The Vyzitor
Senior Member
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- Oct 14, 2019
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- 2019 Civic Sport FK7, 2010 VW GTI MKVI
So upon further review, Redline 5w20 is a pretty perfect oil for those concerned about running thicker than the recommended 0w20, with only one major exception.
first, according to their stated spec, Redline 5w20 has a kinematic visc of 9.0cSt @ 100°C, which is comfortable in the upper reaches of the 20 grade specification. (9.5cSt being the max)
second, according to their stated spec, Redline 5w20 also has a HTHS visc of 3.0. This is actually within the realm of a 30 grade (30 grade HTHS can be as low as 2.9) and well above the average for most 20 grade of 2.6 to 2.7
third, Redline 5w20 has a viscosity index of only 147. If I understand this correctly, this is a strong indication that the oil is basically largely a straight grade SAE 20 or near to it (SAE 16 maybe?) with very minimal addition of viscosity improvers... but happens to meet the cold flow requirements to be considered a multi grade 5w20. Amsoil had an oil in the past that pulled off a similar trick. It was a straight grade 30, but the flow characteristics allowed them to fit a 10w30 profile I believe.
This would also explain Redline 5w20’s outstanding HTHS number for a 20 grade... as a 20 grade with minimal added VII, it would be EXTREMELY resistant to shearing other viscosity loss.
the ONLY major drawback in my opinion, is the lack of true API approval... and the additive pack is questionable for claiming LSPI mitigation like an API SN Plus oil.
first, according to their stated spec, Redline 5w20 has a kinematic visc of 9.0cSt @ 100°C, which is comfortable in the upper reaches of the 20 grade specification. (9.5cSt being the max)
second, according to their stated spec, Redline 5w20 also has a HTHS visc of 3.0. This is actually within the realm of a 30 grade (30 grade HTHS can be as low as 2.9) and well above the average for most 20 grade of 2.6 to 2.7
third, Redline 5w20 has a viscosity index of only 147. If I understand this correctly, this is a strong indication that the oil is basically largely a straight grade SAE 20 or near to it (SAE 16 maybe?) with very minimal addition of viscosity improvers... but happens to meet the cold flow requirements to be considered a multi grade 5w20. Amsoil had an oil in the past that pulled off a similar trick. It was a straight grade 30, but the flow characteristics allowed them to fit a 10w30 profile I believe.
This would also explain Redline 5w20’s outstanding HTHS number for a 20 grade... as a 20 grade with minimal added VII, it would be EXTREMELY resistant to shearing other viscosity loss.
the ONLY major drawback in my opinion, is the lack of true API approval... and the additive pack is questionable for claiming LSPI mitigation like an API SN Plus oil.
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