quote:
Originally posted by BrianWC:
With all the processes these days that go into motor oil production, the gp III/IV boundary seems quite arbitrary.
This is an old debate with well defined issues, but here goes:
The differences between Group III, and Group IV and V may be narrowing...there may even be times with specific performance metrics that Group III may outperform.
In general Group IV and V provide higher levels of performance in nearly every area, and almost always at increased cost.
Group III is not close to Group IV and V when it comes to the cost of materials, profit margins, and fair market value.
There are lots of benefits to Group III and the overall level of lubrication products are improving because of Group III, better standards, and better engineering.
Shell Rotella 5W-40, and Pennzoil Platinum are oils that I think are priced fairly and contain less expensive basestocks that perform well.
[ I think Rotella contains XVIH Group III , Platinum contains Group V EOP ...sometimes labeled Group III+ ]
Dexron VI ATF is likely to be a Group III basestock ATF, and I will use it... if it is $3.50 to $4.00 /qt.
But not if it gets up to $7.00 + /qt , a price level for real synthetic ATF.
The same for PCMO or HDEO...Group III is worth $3.00 to $4.00 / qt, in my opinion. Group IV / V is worth $5.00 / qt or more.
When I look at an oil I want to know what's in it, what additives, how much ...how well it performs, the specs, approvals and ratings...and what its really worth.
Please don't keep telling me hamburger is steak, fish sticks are lobster, Ripple is vintage French wine, MP3's are the same as being there.
If we keep going down this path, there will be no superior products left...only cheap well marketed products with high profit margins.
