At the 2018 SEMA Show, we were fortunate enough to be able to sit down with Ernie Soliz of Torco Oil USA, the company’s Sales Director who possesses a frighteningly deep understanding of oil. If you think you understand engine oil, just spend five minutes with Ernie and you’ll truly appreciate the depth of his knowledge.

Ernie is the first to point out that when you pour out a bottle of $4 off-the-shelf and a $20 bottle of sophisticated premium synthetic oil, they look the same. But, like beer or wine, looks can be deceiving. Which is why Ernie recommends that you first understand the needs of your vehicle and then consult with a company that’s open and willing to share information to assist you in making the best selection.

Torco Oil USA offers a full line of uniquely-formulated premium synthetic oils and lubricants for racing and street applications.

In our conversations there were two product areas he suggested we share with our readers:  Torco engine oils specifically formulated for gasoline engines in Jeep, half-ton, and three-quarter ton trucks, and the Diesel Accelerator Fuel Additive for, well, trucks with diesel engines. What’s great about all of these products is that they can improve the performance of modern, street-driven AWD and 4X4 vehicles, whether you head off on the two-tracks, or over the boulders on the weekend, or just drive to the mall.

The reason is that the engines in these vehicles are the same, regardless of use. While an engine that is used to drive on the Serengeti Plains of Africa may have to deal with high atmospheric temperatures the same engine that is driven to buy Serengeti Sunglasses at the mall has to deal with the high engine temperatures generated in stop-and-go traffic. Both deserve a motor oil that matches the capabilities of the vehicles.

For street drivers, there’s a choice between the SR-1 fully-synthetic motor oil and the SR-1R engine oil formulated for high-performance and racing applications. Both the SR-1 and SR-1R are catalytic converter safe and are formulated from a selective cross blend of highly advanced 100-percent synthetic base oils. The proprietary additive systems are aimed at increasing power, efficiency, and engine protection over and above standardized passenger additive technology. Not compromised by trying to match the price point of lesser oils, the point, the SR-1’s are purpose-built specialty formulas designed to exceed the demands of high-performance European, Japanese, Korean, U.S., and other OEM vehicles.

The SR-1 motor oil features Geberation-2 MPZ friction-loss technology which can increase horsepower and torque by up to three percent. SR-1 is recommended for stock, tuned, or modified street, light truck, and sport vehicles where a specific viscosity is required. SR-1 is available in 0W-20, 5W-20, and 5W-40 weights.

While developed as a synthetic racing oil Torco’s SR-1R makes a great choice for Jeeps and Pickups that see extra duty.

While the SR-1R has been formulated as a race oil, don’t let that discourage you from using it in your street engine. Proven in off-road racing it’s an ideal motor oil for gasoline-powered Jeeps, as well as half-ton and three-quarter ton trucks from Chevrolet, GMC, Ford, Nissan, Ram, and Toyota. It also features MPZ technology which utilizes Group III and Group IV synthetic technologies. If you’re looking for an oil that can handle the heat of a supercharged or turbocharged engine, are towing a trailer, or taking on tough off-road conditions, Ernie definitely encourages you check out Torco SR-1R engine oil, available in 10W-30, 10W-40, 10W-60, 20W-60 and 24W-60 weights.

The other product Ernie wanted to make sure we shared with our readers is Torco’s Diesel Accelerator product. It is a multi-functional, heavy-duty, diesel fuel additive specially-formulated to clean fuel injectors for reduced fuel consumption and clean and reduce the formation of deposits that cause sticky injectors, especially in today’s modern high pressure common rail-injection diesel engines. Diesel Accelerator also lubricates fuel pumps and other injector parts as well as raises cetane for easier starts.

While sold in a 32 ounce bottle, Ernie assures us that it’s economical for diesel owners to use. Ernie suggests and initial 5 ounce dose at the next fill-up, with 2.5 ounces after that. From there you can skip the next 10 tanks and then repeat. At that cadence, one bottle will last for over 50 tanks full, so if you’re filling your tank twice a week, a single bottle will last you for six months. A small investment to keep your sophisticated fuel-injection system operating at peak performance.