[Swepco]

Greg.....

I personally do not know of this organization; r & d is not really my end of the business. It only stands to reason that if there is a need for something, good 'ol American ingenuity will find a way to serve it. I'm thinking that this company plans to develop a chemistry which they will sell to oil blenders as a package.

Also know that many companies, including SWEPCO are more than likely working on their own projects for the same end result. Obviously, if an oil manufacturer can produce a formulation on their own and call it "proprietary" they can somewhat protect it and more than likely produce it at a much lower cost than it would be to purchase an additive package on the outside.

It will be interesting to see if we hear anything more about this particular "break-through," won't it? - I'm sure that before something like this goes on the market, it pretty much has to pass a zillion types of tests which can be long-drawn-out procedures.

In the meantime, I'll keep relying on and recommending SWEPCO's "306 Supreme Formula Engine Oil" for the best protection for pre-2007 gasoline engines not requiring "SM." Actually I do have fleet customers who are using the 306, which is an "SL" in their 2007 & 2008 gasoline engines because they realize they are using a better quality oil and are willing to take the hit if it happens to take out a cat. I cannot recommend that, as it is not what the manufacturer recommends, but I know there are millions of cats out there with more than 120,000 miles on them without failing, using the pre- SM oils. (120,000 miles is the target minimum life designated by the EPA)

Thanks for the article, it was interesting, and I am saving it for reference purposes.

Dick Floryanowich