Redline Oil, still happy with it?
 

I have a case of Redline Synthetic 5w30 coming tomorrow. It's my last chance to pull out before switching to synthetic from the Nissan Ester Oil. Things have been running nicely up to this point, but with the winter coming I think I'd rather run synthetic and make the switch.

For anyone who has switched to synthetic and/or specifically Redline, are you still happy with your swap?

Very happy with it. In fact, I have a second shipment on the way for my next oil change.

Yes. Very.

I switched to Redline at 4000 miles and am now back with the Nissan ester. There is an interesting article by Mike Kojima on another site (can't post the address here) that goes
into great detail about the Nissan oil. The price is about the same as Redline. Here are a couple of quotes:

"Nissan's special oil and their newly developed hydrogen free DLC coating on cam followers reduces the amount of friction produced by the valve train by a huge amount. This can make a considerable difference in fuel economy, power output and perhaps even heat generation.

What is Nissan's special oil? The oil was developed to complement Nissan's Hydrogen free DLC coating used on the cam followers in the QR25DE engine, the VQ35HR and the VQ37VHR engines. DLC stands for diamond like coating, which is an amorphous layer of carbon crystals with hard smooth properties much like diamond. Most of valve train friction is created by the interface between the cam follower and the cam lobe. DLC is very slippery stuff and Nissan uses it to reduce valvetrain friction to improve fuel economy, reduce emission and increase power.

Nissan, in their search for improving oils frictional properties, figured out a way to substitute ultra hard nano particles for the normal chemical friction modifiers adding some interesting molecular twists. Again due to the convoluted nature of Nissan’s white papers and patents, its hard to guess exactly what the nano particles are but they are definitely an ultra hard industrial abrasive or bearing type ceramic and probably at least in part, nano particles of industrial diamond

Nissans super oil is around 0.5% nano particles by weight. The particles are probably around 10 nanometers in diameter, really very small! A certain percentage of the nano particles have to be carbon based, preferably single crystal synthetic diamond. The carbon content helps make the nano particles attracted to the low hydrogen DLC coating. Instead of making a slippery metallic film on bare metal parts like traditional friction modifiers, the nano particles act like atomic level miniature ball bearings, preventing metal to metal contact and reducing friction to previously unheard of levels. These nano particles are ashless if they find there way into the engine, making the oil low deposit forming for lower emissions. The Nissan super oil does most of its friction reduction in the valvetrain but it still helps in other parts of the engine, particularly in areas where metal to metal contact might occur."

Hmmm, interesting. I can't help but feel there is a lot of propaganda in that person's description. I read all that, look back at it and think "there is nothing tangible in that explanation". Lots of nano particles, diamond coatings, etc which are usually marketing buzz words.

The devil's advocate would say that any benefit from nano particle interaction with 'special' engine coatings may not offset the difference in lubrication ability and temperature resistance to degradation offered by synthetic oils.

From what I had seen before, the hype of the Nissan oil was the esters which Redline also contains. Perhaps they're not the 'special' Nissan esters? :)

So basically, I can tell my wife there are diamonds in the engine and then she'll go for the 350Z to 370Z swap! .......sweeet

I'm satisfied with my switch to the redline oils. I have put 1500 miles on it and it has been great. I wouldn't say that I noticed any performance improvement or less nvh like some have stated but I have not noticed a down grade either. I will use the Redline oil on my next change as well.

The guy who wrote the article on the Nissan oil is a top Nissan tuner who knows more about our engine than anyone on this site. He took the time to research exactly what goes into the Nissan oil. I have decided to base my decision on what oil to use based on his research and not on somebody's butt dyno. .

Who here is talking about butt dyno results?
Redline has been good to me so far, just did my second oil change, car is at 8,000 miles and going strong. Would I be better off with something else? Who knows and who cares, buy what makes you feel that your car is better. Not what person A says, or report from XYZ has claimed.

I would like to see a non biased report on the difference in the oils. Time to get the phone book out and call some experts. Until other wise instructed Redline oil is first rate.

Changed oil and filter at 2800 miles.Switched over to Mobil 1 and at 4700 I have not burned any oil at all.Still at the full level.
I'am very happy with my choice.Have been using in all my vehicles and bikes for years with great results.
So what ever makes you feel comfortable go for it!

I went with Pennzoil Platinum after doing a lot of reading both on here, and over at BITOG.

Temps haven't gone over 225, even when trying to beat the snot out of it...within reason. Gas mileage is the same. No ticking sound from the engine...was relatively quiet before, same as now. Basically nothing has changed, except now I can go longer before changing the oil because it's synthetic.

I know a lot of people from this forum went the Redline route. I would not have any worries about using it if I were you. I thought about it, but ultimately decided to go a different route.

I've switched to redline at about 1400 miles and the car definitely drives smoother.

In terms of gas mileage, I'd say about the same; really just depends on your driving habits.

I may try Motul but redline is a solid choice for me in future oil changes.

Just so you guys know, STILLEN is an authorized Redline distributor and we use it in our race cars. We just ran the Targa Newfoundland Rally with the Redline fluids in our GT R and we were very happy with the results.

On the rally we had a top Ferrari technician and one of the Nissan North America proving grounds technicians who both expressed their positive thoughts of Redline fluids.

Check it out if you're looking for a source!

STILLEN : Browse Products

My next change as well...

Well overall it sounds like I don't have to regret buying this box of Redline synthetic that just arrived :)

+1 for Redline. I switched over at 4k miles. I've gone the Mobil 1 route with other cars and decided to stick to Redline in the Z. No particular reason other than it's a reputable oil with a good track record. If Nissan has engineered a truly revolutionary oil then I think they'd be doing more to capitalize on it. Seems like there's still a lot of obscurity surrounding their Ester Oil.

Agreed. Nissan service techs don't even use ester oil. My first oil change I made them drain the crap valvoline they put in and replace it with ester oil.

After reading dozens of posts on that issue, I've noticed that opinions vary from individual to individual. I, personally, have been using Mobil 1 for the last 8 or 9 years, and have no complaints about it. There are people who swear by Amsoil, others by Redline or Mobil 1. What I analyze is that the manufacture of motor oil from crude has improved so much that the differences from one brand to another are marginal at best. So I go by price and, up until recently, I was able to buy at a military installation (Ft. Buchanan), so when I saw that my card was about to expire, I went ahead I purchased
12 cases of 5W30 Mobil 1 at $4.95/quart! No problemo.

Well in this case there actually is a difference. Apparently (according to the manual), the 370 is recommended to have an ester-based oil. I don't think 5W30 Mobil is ester-based (I could be wrong)..which is the reason many people choose Redline (which is ester-based). There have been some reports of some people having issues using non-ester based oil. There is a difference between the two types - more than just difference in brand.

Not sure about Redline But I just made the switch to Amsoil 5w30 Full synthetic after I hit the 3k mile mark... I have heard nothing but good things about Amsoil

Once you go with Synthetic dont go back to conventional oil...


DAN

Thanks for the orientation, dude! Since I don't own a 370, I didn't know about the "ester" deal. My 350's doing fine with Mobil 1. Go with the best for your beazT, guy!

No worries!! Just wanted to point out that people use Redline for a reason. Another forum favorite has been Motul 300v...which is also 100% ester based. So there are other choices out there too :)

I am very satisfied, spear(until I know your name, I'm forced to call you this :o). Car is very quiet at idle. No valvetrain noise what so ever. Really good stuff! :tup:

Also, (I believe) the Nissan ester oil is regular oil with ester additive. Redline is synthetic AND it's based off polyol ester. So it's win win and $3 cheaper than the Nissan's "magic oil" per quart.

You can learn more about Redline by clicking here: http://www.the370z.com/diy-section-d...html#post75262

Awesome Kyle! :tup: Redline oil is fantastic. I know you guys use it on your amazing GTR ;)
http://www.redlineoil.com/content/im...dyimages/4.jpg
http://www.redlineoil.com/content/im...yimages/20.jpg

Absolutely not. I have been using it since 3600 miles and I just crossed over 10500 miles. My car is running very smooth.

:iagree:

I have to agree with you about your statement about Mobil 1.In my opinion it is as good as any other oil on the market if not better.
As far as Nissan recommending?Note it says "recommend" not "must" use so the warranty on the engine with Mobil 1 is no less then when using there ester oil?
Nissan as many other manufactures push there products and claim they are the best so what ever makes you happy.This back and forth about oil could go on till the end of time.Any good quality oil should be just fine.