VQ Oil Analysis and Info
#221
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Originally Posted by Resolute
I put together an average of German Castrol Syntec 0W-30 UOA's from the VQ, and added it to the comparison charts for reference. I don't plan on adding any more discontinued oils to the chart, but the GC is so highly regarded and referenced, I thought some might want to see how our current crop of oils compare.
For those who don't know, Castrol sold a 0W-30 weight of their Syntec synthetic oil that was made in Germany. The oil was green and smelled like gummy bears. Seriously. It was the only Syntec sold here in the U.S. that said, "Made in Germany", on the back of the bottle. It was a PAO (group 4) oil that used a lot of Calcium additive. It was a very good oil, and probably the best off-the-shelf oil you could buy. It has dissapeared from the shelves and is very hard to find. It appears that Castrol is no longer importing it, and the current crop of 0W-30 bottles are all made from the same U.S. stock as the rest of their line. Unfortunately, the Castrol sold over seas has tested much better than our domestic stuff, so the current 0W-30 is not of the same quality as the old GC oil.
So, for those looking for a suitable replacement to the beloved GC 0W-30, the average results from 3 different engines are posted in the comparison chart to make finding a replacement easier. Just look at the GC results and compare to other oils to find the one you think is the closest. I would say the Amsoil TSO and Schaeffer's 5W-30, but those are going to be a dealer supplied oil. For another off-the-shelf oil I would look at the Pennzoil Platinum 10W-30 if you can get by with a 10W oil where you live, or the M1 0W-40.
Will
For those who don't know, Castrol sold a 0W-30 weight of their Syntec synthetic oil that was made in Germany. The oil was green and smelled like gummy bears. Seriously. It was the only Syntec sold here in the U.S. that said, "Made in Germany", on the back of the bottle. It was a PAO (group 4) oil that used a lot of Calcium additive. It was a very good oil, and probably the best off-the-shelf oil you could buy. It has dissapeared from the shelves and is very hard to find. It appears that Castrol is no longer importing it, and the current crop of 0W-30 bottles are all made from the same U.S. stock as the rest of their line. Unfortunately, the Castrol sold over seas has tested much better than our domestic stuff, so the current 0W-30 is not of the same quality as the old GC oil.
So, for those looking for a suitable replacement to the beloved GC 0W-30, the average results from 3 different engines are posted in the comparison chart to make finding a replacement easier. Just look at the GC results and compare to other oils to find the one you think is the closest. I would say the Amsoil TSO and Schaeffer's 5W-30, but those are going to be a dealer supplied oil. For another off-the-shelf oil I would look at the Pennzoil Platinum 10W-30 if you can get by with a 10W oil where you live, or the M1 0W-40.
Will
#222
Originally Posted by USN HM 350Z
I just found a place with 20 cases of the German 0W-30 castrol. I bought to cases to run in my NA VQ35DE. If anyone else in San Diego area are interested in getting some let me know.
Will
#223
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Originally Posted by Resolute
Yeah, my local Auto Zone has some GC in stock as well. For over a year it was all 0W-30 made in the usa oil, and now it's back to the GC. It's the newer GC gold oil, and not the older green oil that was so nice. But, GC gold is still good. The manager said he didn't know if the GC they are getting is just old stock, or if it will continue. Go figure. If you have some, it's a great oil, as evidenced by the UOA's.
Will
Will
#225
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Originally Posted by QuadCam
where are the best places to get GC. i went looking for it today beofre I changed my wifes oil. i couldn't find it, so I went with 5w30 syntec.
#226
Originally Posted by QuadCam
where are the best places to get GC. i went looking for it today beofre I changed my wifes oil. i couldn't find it, so I went with 5w30 syntec.
Will
#227
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My Z has TT and a 35 shot of nitrous, on a stock block. My Z is mostly used at the 1/4 mile and sometimes driven around town. Any recommendations on an oil for my use. I'm in Florida so cold weather is not an issue..
Thanks
Thanks
#228
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Originally Posted by coachk
My Z has TT and a 35 shot of nitrous, on a stock block. My Z is mostly used at the 1/4 mile and sometimes driven around town. Any recommendations on an oil for my use. I'm in Florida so cold weather is not an issue..
Thanks
Thanks
#229
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Originally Posted by coachk
My Z has TT and a 35 shot of nitrous, on a stock block. My Z is mostly used at the 1/4 mile and sometimes driven around town. Any recommendations on an oil for my use. I'm in Florida so cold weather is not an issue..
Thanks
Thanks
#230
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I'm an oil lab tech for the local naval air station here in central california. I'll run your sample for free as long as you pay shipping. My lab doesnt have physical properties testing only spectrometric atomic emmissions testing.(The one that tells you the ppm amount of Fe,Ag,Cu,Cr etc... ) With my analysis and this great post you can keep a close eye on whats going on in your engine. jrg5066@hotmail.com I'm so lucky to come accross this post. It seemed like such a hassle to call up Nissan and try to get the metallic composition of the Vq's internals.
Last edited by fordslowcus; 09-27-2007 at 01:56 PM.
#231
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Originally Posted by fordslowcus
I'm an oil lab tech for the local naval air station here in central california. I'll run your sample for free as long as you pay shipping. My lab doesnt have physical properties testing only spectrometric atomic emmissions testing.(The one that tells you the ppm amount of Fe,Ag,Cu,Cr etc... ) With my analysis and this great post you can keep a close eye on whats going on in your engine. jrg5066@hotmail.com I'm so lucky to come accross this post. It seemed like such a hassle to call up Nissan and try to get the metallic composition of the Vq's internals.
Now that's my taxes dollars doing some good!!! that is a generous offer for all of us enthusiasts! Thanks!!!
#232
Originally Posted by fordslowcus
I'm an oil lab tech for the local naval air station here in central california. I'll run your sample for free as long as you pay shipping. My lab doesnt have physical properties testing only spectrometric atomic emmissions testing.(The one that tells you the ppm amount of Fe,Ag,Cu,Cr etc... ) With my analysis and this great post you can keep a close eye on whats going on in your engine. jrg5066@hotmail.com I'm so lucky to come accross this post. It seemed like such a hassle to call up Nissan and try to get the metallic composition of the Vq's internals.
Will
#234
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[QUOTE=Armitage]Has anyone switched from Mobil1 5W-30 to 0W-40 and noticed less consumption, if they had the problem originally?QUOTE]
I was wondering the same thing. I have been using Mobil 1 5w30 since my first oil change at 3000 miles. I currently have 20,500 miles. I am currently losing about 2quarts in betwen 3000 mile oil change intervals.
I found this thread a few months back and plan on switching oil the next time I change it. After reading this thread a few times I've decided to try either Castrol GTX 5w-30 or Mobil 1 0w40. Since I change my oil every 3000 miles and don't track my car I am leaning towards the GTX.
Anyway, has anyone tracked the oil consumption amounts using different oil brands and weights?
I know the revup motors are known for oil consumption but not the 287hp motor. I am hoping changing oils helps to reduce my consumption problem.
I was wondering the same thing. I have been using Mobil 1 5w30 since my first oil change at 3000 miles. I currently have 20,500 miles. I am currently losing about 2quarts in betwen 3000 mile oil change intervals.
I found this thread a few months back and plan on switching oil the next time I change it. After reading this thread a few times I've decided to try either Castrol GTX 5w-30 or Mobil 1 0w40. Since I change my oil every 3000 miles and don't track my car I am leaning towards the GTX.
Anyway, has anyone tracked the oil consumption amounts using different oil brands and weights?
I know the revup motors are known for oil consumption but not the 287hp motor. I am hoping changing oils helps to reduce my consumption problem.
#235
[QUOTE=Beeker]
I don't have any consumption issues with my engine- at least not with any of the oils I've tried so far, so I don't have any data on which oil might hold out better in an engine that tends to burn off. When people submit a UOA, there is a place to record if any oil had to be added during the change interval, but not a lot of people fill that section out. The ones that have needed to add oil are noted in the comparison charts, if that's any help to you.
I think GTX might be the way to go for your needs interms of protection and wear. However, GTX 5W-30 is slightly on the "thin" side of a 30 weight oil with 10.6 cSt @100deg C. The M1 5W-30, as much as I think is a waste of money, is a thicker oil. Whether or not that will contribute to your oil consumption- I don't know. I would say it's worth a shot to try the GTX and keep an eye on it. If you do decide to pay M1 prices for your next oil, the 0W-40 is a much better bet than the 5W-30.
Will
Originally Posted by Armitage
Has anyone switched from Mobil1 5W-30 to 0W-40 and noticed less consumption, if they had the problem originally?QUOTE]
I was wondering the same thing. I have been using Mobil 1 5w30 since my first oil change at 3000 miles. I currently have 20,500 miles. I am currently losing about 2quarts in betwen 3000 mile oil change intervals.
I found this thread a few months back and plan on switching oil the next time I change it. After reading this thread a few times I've decided to try either Castrol GTX 5w-30 or Mobil 1 0w40. Since I change my oil every 3000 miles and don't track my car I am leaning towards the GTX.
Anyway, has anyone tracked the oil consumption amounts using different oil brands and weights?
I know the revup motors are known for oil consumption but not the 287hp motor. I am hoping changing oils helps to reduce my consumption problem.
I was wondering the same thing. I have been using Mobil 1 5w30 since my first oil change at 3000 miles. I currently have 20,500 miles. I am currently losing about 2quarts in betwen 3000 mile oil change intervals.
I found this thread a few months back and plan on switching oil the next time I change it. After reading this thread a few times I've decided to try either Castrol GTX 5w-30 or Mobil 1 0w40. Since I change my oil every 3000 miles and don't track my car I am leaning towards the GTX.
Anyway, has anyone tracked the oil consumption amounts using different oil brands and weights?
I know the revup motors are known for oil consumption but not the 287hp motor. I am hoping changing oils helps to reduce my consumption problem.
I think GTX might be the way to go for your needs interms of protection and wear. However, GTX 5W-30 is slightly on the "thin" side of a 30 weight oil with 10.6 cSt @100deg C. The M1 5W-30, as much as I think is a waste of money, is a thicker oil. Whether or not that will contribute to your oil consumption- I don't know. I would say it's worth a shot to try the GTX and keep an eye on it. If you do decide to pay M1 prices for your next oil, the 0W-40 is a much better bet than the 5W-30.
Will
#236
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[QUOTE=Resolute]
I don't have any consumption issues with my engine- at least not with any of the oils I've tried so far, so I don't have any data on which oil might hold out better in an engine that tends to burn off. When people submit a UOA, there is a place to record if any oil had to be added during the change interval, but not a lot of people fill that section out. The ones that have needed to add oil are noted in the comparison charts, if that's any help to you.
I think GTX might be the way to go for your needs interms of protection and wear. However, GTX 5W-30 is slightly on the "thin" side of a 30 weight oil with 10.6 cSt @100deg C. The M1 5W-30, as much as I think is a waste of money, is a thicker oil. Whether or not that will contribute to your oil consumption- I don't know. I would say it's worth a shot to try the GTX and keep an eye on it. If you do decide to pay M1 prices for your next oil, the 0W-40 is a much better bet than the 5W-30.
Will
Thanks for the response.
I've been using Mobil 1 5w30 because I hadn't read this thread until recently. I've been using Mobil 1 in all my cars for years and have never had an engine related problem. Now that I know it isn't a good choice for the VQ I won't be using it in the Z anymore.
Since the GTX is actually thinner than the Mobil 1 5w30 it will probably burn off faster than the Mobil 1 5w30. Maybe burn off is caused by more than just the "thickness" of the oil but I have no idea.
I think I will try the GTX just to see what happens. It only cost about $10 for 5 quarts. If I notice it burning off faster than the Mobil 1 5w30 then I will drain it and try Mobil 1 0w40. If that also burns off then I'll have to go to Nissan to start the infamous "oil consumption test".
BTW, I ordered an oil analysis kit from Blackstone. Should I bother having the Mobil 1 5w30 that is currently in my motor analyzed? I have added about 2 quarts of oil since I last changed it and have about 2500 miles on it. I will be changing the oil and filter soon.
Originally Posted by Beeker
I don't have any consumption issues with my engine- at least not with any of the oils I've tried so far, so I don't have any data on which oil might hold out better in an engine that tends to burn off. When people submit a UOA, there is a place to record if any oil had to be added during the change interval, but not a lot of people fill that section out. The ones that have needed to add oil are noted in the comparison charts, if that's any help to you.
I think GTX might be the way to go for your needs interms of protection and wear. However, GTX 5W-30 is slightly on the "thin" side of a 30 weight oil with 10.6 cSt @100deg C. The M1 5W-30, as much as I think is a waste of money, is a thicker oil. Whether or not that will contribute to your oil consumption- I don't know. I would say it's worth a shot to try the GTX and keep an eye on it. If you do decide to pay M1 prices for your next oil, the 0W-40 is a much better bet than the 5W-30.
Will
I've been using Mobil 1 5w30 because I hadn't read this thread until recently. I've been using Mobil 1 in all my cars for years and have never had an engine related problem. Now that I know it isn't a good choice for the VQ I won't be using it in the Z anymore.
Since the GTX is actually thinner than the Mobil 1 5w30 it will probably burn off faster than the Mobil 1 5w30. Maybe burn off is caused by more than just the "thickness" of the oil but I have no idea.
I think I will try the GTX just to see what happens. It only cost about $10 for 5 quarts. If I notice it burning off faster than the Mobil 1 5w30 then I will drain it and try Mobil 1 0w40. If that also burns off then I'll have to go to Nissan to start the infamous "oil consumption test".
BTW, I ordered an oil analysis kit from Blackstone. Should I bother having the Mobil 1 5w30 that is currently in my motor analyzed? I have added about 2 quarts of oil since I last changed it and have about 2500 miles on it. I will be changing the oil and filter soon.
Last edited by Beeker; 09-28-2007 at 01:32 PM.
#237
Originally Posted by Beeker
Thanks for the response.
I've been using Mobil 1 5w30 because I hadn't read this thread until recently. I've been using Mobil 1 in all my cars for years and have never had an engine related problem. Now that I know it isn't a good choice for the VQ I won't be using it in the Z anymore.
Originally Posted by Beeker
Since the GTX is actually thinner than the Mobil 1 5w30 it will probably burn off faster than the Mobil 1 5w30. Maybe burn off is caused by more than just the "thickness" of the oil but I have no idea.
Originally Posted by Beeker
I think I will try the GTX just to see what happens. It only cost about $10 for 5 quarts. If I notice it burning off faster than the Mobil 1 5w30 then I will drain it and try Mobil 1 0w40. If that also burns off then I'll have to go to Nissan to start the infamous "oil consumption test".
Originally Posted by Beeker
BTW, I ordered an oil analysis kit from Blackstone. Should I bother having the Mobil 1 5w30 that is currently in my motor analyzed? I have added about 2 quarts of oil since I last changed it and have about 2500 miles on it. I will be changing the oil and filter soon.
Will
#238
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Originally Posted by USN HM 350Z
I just found a place with 20 cases of the German 0W-30 castrol. I bought to cases to run in my NA VQ35DE. If anyone else in San Diego area are interested in getting some let me know.
#239
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I changed the oil and filter this morning. I took a sample of my current oil using the kit Blackstone sent me. I think I am going to send it to them to have it analyzed. I feel obligated since they sent me the kit for free.
Also, Blackstone only charges $22.50 and Dyson charges $50.00.
I will post again after I drive a few hundred miles with the Castrol GTX 5w30.
Also, Blackstone only charges $22.50 and Dyson charges $50.00.
I will post again after I drive a few hundred miles with the Castrol GTX 5w30.
#240
Originally Posted by Beeker
I changed the oil and filter this morning. I took a sample of my current oil using the kit Blackstone sent me. I think I am going to send it to them to have it analyzed. I feel obligated since they sent me the kit for free.
Also, Blackstone only charges $22.50 and Dyson charges $50.00.
I will post again after I drive a few hundred miles with the Castrol GTX 5w30.
Also, Blackstone only charges $22.50 and Dyson charges $50.00.
I will post again after I drive a few hundred miles with the Castrol GTX 5w30.
Will