What type of oil?

[recordsj]

two interesting articles on the use of ZDDP. both are NOT in support of the need for older cars. one of the articles is from a GM engineer.

https://www.nonlintec.com/sprite/oils_and_zddp.pdf
https://www.nonlintec.com/sprite/oil_myths.pdf

an interesting site:
https://www.svmgcc.org/tech_tips/oil_is_killing.htm

here is an interesting site talking about ZDDP and VR1 racing oil...
https://www.macysgarage.com/myweb6/ZDDP.htm

 

[red79]

two interesting articles on the use of ZDDP. both are NOT in support of the need for older cars. one of the articles is from a GM engineer.

https://www.nonlintec.com/sprite/oils_and_zddp.pdf
https://www.nonlintec.com/sprite/oil_myths.pdf

I don't place much faith in the conclusions drawn by the first link (he opens with the equivalent of 'I'm no expert, but smarter than internet posters I've met'). The article by the GM lubrication engineer gets it spot on, but I think he presents his conclusions in the wrong tone.

Extensive industry testing shows that flat tappet engines, especially those running small diameter lifters (*cough*... LBCs...*cough*) or high spring pressures over the nose are optimally protected from lobe/lifter wear when the ZDDP concentration in the oil is at least 800ppm. ZDDP adds other useful properties to the oil, such as acting as an antioxidant, and so was run as high as 1400ppm in old school oil blends.

These days, for cat converter life, the law mandates a *maximum* concentration of 800ppm in consumer oil. So, depending on the brand, you might be safe running whatever is on the shelf at pep-boys, or you might flatten a lobe. That's why you always need to research the ZDDP concentration of what you put in your engine--it often doesn't say on the bottle, but a call to the tech line usually gets it done.

Personally, I don't take any chances with my big flat tappet engines, and run VR1 with a healthy ZDDP of 1200ppm. Overkill? I see it as spending a few extra dollars per case on cam/tappet insurance. Peace of mind. Tens of thousands of street and years of strip passes and not a flat lobe yet.