Valvoline conventional vs. ACDelco synthetic blend
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ACDelco is slightly better because it meets DEXOS-1 and Valvoline White Bottle does not.
It depends on the application. If the vehicle's owner's manual simply calls for a 5W-30 which meets an API SN or earlier standard, both will be fine if you maintain recommended oil change intervals.
If the vehicle is a newer GM which calls for a DEXOS licensed 5W-30, then the AC Delco will be the one to use since it meets GM's DEXOS-1 specifications.
If the vehicle is a newer GM which calls for a DEXOS licensed 5W-30, then the AC Delco will be the one to use since it meets GM's DEXOS-1 specifications.
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I don't think we've seen a conventional meet it yet. MaxLife is officially licensed, so that's a more fair comparison at the outset.
Yep. Maxlife syn blend has a NOACK of 10.8 I believe. Which is very good for a synthetic blend oil. VWB is a fine oil in it's own right given many applications on the road. The Dexos blend is a fine product made by Exxon Mobil that has a crazy NOACK of like 6.something.. That result was from the PQIA test results.
I'd say Delco syn blend is better, just because it's a syn blend that isn't no-name. (Not sure who GM buys it from but they do have some reputation to be concerned about.) I trust Valvoline products as much as any comparable brand, but IMHO we have so many affordable, superior alternatives to straight conventional oils of any brand that I only use it in tractors and lawn mowers. However, I'd choose MaxLife over either.
Originally Posted By: Alex_V
I'd say Delco syn blend is better, just because it's a syn blend that isn't no-name. (Not sure who GM buys it from but they do have some reputation to be concerned about.) I trust Valvoline products as much as any comparable brand, but IMHO we have so many affordable, superior alternatives to straight conventional oils of any brand that I only use it in tractors and lawn mowers. However, I'd choose MaxLife over either.
GM may have reputation issues. The blender Exxon-Mobil does not.
I'd say Delco syn blend is better, just because it's a syn blend that isn't no-name. (Not sure who GM buys it from but they do have some reputation to be concerned about.) I trust Valvoline products as much as any comparable brand, but IMHO we have so many affordable, superior alternatives to straight conventional oils of any brand that I only use it in tractors and lawn mowers. However, I'd choose MaxLife over either.
GM may have reputation issues. The blender Exxon-Mobil does not.
Originally Posted By: NHRATA
So are lower or higher noack numbers better?
This article from the Petroleum Institute of America explains what the measurement means:
http://www.pqiamerica.com/Testdescriptions/Noack.html
So are lower or higher noack numbers better?
This article from the Petroleum Institute of America explains what the measurement means:
http://www.pqiamerica.com/Testdescriptions/Noack.html
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Originally Posted By: NHRATA
So if I understood that correctly lower is better
(emphasis mine)
"Overview: Noack volatility determines the evaporative loss of engine oils. This test is important because the operating temperatures of an engine will typically drive off the lighter ends of a lubricant while in service. This effectively results in making the lubricant more viscous (thicker) which can lead to reduced fuel economy due to an increase in parasitic load. A lower number generally means less oil consumption due to evaporation when the oil gets hot. Volatilities in the red zone are above the required limit for current API gasoline specifications."
So if I understood that correctly lower is better
(emphasis mine)
"Overview: Noack volatility determines the evaporative loss of engine oils. This test is important because the operating temperatures of an engine will typically drive off the lighter ends of a lubricant while in service. This effectively results in making the lubricant more viscous (thicker) which can lead to reduced fuel economy due to an increase in parasitic load. A lower number generally means less oil consumption due to evaporation when the oil gets hot. Volatilities in the red zone are above the required limit for current API gasoline specifications."
On paper the AC-Delco syn blend is a vERY good product. Nothing wrong with VWB either but the AC-Delco oil wins the numbers game.
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