In our new blog mini-series we’ll be covering each of the five categories in the AMSOIL Super Chevy Best of the Best program: Nova, Full-Size, Tri-Five, Chevelle and Camaro. These models have sustained a following of enthusiasts over the years, despite most no longer being in production. Next up in the series is the Tri-Five group, named for the glory years Chevy enjoyed with the production of their 1955-1957 models.
Of all the models Chevy produced in the fifties, the big change came in 1955 with the reinvention of Chevy that included the introduction of the small-block Chevy V8. While the Bel-Air is the most popular classic of the Tri-Five group, other models include the Nomad, Townsman, Two-Ten Delrays, Beauvilles, and One-Fifty Handymans. Each came in a variety of options from hardtops to convertibles, to sedans and wagons. In those days, buyers were given the freedom of purchasing a stripped down car and ordering everything from the engine size to the color and accessory options. These options included air conditioning, padded dash, tinted glass and even power windows and seats. The 1957 Bel-Air still holds a place in the minds of many as the iconic American car, known for being a solid, good looking automobile.
In the era of the fifties you could drive off the lot with a brand new Tri-Five Chevy for under $3,000.00. Today, they are worth upwards of $20,000 depending upon their condition. Even those in need of extensive work are fetching thousands, indeed more than their very first asking price. Enthusiasts spare no time or expense in restoring these classics, resulting in one of the largest collector car followings of its kind.
AMSOIL has had the pleasure of witnessing some of the best Tri-Five models turn out for Super Chevy shows and crowning them Best of the Best. Stay tuned for the next installment of the AMSOIL Super Chevy Best of the Best blog series as we take another walk down memory lane to discover what makes these classic Chevys so great.
AMSOIL Motorcycle Octane Boost (MOB) increases octane for power and efficiency. It is designed to improve startup performance and eliminate engine ping and knock for increased power at low-rpm operation. Motorcycle Octane Boost contains detergents that help combustion chambers and fuel delivery systems maintain cleanliness for optimum performance. At the recommended treat rate, it does not harm catalytic converters or oxygen sensors and is compatible with all other AMSOIL fuel additives.
Maximizes Power & Performance When treated at 1.3 oz. per gallon of fuel, MOB increases the octane of gasoline up to three numbers. Increased octane improves power and can eliminate performance-robbing and potentially damaging engine knock or ping (see below).
Motorcycle Octane Boost
Improves Low-rpm Performance
Engine knock is especially noticeable in some motorcycles during idle or low-rpm operation and high-temperature driving. Most modern bikes are equipped with sophisticated knock-detection systems that can alter spark timing and the air-to-fuel mixture until knock ceases. Although these systems protect the engine from damage, they can also cause reduced horsepower and poor low-rpm operability. AMSOIL MOB helps reduce the need for knock-detection systems to compensate, ensuring maximum low-rpm power and performance in modern bikes.
Cleans Harmful Deposits
Because Motorcycle Octane Boost contains active detergents, it can help maintain efficiency. For clean up, however, AMSOIL recommends treating gasoline with AMSOIL Quickshot®, which contains a greater concentration of cleaning agents.
What is engine knock and why does it matter? The tendency of a hydrocarbon fuel, such as gasoline, to knock is measured by its octane number. Lower numbers denote a greater knock tendency; higher numbers denote greater knock control. “Engine knock” is a reference to the sound made from an uncontrolled and early ignition of fuel in the combustion chamber. It causes a knocking or pinging sound, robs the engine of power and can cause catastrophic engine damage. Knock may be eliminated by increasing the fuel’s octane.
What is Research Octane Number?
Research Octane Number (RON), Motor Octane Number (MON) and Anti-Knock Index (AKI) are the three most common octane ratings. AKI, the rating with which most North American motorists are familiar, is typically displayed on gas pumps as the average of the fuel’s RON and MON [(R+M)/2]. RON, however, is the most common industry rating. Therefore, AMSOIL uses the RON rating when conducting performance tests and product validation. Gasoline’s RON generally is a few numbers higher than the AKI posted on the gas pump (e.g. 87 octane fuel, or regular pump gas, has a RON of about 91-92).
Motorcycle Octane Boost
When marketing their products, some additive manufacturers have adopted a points system where 10 points equals one octane number. A claim that an additive increases octane 30 points translates into an increase of three octane numbers. This approach is often used only to artificially strengthen marketing claims and is not endorsed by AMSOIL.
Treat Rate
One 4-oz. bottle of AMSOIL Motorcycle Octane Boost treats four to six gallons of gasoline. Slight overtreatment causes no issues,
APPLICATIONS
Motorcycle Octane Boost is primarily recommended for use in four-stroke air- or liquid-cooled motorcycles manufactured by Harley-Davidson®, Yamaha®, Honda®, Ducati®, BMW®, Triumph® and all other four-stroke motorcycles. It may be used in off-road applications, including ATVs, UTVs and snowmobiles, as an alternative to AMSOIL DOMINATOR® Octane Boost. Note: Clean spills immediately using a clean towel. If left standing, Motorcycle Octane Boost can stain painted or metal surfaces. If cleaned immediately, there is no need for concern.
Here is one of the best graphical comparisons of 2 stroke vs 4 stroke engines I’ve seen. Keep in mind, Amsoil offers products for both types of engines. Here’s more information on Amsoil 2 stroke products, and here is information on Amsoil 4 stroke products.
Use this link for a Free Amsoil catalog sent via US Postal Service, no obligation.
Amsoil advantages for 2 strokes;
Helps prevents hard carbon deposits that cause exhaust power valve sticking and ring sticking.
Superior lubricity controls cylinder, piston and bearing wear.
Reduces smoke and odor associated with two-cycle engines.
Helps prevent plug fouling.
Provides exceptional SAE #4 cold temperature fluidity (-58°F pour point).
Versatile and excellent for all types of recreational equipment.
Protects against rust.
Helps prevent pre-detonation from combustion chamber “hot spots.”
Well, I wanted to change air filter on Ford Edge, so I shot some video. Here is how to change the air filter on a Ford Edge. The video is at the bottom. Now I can run for 4 years on this filter, and the Edge will be wore out by then. It’s supposed to be cleaned once a year. Minimal maintenance.
AMSOIL Ea Air Filters represent a major breakthrough in filtration technology. The revolutionary nanofiber technology used in AMSOIL Ea Filters captures more dirt, holds more dirt and allows better air flow than conventional air filters. AMSOIL Ea Filters improve engine performance and help engines last longer.
Absolute Efficiency
AMSOIL Ea Air Filters rank among the most efficient filters available to the auto/light-truck market. Ea Air Filters’ synthetic nanofiber media removes 5 times more dust than traditional cellulose media alone and 50 times more dust than wet gauze filter media. AMSOIL Ea Air Filters have a service life of 100,000 miles or four years, whichever comes first.
Better Air Flow
AMSOIL Ea Air Filters allow more airflow than filters that use cellulose media alone. Cellulose fibers are larger than nanofibers, and have larger spaces between the fibers, causing contaminants to load in the depth of the media and plug the airflow path, which results in higher restriction and less capacity. The synthetic nanofibers in Ea Filter media have submicron diameters and small interfiber spaces, which result in more contaminants being captured on the surface of the media and lower restriction.
change air filter on Ford Edge
change air filter on Ford Edge
More Capacity
AMSOIL Ea Air Filters hold up to 2.5 times more contaminants than cellulose air filters. Since the nanofibers in the media are so small there are more pores per square inch, allowing for higher dirt-holding capacity and lower pressure drop when compared to cellulose filter media alone. Thinner media fibers produce more uniform pore size distribution, improving the filter’s overall quality and ability to capture and retain particles. Testing shows that Ea Air Filters hold 15 times more contaminants than a wet gauze-type filter.
Cleanable – Longer Life
When cleaned according to AMSOIL specifications and used in normal service, AMSOIL Ea Air Filters are guaranteed for 100,000 miles or four years, whichever comes first. Ea Air Filters remain effective for 25,000 miles or one year before requiring cleaning. This coincides with the AMSOIL 25,000-mile/one-year motor oil drain interval, adding even more convenience for motorists by consolidating routine maintenance. (See below for cleaning instructions.)
AMSOIL Ea Air Filters hold 15 times more dust than a wet gauze type filter.
AMSOIL Ea Air Filter media removes 5 times more dust than traditional cellulose filters and 50 times more dust than wet gauze.
change air filter on Ford Edge
Applications
AMSOIL Ea Air Filters provide superior air filtration for vehicles in the auto/light truck market.
Cleaning
Ea Air Filters should be cleaned every year or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first. Carefully remove the filter from the housing. Clean the housing with a shop towel, being careful not to knock contaminants into the air inlet. Filters can be cleaned by carefully vacuuming the filter media on the dirty side, or by holding the filter with one hand and carefully blowing the filter media at a 45-degree angle on the clean side using low-pressure shop air (15-20 lbs. psi).
Service Life
AMSOIL Ea Air Filters are guaranteed for four years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. The guarantee applies only if the filter has been serviced according to AMSOIL recommendations. In off-road, frequently dusty or other severe-duty applications, clean and change more often as determined by operating conditions or as indicated by restriction gauge.
AMSOIL Warranty
AMSOIL warrants that its filtration products are fit for use according to AMSOIL’s recommendations and warrants its products to be free of defective materials, design and workmanship.
“My supplier is pushing hard to move his synthetic gear oils into my operation. His position is that the units run too hot for long-term use of mineral oils. At what temperature should I switch to a Synthetic Oil lubricant for a non-circulated gearbox?”
First, the term synthetic is very broad, so we assume you are referring to lubricants that are formulated using polyalphaolefin (PAO) synthetic oil base.
Synthetic Oil
There is no single temperature point that dictates a time to move to synthetics. The decision is dependent on equipment continuous loads and shock loads, equipment availability for routine maintenance, criticality of the application, component life cycles, lubricant life cycles and failure modes among other things.
Generally, the rate of lubricant degradation doubles with every 18 degrees F increase in temperature. Once formulated with antioxidant additives, PAO-based lubricants have a lower baseline rate of oxidative degradation. At low temperatures, a PAO’s increased oxidative life may not be noticeable, particularly if you have to change the oil at some point for other reasons. At higher temperatures, the synthetic may last noticeably longer.
Typically, you begin to notice the extra life provided by a PAO synthetic oil above 160 degrees F. If it is above 180 degrees F, and especially 200 degrees F, the difference in oxidative life becomes quite apparent. However, the point at which a change to synthetic is justified is dependent perhaps on a handful of additional “program management” parameters such as:
1. Do you intend to run your gear oils with an appropriate use of filtration and oil analysis to support life-cycle extensions for many years?
2. Are you currently doing oil analysis and performing condition-based changes?
3. Do you have, and have you communicated to your lab, oxidation limits that flag impending oxidation problems?
4. Does the machine’s operating temperature vary a great deal (a PAO’s high viscosity index enables it to operate across a wider temperature range)?
5. Do you have an effective contamination control program in place that will enable you to fully exploit the PAO’s extended life?
With the appropriate management strategy, a change to a high-performance product can actually cost considerably less than the equivalent mineral oil product type. Outside of these considerations, somewhere around 165 degrees F represents the point at which you probably should begin to consider the use of synthetics for the sake of lubricant longevity, if not for the sake of reliability.
