This is what I was told by the master tech at my dealer too.

I assume my 370Z came from the factory with Nissan Ester in it. I've changed the oil twice since then NOT using Nissan Ester (Castrol GTX) and I can hear absolutely no difference in the sound of the engine today (~7,700 miles) versus the day I took delivery (8 miles). Just sayin'

Ester is mostly likely in the Castrol GTX formulation.

I bought the Nissan Ester oil for $9.59 a quart if interested send me a PM and I will get the info and where I bought it

Do we have a list of affordable synthetics that contain esters?

You may be right but when I looked at the data sheet on it I don't recall any specific mention of ester additives. If it's part of the formulation, Castrol apparently doesn't think it's a feature worth touting. :driving:

mileage on Ester oil
 

has anyone heard anything on how long between oil changes with Ester oil
Dealer told me you can almost double the mileage, but nothing official from Nissan.

If you're using the oil that's recommended in the Owner's Manual (which is what Nissan Ester oil is), then I think it'd make sense to follow the service intervals in said Owner's Manual.

So this topic is bugging the crap out of me.

Anybody care to clarify... but if an oil is a group V, it contains esters? The question then becomes, how much of the oil is esters. Correct?

EDIT: Ok I think I answered my own question. It appears group V doesn't mean it necessarily contains esters, but it groups all oils that don't fit into the first 4 groups. It is that esters are grouped into group V oils.

EDIT 2: Would switching to a heavier weight oil have a similar if not the same effect as using a lighter weight, ester oil?

EDIT 3: Looks like Royal Purple's Synerlec technology resembles the benefits of an ester oil. Whether it is an ester, I have no clue. Check it out: http://www.royalpurple.com/synerlec-oil-additive.html

An oil company is not going to give away their formulation, but they will answer your question of whether they use esters or not.

I've been conversing with a company called "Amsoil" here in Canada about this very issue. Here's what they told me this week:

Dear ****,

I checked with our tech dept.

The oils that meet and exceed Nissan specification is made with PAO (polyalphaolefin) base stocks.

Ester based oils perform better when compared with conventional lubricants. While PAO has significant advantage and performance over ester based oils.

AMSOIL does make ester based oils but they are recommended to industrial application like compressor oils.

Using the recommended AMSOIL will not void Nissan warranty since AMSOIL meets and exceeds the specification and performance standards set by Nissan for the 2009 370Z with VQ37VHR engine

AMSOIL also allows the convenience of stocking one product for a wide variety of application / models.


Best Regards


Vijay Parany
AMSOIL Servicing Dealer

Direct Phone: 1-416-894-2480
Toll Free Fax: 1-888-776-5369

jsp@wboil.com
WBoil.com | AMSOIL Oil and AMSOIL Filter Products. Your One Stop Shop for AMSOIL also known as AMZOIL
AMSOIL Synthetic Oil Canada. Source of the World's Best Motor Oils and Filters

Now, I don't know whether Amsoil is available in the USA. But, I will be giving it a try when my first oil change is due. I'll keep you posted.

Here's a link to the oil they recommend: http://wboil.com/amsoil/5w30-synthet...r-oil-asl.html

Found this from another forum:

Royal Purple not for your Dakota - Off Topic

So according to this guy, Royal Purple is a group V, synthetic oil with ester technology. That makes sense as Royal Purple's Synerlec technology sounds like it is indeed ester based. Here is a description of Synerlec as per Royal Purple: Royal Purple Additive Technology

Also, he states Amsoil is a group IV synthetic with group V esters added to the oil.

Even though he mentions stay away from Royal Purple, I think what he's saying is that Amsoil will do the same for less.

I hate to base my opinion off of one person's remarks, but I had an initial feeling that Royal Purple and its Synerlec technology would be a very excellent choice for the VQ37VHR.

We still need independent tests with OUR motor though...

Amsoil is an excellent oil
 

Amsoil is a IV oil and great for everyday use. It exceeds most oils out there and will do well for extended drain intervals. You can learn more then you want about oils at bobistheoilguy. They are the major forum for oil related issues. Most on the forum like Amsoil and it tests very well in engine analysis. German Castrol is also highly regarded. I think a great oil is a must but will not stop the over heating issues associated with the 370Z. Good oil will however, help lubricate as the temps rise to the high levels that are experienced. It is not always prudent to go to a thicker oil as a thicker oil may not penetrate into spaces that are needed as well as a thinner oil. Again, this is not a simple subject and requires much study into the components of an oil and its' uses on a specific engine.

Castrol is U.K.,not German.

This confirms my decision to use Royal Purple in my Z. Thanks for the info LiquidZ.

Chan Chee Hoe
 

I am aware that Castrol is UK however, an oil favored by many is Castrol Gold or German possibily because it is used often in Porsches and BWW's. The composition is stated to be different then the run or the mill Castrol we usually get in the States. You can find all you want to know about this and other oils at bobistheoilguy.com.

The stuff about Nissan adding nanoparticles of diamondlike makeup to the oil though... I understand that from a science perspective, but it seems odd to me that that would be the case. You would think if that were the case, they would be making a big deal out of it publicly and calling it Nissan Diamond Oil or something, and the price per quart seems low for industrial grab nm-scale diamond particles to be in there. Was that part conjecture, or is it based on data in the patent, or?

I think to much thought is being put into this.
I use Mobil 1, its a true PAO, been used to death, Ferrari uses it on their f1 cars, I think it will be ok on the Z.

I have read that high ester based oils are recommended for people who track their cars in high temperature. Since I don't I am ok with not having nissan ester oil.


Another interesting thing I came up with is:
SAE Technical Paper 2003-01-3119

Which says that engine wear and tear actually decreases with engine oil life. So the more frequent you change your oil the worse it is for your parts. Interesting read.

Hmm could be. i am just saying what I got from the Mobile 1 guys. Called them up and they confirmed that Mobile 1 is in fact a true PAO, not just the 0w40. They said the advantage of 0w40 is its better in gas milage, but if you do not care, they recommend 5w30. I trust them... but you know how it is, they say anything you want to hear.

Anyone have a way to test oils?

The best place for oil comparisons
 

The best place for oil comparisons is bobistheoilguy.com . They have endless information about all things oil. It is the most comprehensive site for oil related matters. They can get involved about base stocks and actual oil composition but back it up with analysis comparing different oils in different vehicles. If you want to ask questions or just learn, it is an excellent site.

Ferrari F1 teams uses only Shell oil & fuels.

It's very easy to get an oil analysis done and it only costs $22.50. Check it out at Blackstone Laboratories - Standard Analysis

yeah my bad, its the enemy who carries mobil 1:

http://content.edgar-online.com/edga...63D5466334.GIF


I took some of the mobil 1 oil to my school, the chemistry department can do the analysis for me, So once i get the results Ill post them.

Blackstone tests used oil so you can see how much metal is in your oil. These guys are looking for testing of unused oil to see what the composition is, base stock, etc.

The composition isn't nearly as important as how the oil actually performs in a particular engine. Oil is more complicated than what the specs of the oil are. The only real way of doing a comparison of any significance is doing a used oil analysis.

That's fine and well, but Chupacabra wants to know what's in the composition of differing brands of oil. If you don't think that's a worthwhile inquiry, that's fine, you're certainly entitled to your opinion. But I'm just pointing out that doing a Blackstone analysis isn't going to get Chupacabra the answer to his question is all. By answering his question the way you did, you could lead him to spend $22.50 on something that won't even give him the info he's looking for. That's not cool, man. (Can you imagine him sending fresh unused oil to Blackstone?) So I'm warning him that Blackstone won't give him the info he's seeking. Will Blackstone give him good, valuable info on what's in his used oil? Yep, you bet they will. I plan to send them my own used oil for analysis. But that's not what Chupacabra is looking for right now. I'm just trying to save the guy from spending $22.50 on the wrong thing. ;)

Great info on Nissan Ester oils
 

Posted question about Nissan Ester Oil on bobistheoilguy.com under Nissan Ester Oil by AgingChuck. Got some great info on Ester and other oils. If anyone wants the latest and most comprehensive info I have seen on Ester oil, I would go to bob's site, pull up a chair and read a bunch on this and other oils. Guys have some great stuff there......

I just got my oil changed today on my 370z. The dealership filled it up with the suggested Nissan Ester Oil, which cost me $69.99. I don’t think this is too expensive. My Trail Blazer SS's oil change is about the same cost at the Chevrolet dealership; however it gets Mobil One Synthetic.

Just called local cealer here in York, Pa. They haven't even changed the oil on a 370z yet. called carmax where I got the Z they said 65.00 oil change with the ester oil Nissan wants us to use. Not bad since my oil change on the GSX-R cost 54.00

Good info! I have to wonder why Nissan would market it's oil as a generic ester (or ester additives, more accurately), rather than playing up the DLC nanoparticle content. Massive marketing fail... :icon14:

Just got back from my oil change with a big smile on my face. My tech showed me they had a package deal for an oil change. Same ester oil just a tad cheaper showed me the part numbers. Left after paying 31.61 for my oil change with the ester oil Nissan requires. Even said to remind him of the packaged oil when I come back. So i'll get the same low price. All is good as long as it's on the up and up.

Got a link?

Reading that, I have to say, for $70 (that was what they charged me too), I'm tempted to stay with Nissan for oil changes. The fact that they invented an oil for this motor suggests it's probably worth using, and the price is less than I'd pay for Amsoil.

I usually laugh at people who get services at the dealer, but I have to say it does look good for resale if you have dealer receipts for your oil changes. It means you didn't skimp on cost, and it means you had someone looking at the car who could see other problems as they came up.

Ugh, I think it should confirm your decision to use Amsoil.

Amsoil vs. Royal Purple on the dyno

I'd go with Amsoil any day of the week. Royal Purple wasn't even a wet dream when Amsoil was out making synthetic oils. Amsoil has many, many years of experience over RP.

When you pay for RP, all you're spending money on is inflated pricing. They make cheap oil and have huge markups. Where do you think all of those advertising dollars come from? Funny how Amsoil is sold word of mouth and they don't need to throw all that money away.

I'll never use RP again after a friend of mine showed me Amsoil. I'm saving a boatload with this stuff and in 10 years I've never had a single engine, transmission or rear-end problem and I drive my cars like I stole them.

I have friends who race 1,000 horsepower motors with this stuff and beat the hell out of engines. When they open up the engines to upgrade parts, the insides look like a shiny new quarter with no engine wear whatsoever.

That's about what I pay Amsoil for an entire year without having to sit in line at the Nissan dealer and have the service department hounding me to buy services that I don't want or need.

You need to re-think that proposition. WBoil.com | Amsoil Saves Money

homeslice, just registering on the site to advertise AMSOil is not what this is even about... oil threads are bound to really just turn into what people feel comfortable using also:
http://coffeejedi.darkimage.net/old_thread.jpg

So what is up with homeslice? Is he a fanboy or works for amsoil? Is amsoil that good or is it just personal preference!

Oil is always a personal topic
 

Amsoil is a great oil but many folks have used others for years with great results. I believe in Amsoil but there are other oils that will serve others needs. Not sure what the agenda is of all on this board but hopefully we can have honest exchanges about what we like and don't. If someone likes a product then he should be free to express it. Amsoil has a great following and it is backed up on various boards as well as bobistheoilguy. I am new to this board but so far have found everyone more then willing to express their beliefs and accept others'.

I don't think anyone who works for Amsoil logs into any message boards.

The thing that gets me is that people here and every place end blindly buy oil with no ASTM testing behind it. That's like buying a car without knowing the horsepower and torque it has and buying the car just because you saw many ads for it on TV. That's the wrong reason to buy something.

All of those people using Royal Purple or Red Line would be just as happy or happier with Amsoil. And when you save money with the extended drains with Amsoil (something that Red Line and Royal Purple doesn't do), then you can laugh all the way to the bank.

I use to have a job I was commuting nearly 200 miles per day and I decided to try out the Amsoil 0W30 since this oil is rated to last up to a whopping 35,000 miles (not a typo here for 3,500... that was THIRTY-FIVE THOUSAND miles.)

I decided to give this oil a run for the money and see if it truly performed. I drove an entire 35,000 miles on this oil since I did not want to keep spending money on oil changes every 3 weeks or so. Sure enough, this oil totally lived up to my expectations. My gas mileage increased by a few MPG's and I had ZERO oil consumption in that entire 35,000 miles.

I did however have to change the oil filter mid-way since Amsoil does not have any oil filters that has a full 35,000 miles.

Going that far on the oil was equivalent to 11 oil changes. If Amsoil was good enough to last me a whopping 35,000 miles, I would think going 7,500 to 10,000 for most of the people on here should be perfect.

There's no benefit at all of using Royal Purple over Amsoil. Royal Purple is not going to outperform Amsoil in any way. Plus the fact that Royal Purple costs more money in both the bottle itself and having to change it early.

Fast & Fours magazine did a comparison for many popular oils a long time ago and compared Amsoil to Royal Purple. Amsoil beat Royal Purple.

Synthetic engine / motor oil comparison - Amsoil beats Royal Purple, Mobil 1, Castrol, Hi-Tec, BP, Torco and Shell on the dynometer.

So knowing this, I don't see a reason to use Royal Purple. Where was Royal Purple, Mobil 1 or Red Line back in 1972 when Amsoil was selling synthetic oil? Those companies weren't even wet dreams back then.

I have tried virtually every synthetic oil under the sun over the years. Amsoil has done everything the other oils have done with the ability to go a LOT longer. All the people I know who use Amsoil would never switch to anything else once you get hooked on those 1 year oil changes. Buying Amsoil and changing it every 5,000 miles is foolish. You're simply throwing away your money changing it that early. It doesn't hurt the engine in any way, shape or form going the full 20,000+ miles that it was designed to do... UNLESS you don't have the proper oil filter. If you're using Amsoil and some cheapie Fram or Purolator oil filter, then yeah, you're going to have issues. You'll need to change those cheapie filters often.

My 300 takes an Amsoil EAO38 oil filter. That oil filter is a lot more expensive than the Fram's and Purolators, but it lasts up to 25,000 miles while those cheap filters are only rated for short drains.

I don't know about you guys, but I have a family and a day job. I'm very busy and the last thing I want to be doing is spending time doing oil changes every other month and crap.