Ok you're not going to use Amsoil -fair enough. As far as testing goes, it doesn't matter who does it as the results and testing process are displayed for all to see so if anyone has a problem with it they will react and dispute it. Amsoil can't illustrate false claims against other brands or they will be sued. If Esso wants to dispute Amsoil's claims, they could easily perform the same tests with the Amsoil, in the same exacting manner and prove them wrong - this has NEVER happened - and we all know if Esso, or Pennzoil or whoever had ever found anything to dispute they would have. So we accept the tests at face value. Esso, Pennzoil etc make great products, however, Amsoil is at the top of the food chain as far as high performance lubricants. It costs a little more - who cares! I'm not skimping on my cars to save a couple bucks on oil; after all, you are the only person who is going to be stuck in the middle of nowhere when your C7 Z06 breaks down. oops, did I say that out loud?! lol.
The testing I'm after is actual, honest-to-god used oil analyses from a Viper V-10, not lab/bench tests. The latter means nothing. As with anything in this world, a high price tag doesn't always equate to the best value.
As far as the cost, I actually do care. 11 quarts of Amsoil 0w40 (Signature Series) is $126.50 ($11.50/qt) + whatever shipping costs. I can go to Wal-Mart right now and snag two 5 quart jugs of Mobil 1 0w40 ($23.88 each) + a single quart ($7.98) for a grand total of $55.74 + tax. I try not to do public math, but even with my current 7.25% local sales tax, that's still $59.78, which is less than half of what it would cost for the Amsoil. Personally, I can't justify that kind of expense on a car that gets driven maybe 1,000-1,500 miles per year (oil changed once per year). Now, if I was using 11 quarts of Wesson cooking oil, I might run into issues, but Mobil 1 0w40 is the factory recommended fill for my car, so I don't have any issues using it. I also don't foresee any issues, like breaking down in the middle of nowhere due to the engine oil not being up to *****. Is that even a real argument? Scare tactic? Amsoil distributor by chance?
Is anyone using the Pennzoil Ultra Platinum as recommended by Ralph Gilles and Chrysler, and if not, how come?
Personally, I have not, and it's actually for the same main reason I won't use Amsoil - lack of availability. That I know of, you can only reliably get the Pennzoil Ultra 0w40 from a Dodge dealership, and you'll pay the dealership markup in the process. There might be a few other places stocking it now, but I haven't checked lately. I'm still waiting for Wal-Mart to start stocking it...if they do, I might try it. I also know that factory oil fills are under contract, which could have everything to do with Dodge being under Fiat when that change was made back in 2013. Politics aside, it is still certified as an acceptable oil for the 2013+ Vipers, so I'd probably not lose any sleep putting it in my '08.
