where the lower priced ones are available

 

[kschachn]

The phosphorous looks the same

https://www.mobil.com/lubricants/-/...-1/pdf/emsga-mobil1productguide-v2-9-1-22.pdf

I apologize and you are correct. It was the ESP 0W-20 that I was thinking of which exceeds the limit for that grade.

 

[SubieNate]

I don’t think there’s any good reason to run a conventional oil in this the year of our lord 2024.

 

[kitchbow]

Valvoline extended protection high mileage ULTRA max life. 5w30............