Where are the VOA's for the Nissan Ester Oil? Can you send me a link?

 

Not quite accurate, Pennzoil stated Ultra did not have ester
base oil....that's very different than saying does not contain
any ester as you state. That's Pennzoils way of saying it's
proprietory and they aren't going to tell us how they achieved
their TBN and flashpoints in their blend other than saying the
base oils have no ester.....so the question is either how much
and what esters have they added?...or what altered base
molecules have they synthesized that behave like natural
esters? We don't know and they plan to keep it that way.
We do know one thing for sure...Ultra either has ester
additives, or Shell has come up with a way to make
Gp III hydro-cracked molecules from natural gas that
have ester qualities. I

 

According to this FAQ item #14: Pennzoil Ultra FAQ
14. Has Pennzoil® incorporated any type of Esters into the base oil blend for Pennzoil Ultra™? No ester base oils were used or are required in the Pennzoil Ultra™ range.

Is there confirmed traces of Ester in Ultra? If so, that's good news.

 

I think that's the same FAQ Jon was referring to in the post you quoted. Notice they said "base oils." That does not tell us whether or not esters were used in the additive package. But, to answer your question, I don't think there has been anything confirmed like that. I'm not sure if an oil analysis would be able to answer that question -- usually they just look for the presence of certain metals, other elements, and chemicals.

 

I'm using mobile 1 also. thinking of using PP next. I change my oil every 3500-4000 miles anyway

 

Great UOA with Redline on a 370Z.

Used Oil Analysis @9k miles using Redline 5W-30 - Nissan 370Z Forum

 

Exactly right! We can only assume about the amounts of ester
based on the claims of it's ability to clean (a superior trait of ester)
and it's high TBN and flashpoint. No doubt this stuff can stand
up to high heat, and that is the real culprit in our engines.
The VVEL generates very high heat, very quickly whenever
the trottle gets opened up....even for short bursts.

If PU does not contain ester additives...and that would suprise
me, they have at a minimum synthesized a molocule chain or
additives that are a very good substitute on paper. The verdict
is still out on how it will hold up in this engine over time.

I would say to anyone who loves their VQ37 to use
an oil that can handle high heat, and the more you
use your right foot, the more often you should change
your oil.

Based on what I'm (finally) starting to see from UOAs
of Nissan Ester, I'm beginning to have serious doubts
about it's ability to stand-up to the heat in this engine.
The UOAs are indicating serious shear (caused by heat)
even after only 4K. Unless PU UOAs start to show up
indicating it's base oils are up to the task, the more
sure I am that this engine needs and wants the likes
of Redline, Motul, or Enoes in order to live a long
and happy life.

 

Jon, are you going to continue to use Nissan Ester oil or are you going to switch to Redline, Motul or Eneos? For now, I am planning on sticking with 3,750 mile OCI with Nissan Ester but I would have no problem with switching to Redline. I just wish there was more long term data available on the VQ37VHRs.

 

My 09 Coupe had a very slight tick when hot from day one. Changed to Redline @ approx 1250 miles with no noticeable change until about 1700 miles. Engine is now quiet as a mouse

 

^ Seems like Redline is the way to go.

 

Although i have a 3.5HR, the M1 EP oil is wearing like any other oil i've used in the past on this and my prior 3.5DE --- very well. On my DE i've gone as high as 10k on it without traces of abnormal wear (yes, same filter, long story).

On the HR, it's relatively new to me at only 46k miles but i've inched up on OCI's, currently at 7k in-between and all my UOA reports have come up good. TBN on my last change was at 4.3. The change prior to that was done at 5k because i had 2 track days with it, TBN was at 4.