Two 5w20 Synthetics: Mobil Super vs Formula Shell

Status
Not open for further replies.
M

mercuryblues

Joined
Jan 6, 2010
Messages
390
Location
Southern NH, Boston MA region
I tried searching for a post comparing these two, but couldn't find one. After I bought the Formula Shell Synthetic 5w20 at BJ's the other day, I noticed that AAP has the two-for-one special on Mobil Super Synthetic 5w20 (plus other weights of course).

Plus, I know that one will not make a critical difference over the other, but I was just curious to see which one of the two you would prefer. Feel free to use my Grand Marquis in the signature as the basis if you like, but it's not necessary.

Hope everyone in the Northeastern US is dealing with the cold weather ok. Here in Manchester, NH, it was -5 F the last time I checked. Thanks everyone!
 
Any name brand synthetic is good for 8-12k miles for non-severe driving condition. I buy my oils, synthetic and conventional, based on price the lower the better.
 
You can find some information on both at PQIA's website under the Synthetics pull down menu. They appear to be pretty similar in terms of level of Ca, B, Mo, and Zn. I've used the Mobil Super Synthetic in the past, but I would use either with confidence.

http://www.pqiamerica.com/
 
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Any name brand synthetic is good for 8-12k miles for non-severe driving condition. I buy my oils, synthetic and conventional, based on price the lower the better.

This. Plus I can't find synthetic Shell in my area. MSS is easily obtained. But I agree with HTSS.
 
I find Mobil 1 is on sale more often that just about any oil out there. It seems everyone runs an oil change special with a good filter plenty of times during the year. For the price Mobil 1 on sale is tough to beat. I'm also another person who can't find synthetic Shell in my area.

Last year AAP had a great deal on Havoline Synthetic oil at a price that was tough to beat. I loaded up on that for my 00 Century.
 
Here:

http://www.pqiamerica.com/March2013PCMO/mobilsuper.htm

http://www.pqiamerica.com/March2013PCMO/formulashellsyn.htm

I'm a Sopus fan. But even if I were not, and picking between these two objectively I would note:

The shell syn has a lower NOACK (9.7 vs 11.6)
A slightly higher starting TBN (8.2 to 8.0)
A significantly lower cold crank rating (3998 to 5436). Given your region of the country, I would put emphasis on this.

To me, the Shell is a clear winner here, and I would keep it. Can't go wrong with Pennzoil Ultra's little brother.

Here is a UOA I did a few years ago with the Shell Syn:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/2757070/Shell_syn_5w-20_SN,_04_Accord,#Post2757070

I guess you have to copy and paste the above link? Not sure why it won't go there directly.
 
Originally Posted By: k24a4
Here:

http://www.pqiamerica.com/March2013PCMO/mobilsuper.htm

http://www.pqiamerica.com/March2013PCMO/formulashellsyn.htm

I'm a Sopus fan. But even if I were not, and picking between these two objectively I would note:

The shell syn has a lower NOACK (9.7 vs 11.6)
A slightly higher starting TBN (8.2 to 8.0)
A significantly lower cold crank rating (3998 to 5436). Given your region of the country, I would put emphasis on this.

To me, the Shell is a clear winner here, and I would keep it. Can't go wrong with Pennzoil Ultra's little brother.

Here is a UOA I did a few years ago with the Shell Syn:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/2757070/Shell_syn_5w-20_SN,_04_Accord,#Post2757070

I guess you have to copy and paste the above link? Not sure why it won't go there directly.




Here's your link
 
Originally Posted By: k24a4
To me, the Shell is a clear winner here, and I would keep it.


I agree. They look to have very similar additive packages; Formula Shell has the better cold weather properties.

I do not believe that they could safely go 12k miles as somebody stated - MSS only has a 7500 mile warranty if I remember right. I'm sure some engines/driving styles will be able to exceed 12k, but it will have to be built up and based on UOAs. Keep in mind, these are budget synthetics.
 
Originally Posted By: k24a4
Here:

http://www.pqiamerica.com/March2013PCMO/mobilsuper.htm

http://www.pqiamerica.com/March2013PCMO/formulashellsyn.htm

I'm a Sopus fan. But even if I were not, and picking between these two objectively I would note:

The shell syn has a lower NOACK (9.7 vs 11.6)
A slightly higher starting TBN (8.2 to 8.0)
A significantly lower cold crank rating (3998 to 5436). Given your region of the country, I would put emphasis on this.

To me, the Shell is a clear winner here, and I would keep it. Can't go wrong with Pennzoil Ultra's little brother.

Here is a UOA I did a few years ago with the Shell Syn:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/2757070/Shell_syn_5w-20_SN,_04_Accord,#Post2757070

I guess you have to copy and paste the above link? Not sure why it won't go there directly.




Would it be Platinum's little brother? Our Wally World has PU and PP no Formula Shell. Can't find it anywhere. With its cold weather properties it would be ideal up here...plus Shell's lineup is pretty impressive.

I don't see Formula Shell listed
here:

http://www.shell.us/products-services/shell-for-motorists/oils-lubricants.html
 
It'll probably be easier to find at Costco and the like, along with the SOPUS distributor. I know, it's kind of hidden on our Shell pages, too. And don't even look at the data sheets, they're a disaster.
wink.gif
 
Originally Posted By: nepadriver
Originally Posted By: k24a4
Here:

http://www.pqiamerica.com/March2013PCMO/mobilsuper.htm

http://www.pqiamerica.com/March2013PCMO/formulashellsyn.htm

I'm a Sopus fan. But even if I were not, and picking between these two objectively I would note:

The shell syn has a lower NOACK (9.7 vs 11.6)
A slightly higher starting TBN (8.2 to 8.0)
A significantly lower cold crank rating (3998 to 5436). Given your region of the country, I would put emphasis on this.

To me, the Shell is a clear winner here, and I would keep it. Can't go wrong with Pennzoil Ultra's little brother.

Here is a UOA I did a few years ago with the Shell Syn:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/2757070/Shell_syn_5w-20_SN,_04_Accord,#Post2757070

I guess you have to copy and paste the above link? Not sure why it won't go there directly.




Would it be Platinum's little brother? Our Wally World has PU and PP no Formula Shell. Can't find it anywhere. With its cold weather properties it would be ideal up here...plus Shell's lineup is pretty impressive.

I don't see Formula Shell listed
here:

http://www.shell.us/products-services/shell-for-motorists/oils-lubricants.html


When I got Formula Shell Synthetic. I bought it via Amazon and for 3.XX a quart IRC that would be another option if there is not a BJ's or Menards in your area.
 
Amazon third parties selling it now it seems. Kinda pricey :-( no Costco bj or Menard's that I know of, just Sam's Club. I may have to take a drive this spring.
 
Last edited:
Sam's very on PCMO's they carry, I have seen everything from Trop-Artic semi-syn, QSGB, PYB, QSUD, to M-1.

The only wow pricing I have seen from Sam's on PCMO's is the trop-artic.
 
Formula Shell syn 5W-20 would be my preference over M1 5W-20 because Shell is lighter. M1 5W-20 is one of the heaviest OTC 5W-20 with it's HTHSV of 2.75cP.
Probably the best oil for a 5W-20 application, especially in the winter is M1 AFE 0W-20. Most members don't realize it's actually intended for 5W-20 applications not 0W-20.
 
Originally Posted By: CATERHAM
Formula Shell syn 5W-20 would be my preference over M1 5W-20 because Shell is lighter. M1 5W-20 is one of the heaviest OTC 5W-20 with it's HTHSV of 2.75cP.

The OP was referring to Mobil Super Synthetic (not Mobil 1).

Originally Posted By: CATERHAM
Probably the best oil for a 5W-20 application, especially in the winter is M1 AFE 0W-20. Most members don't realize it's actually intended for 5W-20 applications not 0W-20.

Better tell Mobil since M1 0W-20 bottles say "Suitable for use in Honda and Toyota" indicating 0W-20 use and not 5W-20...
 
Originally Posted By: 2010_FX4
Originally Posted By: CATERHAM
Formula Shell syn 5W-20 would be my preference over M1 5W-20 because Shell is lighter. M1 5W-20 is one of the heaviest OTC 5W-20 with it's HTHSV of 2.75cP.

The OP was referring to Mobil Super Synthetic (not Mobil 1).

I don't know how I missed that. In that case whichever is cheapest.

Originally Posted By: CATERHAM
Probably the best oil for a 5W-20 application, especially in the winter is M1 AFE 0W-20. Most members don't realize it's actually intended for 5W-20 applications not 0W-20.

Better tell Mobil since M1 0W-20 bottles say "Suitable for use in Honda and Toyota" indicating 0W-20 use and not 5W-20... [/quote]
You're wrong about that.
Yes Mobil says their 0W-20 is suitable for Honda's and Toyota's regardless of whether 5W-20 or 0W-20 is specified. If you research the history of M1 0W-20, it first hit the market before any auto company even specified the 0W-20 grade. It was marketed as a superior synthetic oil choice for 5W-20 applications but it was a marketing disaster and the grade was withdrawn from the market and was replaced by a M1 5W-20. When the OEM's started specifying the 0W-20 grade Mobil reintroduced the 0W-20 grade with a new marketing scheme called AFE, but it was the same 0W-20 oil. Mobil is one of the few companies that specifically state that their 0W-20 can be used in 5W-20 applications and will not void any OEMs warranty.
 
htss
i only but oil when the price is good even the guys at the company that delivers my bulk to the shop knows i only buy at certain prices sometimes when they dont have a good deal i buy from my other supplier which carries cam 2 also a good oil and usually at a good price
 
Originally Posted By: crazyoildude
htss
i only but oil when the price is good even the guys at the company that delivers my bulk to the shop knows i only buy at certain prices sometimes when they dont have a good deal i buy from my other supplier which carries cam 2 also a good oil and usually at a good price


What are you paying per gallon? We are getting Gulfpride Advanced Fuel Efficient 5w30 semi-syn for $7.11/gallon.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

R
Napa Proformer Oil Filter and M1 5w20
2
Replies
27
Views
2K
Nesterenko
Z
Mobil super synthetic vs mobil1,differences?what is noak( volatility vapor loss of super synthetic)
Replies
9
Views
2K
dubber09
celicaxx
2006 Ford Five Hundred under valve cover pics, 186k miles conventional oil
2 3
Replies
42
Views
9K
MrGraybeard
R
Mobil Super 3000 Formula F in a Motor Scooter that Requires A5/B5?
Replies
1
Views
396
YZJB
Y
ACEA A3/B4 oils still relevant in 2024 for Turbo GDI 'High performance' Engines? - Hyundai ElantraN
2
Replies
32
Views
4K
edyvw
Back
Top