As we all know, the auto makers just can't leave anything alone. For those that don't remember, the ILSAC which is made up of all the auto makers in the US including GM, Ford Honda, Toyota, Chrysler, etc, all mandate the oils that we use. They have always insisted on the new oils being backward compatible meaning you can use it in any year model of engine. The new GF-5 standards as proposed will probably mean the end to that. The new GF-5 standards have a new test called Sequence VID. The new testing is calling for the acceptability of lowering the HTHS ratings. As of now, the standards are 2.6 for the Xw-20 oils. Lube engineers have agreed that a HTHS rating of 2.8 will yield normal engine wear. The new proposed standards are calling for a drop to 1.88. HTHS (High Temp/ High Shear) is directly related to bearing wear. I do not see this as a step forward in engine life. If this passes and becomes the new standard, I'd strongly suggest buying all of the old GF-4 oil you can afford. The goal of the new standards are to increase fuel economy. Here's the new proposed test data:
http://www.infineum.com/information/...s%20051209.pdf

 

labnerd do you know if the U.S is converting over to metric, i know its just a matter of time, but i bought a Dr. pepper this morning and it was in milliliters (500ml) 16.9 oz and the last couple times ive bought my 7 quarts of oil the, normally 5 quart jug, was 5 liters, or about 5.28,5.3 liters, me and a buddy got to talking this morning about my odd sized dr pepper and i got to thinkin about the oil jugs, sorry this is kinda off topic but i thought you may know seeing as you have researched oils in the last hour maybe you have heard something