I think we need a couple someones with hemi tick to give valvoline a dance. However, it is hard to continue testing when you found an answer for your hemi, so I wont be making any changes. However, if I was on the lubegard strategy, man that valvoline looks like a decent choice for a dancing partner in the battle for hemi tick. The base oils are one aspect, but EP additive levels are stand out. NOACK says 8.7, which is close to redline for their 5w20. Literally the only issue I see is a cSt at 7.9, back in the recent day we see all 5w20's on the upper limit as in close to 9.
But, my bet is we will now see api oils in the 20 weight graduate to the lower end of the range, which I can't say I like much. If someone wanted they could add a quart of 5w40 to that sump, dress it up a bit, but with that noack and EP additives that oil looks like a real option, not good but great imo. Yes in theory on paper, but it was those theories on paper that have led to some answers on killing these ticks.
Thanks for the work Travis, great contributions, and good to see Valvoline improve their base oils and moly. As been proven like 100 times in syn thread, you have to keep up with current info and let old info die. Hardest thing to do is let old notions die, I can hardly believe I am saying valvoine is a top choice after the evolution of this thread, but dare I say valvoline looks like a true boutique.