Nissan 370Z Forum  

Quaker State Publicly Challenges Castrol, Valvoline and Mobil 1

JobbersWorld Online Quaker State Publicly Challenges Castrol, Valvoline and Mobil 1 For those who picked up USA Today, you may have noticed that Quaker State ran a full page piece

Go Back   Nissan 370Z Forum > Nissan 370Z Tech Area > Engine & Drivetrain


Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 05-28-2009, 04:36 PM   #1 (permalink)
Track Member
 
NIZMOZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 634
Drives: 07 NISMO 350Z SA M6
Rep Power: 491
NIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond repute
Default Quaker State Publicly Challenges Castrol, Valvoline and Mobil 1

JobbersWorld Online

Quaker State Publicly Challenges Castrol, Valvoline and Mobil 1


For those who picked up USA Today, you may have noticed that Quaker State ran a full page piece (page 8A) challenging Castrol, Valvoline & Mobil 1. In large type, it says:

"HEY CASTROL, VALVOLINE & MOBIL 1: IF YOU CAN PROTECT AGAINST WEAR BETTER, PROVE IT. "

The challenge is followed by a letter from Steve Harman, President, Americas delivered today to the executives responsible for Mobil 1, Valvoline and Castrol. Click here to read letter.

Interestingly, when you consider Pennzoil's position in the story that follows regarding "statistically indistinguishable" differences in Sequence IVA wear test, it would appear Quaker State may already know that outcome of its public challenge. That outcome being Valvoline, Castrol, and Mobil 1 can't prove it with "good science."

At the same time, the Quaker State challenge will likely increase pressure on ExxonMobil to respond to what both Valvoline and Castrol have publicly stated are very significant differences in Sequence IVA performance when comparing their synthetic 5W-30 engine oils with Mobil 1


Shell Says the "Xs" in Sequence IVA Are Bad Science and Misleading


First it was Valvoline. In July of 2008, it claimed the company's SynPower motor oil provides 4X better wear protection than Mobil 1 in the Sequence IVA wear test. Then Castrol literally jumped into the game with an advertising campaign rolled out during the SuperBowl saying that Castrol EDGE offers 8X Better Wear Protection Than Mobil 1 in the same test.

With Valvoline and Castrol making such bold claims, one of the big questions asked is, "How much better its Pennzoil Platinum when compared to Valvoline, Castrol and Mobil 1? To get answers, JobbersWorld decided to put this question directly to Shell. Here is what we found.

According to Selda Gunsel, Manager, Lubricants Technology Group, Shell Global Solutions (US) Inc., "Although Pennzoil Platinum performs exceedingly well in the Sequence IVA wear test, the battle of the "Xs" comparing oil against oil rather than oil against spec is one we are staying out of." And Gunsel says, the reason they are is because it's "bad science" and could be misleading.

To understand what Gunsel means starts with an understanding of the Sequence IVA wear test.

The Sequence IVA is an engine test designed to evaluate the performance of engine oils in preventing camshaft lobe wear in an overhead camshaft engine. It's a 100-hour test of 100 hourly cycles. When completed, each of the 12 cam lobes in the test engine is measured for wear at 7 points. An average is calculated based on the total wear from the 12 cam lobes. In short, test results with a higher number means higher wear.

For an engine oil to qualify for API SM/ ILSAC GF-4 rating it must pass the Sequence IVA with an average wear of 90 micron maximum.

Now for the part about "bad science."

According to Gunsel, "considering that one standard deviation from the mean in the test is 12.5, there is no statistically significant difference for test results within 35 microns of each other."

Based on data published by Valvoline, whereas Valvoline SynPower showed an average of 20 microns in the Sequence IVA wear test, Mobil 1 5W-30 averaged 180 microns. If Valvoline's data is correct, Gunsel says, "This is certainly a statistically significant difference." Moreover, it speaks to the basic pass/fail threshold of 90 microns or less required to meet SM/GF-4.

But moving beyond the issue of does it or doesn't it when it comes to Valvoline's claim about Mobil 1's score in the Sequence IVA, Troy Chapman, Marketing Management Team Leader Pennzoil Brands with Shell says the comparisons move to another level when you look at the Sequence IVA tests results for Shell, Valvoline and Castrol in the Sequence IVA. Troy notes, "you are no longer comparing a result of 180 microns with 20 microns. Instead, the comparison is being made between three brands each with less than 20 microns of wear in the test." This moves the comparison into and area where differences are "statistically indistinguishable." (See Graphic that follows)

Chapman adds, "This is why it would be bad science for Shell to add its bar to a chart, or say X times better when comparing Pennzoil Platinum with Mobil 1, SynPower and Castrol EDGE." Not because their average in the Sequence IVA (which Gunsel says is less than 20 microns) would not comparable very favorably with what Valvoline claims is Mobil 1's average. "Instead," Troy says, "it's because consumers may get the message that the comparison is also between Pennzoil Platinum, SynPower, and Castrol EDGE. And that would be a mistake." First, it would be misleading since there is no statistical difference for test results below 35 in Sequence IVA. Secondly, by spending time with statistically insignificant and misleading comparison, consumers may lose focus on such issues as cleanliness and others where there are true performance differences in engine oils.


__________________
SOLD: 2007 NISMO 350Z #0044 Silver Alloy
New DD: 2010 Titan Pro4X CC
NIZMOZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2009, 04:36 PM   #2 (permalink)
Track Member
 
NIZMOZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 634
Drives: 07 NISMO 350Z SA M6
Rep Power: 491
NIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond repute
Default

This is one of the many reasons why I don't use M1 anymore and use PP.
__________________
SOLD: 2007 NISMO 350Z #0044 Silver Alloy
New DD: 2010 Titan Pro4X CC
NIZMOZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2009, 05:10 PM   #3 (permalink)
Base Member
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 2
Drives: 04 Nissan 350z
Rep Power: 16
riceburnr2005 is on a distinguished road
Default

so how do oils like royal purple, amsoil, and motul compare to major brands such as valvoline, mobil, etc...
riceburnr2005 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2009, 05:49 PM   #4 (permalink)
Lifetime Premium
 
nogoodname's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Montreal
Posts: 22,357
Drives: E46 M3
Rep Power: 1765
nogoodname has a reputation beyond reputenogoodname has a reputation beyond reputenogoodname has a reputation beyond reputenogoodname has a reputation beyond reputenogoodname has a reputation beyond reputenogoodname has a reputation beyond reputenogoodname has a reputation beyond reputenogoodname has a reputation beyond reputenogoodname has a reputation beyond reputenogoodname has a reputation beyond reputenogoodname has a reputation beyond repute
Default

^^ ohh boy...not another oil thread..................


but this is interesting how we bashed QS and now there's a challenge from them.....quite ironic.......hahaha
nogoodname is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2009, 06:58 PM   #5 (permalink)
Enthusiast Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Oakland, CA
Posts: 446
Drives: up the wall
Rep Power: 16
imag will become famous soon enough
Default

It's definitely a smart publicity stunt on QS's part. Even if they're full of it, they still get their name back in the game, and they get to look like they are near parity with the other guys.

Since I had basically forgotten about them as a brand, I call it pretty clever.

If they're right, of course, that's a whole other story. I can't say it would surprise me that much.
imag is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2009, 07:28 PM   #6 (permalink)
Track Member
 
DannyGT's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Jersey
Posts: 919
Drives: 370Z (SOLD)
Rep Power: 279
DannyGT has a reputation beyond reputeDannyGT has a reputation beyond reputeDannyGT has a reputation beyond reputeDannyGT has a reputation beyond reputeDannyGT has a reputation beyond reputeDannyGT has a reputation beyond reputeDannyGT has a reputation beyond reputeDannyGT has a reputation beyond reputeDannyGT has a reputation beyond reputeDannyGT has a reputation beyond reputeDannyGT has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Mmmmm, I thought all those comparisons were done againt standard syn M1 - and that they never tested against M1 Extended Performance which is supposed to be MUCH better?
__________________
Performance GTM Stage 1 SC, GTM Res.Test Pipes, Invidia Gemini Exhaust, GTM HD Oil Cooler
Wheels & Suspension AME Tracer TM02's 19x9.5F 19x10.5R w/ 265x35F & 305x30R, Hotchkis Sways, BC (BR) Racing Coilovers (Car Sold)
DannyGT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2009, 07:38 PM   #7 (permalink)
Track Member
 
NIZMOZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: San Antonio, TX
Posts: 634
Drives: 07 NISMO 350Z SA M6
Rep Power: 491
NIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond reputeNIZMOZ has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by riceburnr2005 View Post
so how do oils like royal purple, amsoil, and motul compare to major brands such as valvoline, mobil, etc...

Motul is not that good at all. Amsoil, is top of the list over everyone pretty much. RP is okay, but for the cost there are other oils that are better.
__________________
SOLD: 2007 NISMO 350Z #0044 Silver Alloy
New DD: 2010 Titan Pro4X CC
NIZMOZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2009, 08:05 PM   #8 (permalink)
Track Member
 
arcticreaver's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Arcadia, CA
Posts: 769
Drives: 2009 Z34 7AT PG
Rep Power: 924
arcticreaver has a reputation beyond reputearcticreaver has a reputation beyond reputearcticreaver has a reputation beyond reputearcticreaver has a reputation beyond reputearcticreaver has a reputation beyond reputearcticreaver has a reputation beyond reputearcticreaver has a reputation beyond reputearcticreaver has a reputation beyond reputearcticreaver has a reputation beyond reputearcticreaver has a reputation beyond reputearcticreaver has a reputation beyond repute
Send a message via AIM to arcticreaver Send a message via MSN to arcticreaver Send a message via Yahoo to arcticreaver
Default

i think i will stick with mobil 1.
arcticreaver is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2009, 08:10 PM   #9 (permalink)
6MT
A True Z Fanatic
 
6MT's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: ITU Zone 2
Posts: 22,459
Drives: Reliant Robin
Rep Power: 1790
6MT has a reputation beyond repute6MT has a reputation beyond repute6MT has a reputation beyond repute6MT has a reputation beyond repute6MT has a reputation beyond repute6MT has a reputation beyond repute6MT has a reputation beyond repute6MT has a reputation beyond repute6MT has a reputation beyond repute6MT has a reputation beyond repute6MT has a reputation beyond repute
Default

Here we go again with another oil war. Sounds like the Cola wars in the 80's.
6MT is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-29-2009, 03:50 AM   #10 (permalink)
Track Member
 
Forrest's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: california 707!
Posts: 677
Drives: 09 370z Blk 6mt sprt
Rep Power: 258
Forrest has a reputation beyond reputeForrest has a reputation beyond reputeForrest has a reputation beyond reputeForrest has a reputation beyond reputeForrest has a reputation beyond reputeForrest has a reputation beyond reputeForrest has a reputation beyond reputeForrest has a reputation beyond reputeForrest has a reputation beyond reputeForrest has a reputation beyond reputeForrest has a reputation beyond repute
Default

very good find and good read
Forrest is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-29-2009, 06:42 PM   #11 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
LiquidZ's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Columbus, OH
Posts: 1,940
Drives: Mag. Black 2009 370Z
Rep Power: 705
LiquidZ has a reputation beyond reputeLiquidZ has a reputation beyond reputeLiquidZ has a reputation beyond reputeLiquidZ has a reputation beyond reputeLiquidZ has a reputation beyond reputeLiquidZ has a reputation beyond reputeLiquidZ has a reputation beyond reputeLiquidZ has a reputation beyond reputeLiquidZ has a reputation beyond reputeLiquidZ has a reputation beyond reputeLiquidZ has a reputation beyond repute
Default

I'm more than likely going to go with Amsoil.

I bet you in a week, I will want Royal Purple....
__________________
LiquidZ is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2009, 03:55 PM   #12 (permalink)
Base Member
 
drisko's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: So Cal
Age: 43
Posts: 160
Drives: 09 370Z PW Tour S 6M
Rep Power: 16
drisko is on a distinguished road
Default

Mobil 1 FTL?
drisko is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2009, 04:33 PM   #13 (permalink)
A True Z Fanatic
 
Junior370z's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Las Vegas
Age: 50
Posts: 1,024
Drives: over the speed limit
Rep Power: 293
Junior370z has a reputation beyond reputeJunior370z has a reputation beyond reputeJunior370z has a reputation beyond reputeJunior370z has a reputation beyond reputeJunior370z has a reputation beyond reputeJunior370z has a reputation beyond reputeJunior370z has a reputation beyond reputeJunior370z has a reputation beyond reputeJunior370z has a reputation beyond reputeJunior370z has a reputation beyond reputeJunior370z has a reputation beyond repute
Default

What do you guys think about Redline oil? Haven't really read anything Redline oil.
__________________
DON'T DO IT!
( Click to show/hide )

Stillen CBE*CAI-U/D Pulley*Ground Kit*Sways*Setrab Oil Cooler*Ichiba Rear Camber Kit*Agility Coilover*Berk HFC*Technosquare Tune*GT-R Button*Venaci Mesh*SP Performance Cross Drilled/Slotted Rotors*SPC Toe Bolts*Bomex Lip*Mud flaps*Aero Jacket Type III Wing*Sold
Junior370z is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Hawaii: 808 State nismoflip6 Western Region 379 11-23-2014 04:08 AM
Mobil Racing 0W-30 alan93rsa Nissan 370Z General Discussions 7 04-30-2009 06:01 PM
sup from the tri-state zcoupe09 New Forum Member 1 04-05-2009 09:26 AM
Hello from the 8o8 state 808_370z New Forum Member 6 11-19-2008 12:33 AM


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:04 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.4
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Search Engine Optimization by vBSEO 3.6.0 PL2