Thor Forums

[Beau388]

Base stock of dinosaur oils (group 1 or 2) cost in the range of $1.25 per gallon in 3,000 gallon container. Synthetic (group 3) cost about $1.55 a gallon in bulk loads. Synthetics (groups 4, 5, and 6) are the most expensive at $1.70 per gallon in bulk. Packaging, shipping and profit add another $1.90 to $8.00 per gallon. The biggest variable is the additive package. It will range from $0.50 to $21.00 depending on the application and manufactures preferences. Additive packages take several years to develop and test and are usually developed to meet a specific engine type and manufacturer. Racing oils cost more because the additive packages are different, more expensive and expendable not because the base stock is different. The advent of catalytic converters and specifically modern three stage catalytic converters and plateau honing of cylinder walls required different additives. Because of min fuel mileage requirements less viscous oil are recommended. There is no best oil, only different oils. Your engine manufacturing knows best what oil is suited for their engines. If you are dealing with 50 to 70 year old engines like I am, then you need to do some research to find what modern oil might work in a high compression, high rpm, air cooled engine meant for 95 octane leaded gasoline; otherwise, in an engine less than 10 years old stick with the manufactures recommendation. In addition no additives, please; as most additives are antagonistic to additive packages.