AMSOIL vs Motorcraft
Motorcraft is Ford’s factory-recommended oil brand. Before comparing performance, there’s a labeling distinction worth knowing that most comparisons skip entirely.
Alan Williams · AMSOIL Direct Jobber #1243776 · Tomball, TX · 225-441-6397
Check the Bottle Before Comparing
Full Synthetic or Synthetic Blend? Motorcraft Sells Both
Ford’s official Motorcraft product line includes both a “Full Synthetic” line and a separate “Synthetic Blend” line, and their marketing descriptions read almost identically. Many of Motorcraft’s most common viscosity grades, including several 5W-20 and 5W-30 products commonly used as factory fill, are labeled Synthetic Blend, not full synthetic, even though both meet the same API SP/ILSAC GF-6 specification. If your Ford came from the factory with Motorcraft oil, it’s worth checking the actual bottle or your owner’s manual to see which one you’re really comparing against, rather than assuming “Motorcraft” means full synthetic across the board.
| Motorcraft Line | Base Oil Type |
|---|---|
| Motorcraft Full Synthetic (select grades, e.g. 5W-30) | Full synthetic base oils |
| Motorcraft Synthetic Blend (many common 5W-20 and 5W-30 grades) | Synthetic/hydroprocessed blend, not full synthetic |
Not sure which grade or line your Ford actually needs? Tell me your model and I’ll confirm, no upsell.
Official Manufacturer Specifications
Current Spec Sheet Comparison
| Spec | AMSOIL Signature Series | Motorcraft Full Synthetic 5W-30 |
|---|---|---|
| API / ILSAC rating | API SP | API SP/Resource Conserving, ILSAC GF-6 |
| Ford-specific spec | Meets or exceeds WSS-M2C961-A1 requirements | WSS-M2C961-A1 (Ford’s own spec, requires TBN above 10) |
| Total Base Number (TBN) | 12.5 | Above 10 (Ford’s minimum requirement; exact figure not published) |
| Published drain interval | Up to 25,000 mi/1 yr | No extended-drain claim; follow owner’s manual schedule |
AMSOIL has run its own comparative bench testing that included a Motorcraft synthetic blend product alongside nine other oils across seven ASTM-style tests, with a published summary stating AMSOIL outperformed the field in nearly every test. That summary doesn’t break out a Motorcraft-specific figure for each test, so treat it as a general finding rather than a precise head-to-head number.
Get AMSOIL Signature Series, a true full synthetic with no blend ambiguity, at 25% off as a Preferred Customer.
Where Motorcraft Is a Reasonable Choice
Motorcraft is a legitimate, factory-approved oil, not a corner-cut product. It’s a reasonable choice for:
- Owners who specifically want Ford’s own factory-recommended fill and prefer sourcing it through a Ford dealership
- Vehicles still under a Ford dealer service plan where using Motorcraft simplifies the paperwork trail
- Drivers happy to follow the standard owner’s manual drain schedule without an extended-interval product
Common Questions
Is the oil my Ford came with from the factory full synthetic?
Maybe not. Many common Motorcraft grades, including several used as factory fill, are labeled Synthetic Blend rather than full synthetic. Check your owner’s manual or the bottle at your next service to know for sure.
Does switching to AMSOIL void my Ford warranty?
No. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a manufacturer cannot void your warranty simply for using a different oil brand, provided it meets the required API specification and viscosity grade, including Ford’s WSS-M2C961-A1 spec where applicable.
What does Ford’s WSS-M2C961-A1 spec actually require?
It builds on API SP/ILSAC GF-6 with added Ford-specific durability requirements, including a chain-wear test and a minimum TBN above 10 for stronger acid control over the drain interval. AMSOIL Signature Series’ published TBN of 12.5 clears that minimum with room to spare.
Can I mix Motorcraft and AMSOIL?
Both are compatible with other synthetic and conventional oils, so mixing won’t damage your engine. For best results, drain fully and refill with one product rather than topping off a mixed fill.
Get the Right Oil for Your Ford
Call and tell me your model, and I’ll tell you the exact AMSOIL grade, straight, no upsell.
More Comparisons & Guides
AMSOIL and Motorcraft are registered trademarks of their respective owners. Lube Oil Sales is an Authorized AMSOIL Independent Dealer (Dealer #1243776). This page contains affiliate links. Motorcraft specifications sourced from Ford Motor Company’s official Motorcraft product pages and technical data sheets. AMSOIL specifications sourced from AMSOIL’s official product data. Last updated: July 2026.