I'm still debating on whether or not to switch over to synthetic oil, and I'm thinking about changing my oil tomorrow. My question is, what's the difference between this new SuperSyn Mobil and the old TriSynthetic? I couldn't find anything on the Mobil site. Thanks.

 

If I remember correctly, TriSynthetic uses some regular dino oil now or something, but don't quote me on it. That's all I use though is the Tri 15W-50 this oil change, and it's helped my oil pressure a lot.

 

That is a common misconception. Mobil 1 "Tri Synthetic Formula" is a fully synthetic lubricant. It uses more than one polymerized hydrocarbon chain molecule to provide better lubrication and flow characterisitcs, thus the "new" name. Amsoil has had a multi-base formula for a lot longer, and Mobil is just catching up in performance. It has always been far better than mineral oil, and now is even better. It was reformulated to meet the tougher API "SH" classification and "CF" for diesels. The main component is still a polyalphaolefin (PAO) base, but now with additional polymerized molecules.

How the "mineral oil base stock" story got started is anyone's guess. Just like any fully synthetic lubricant, many of the molecules are synthesized from parts of naturally occuring hydrocarbons, so I suppose anyone could say that the "basis" of the product is "natural" material. Until mankind learns how to create matter routinely, it's going to remain that way. We know how to create raw energy from matter, but haven't learned to reverse that phenomenon reliably quite yet. Reportedly, it's been done in particle accellerators, but one atom at a time. THAT would be some expensive engine lubricant, for sure.

Damn, this sounds like a freakin' commercial for Mobil.

 

Ok, I'm still a little confused, so what's the difference between this new SuperSyn Mobil and the old TriSynthetic?

 

Thanks anyway guys. I got the last case of 5W-30 Mobil 1 SuperSyn Pep Boys had. My dad drove the car and was like "It's as smooth as ever" and I thought about it and felt the idle and it did seem to be the smoothest it's felt in awhile... or it could be me trying to trick myself into noticing something that isn't there. But one thing I did notice was that my oil pressure was down to normal REALLY fast. No leaks so far... some kinda did overflow from the funnel, but that was my fault... some how I missed it... can you imagine seeing a BUNCH of oil under your car? I freaked out... Anyway - Thanks guys, I'm hoping my experience with synthetic will be a good one.

Also, I've talked about synthetic so much my dad may switch over to it too now. This coming from the same man that told me when I was little "all oils are the same, they've tested it, so I just get the cheapest one they have" But that was a long time ago... I guess times have changed.

 

LOL!

 

http://www.mobil1.com/products/trisynth/faq.jsp

15w-30 is the performance oil??