Oil w/ Zinc content recommended for older engines

Scott, I'm glad you tried the VR-1 oil after I told you about it. It's a good oil, I use it in my 350cid SBC powered '54 chevy pick up and am happy with it and the best part is you can buy it at Kragens and NAPA and it comes in straight 30, 40 and 50 weight as well as 10w30 (which I use) and a 20w50 and all of them have a ZDDP content of 1300ppm or better.

 

Not the same thing; the zinc compounds form an actual layer on the metal, that is constantly worn away and replenished. But once your cam is broken in, most info I've seen says that the higher levels of zinc aren't as critical (but don't hurt either).

 

BRAD PENN RACING OIL " THE GREEN OIL" .Refined in BRADFORD PA U.S.A.. This is available in all wts. Loaded with zddp. I run straight 30 wt in my rebuilt hot 390.You wont find it in wally world. Check the website

 

Brad Penn is the old Kendall. Kendall was bought out by Conoco-Phillips who dumped the refinery & kept the label.

Great stuff - I'd run it if I could find it. Can't get it locally & nearest distributor is at least another state away...

 

Johnny-- thanks for pointing me to napa for the VR-1. as your read, they had it.

not sure i should thank you for getting me all obsessed with oil though.... it used to be much easier to not worry about it and use whatever

 

I just got a case yesterday @ Autozone. $40.14 w/tax (20/50w)

 

I ran across this issue with the local Model A club. I found that Valvoline racing works well and has the highest ZDDP rating for conventional oils on the market. Almost everyone in the club has switch to Valvoline racing without any problems.

Dan Marvin, Owner
Exeter Auto Supply

 

penn grade brad penn oil

 

All this sounds good but in Montana in the winter the 15w/40 oils & heavier dont start too good when its below zero. So whats best 10w/30 with GM EOS supplement?

 

Just buy the 10w30 Valvoline VR-1 racing oil that I mentioned a few posts back, it's what I use and you don't need any other additives or supplements with it since it has more than enough ZDDP.

 

You know I'm always happy to make your life more complicated, no need to thank me, it's my pleasure. LOL

 

A lot of good info here. Here is another option you might think about if considering running a diesel oil and looking for a CI-4 / CI-4 Plus oil. Mobil Delvac Super 1300 is there preminum diesel oil and was "upgraded" to the new CJ-4 spec in October 2006. However, the "old" CI-4 Plus spec Super 1300 is still available in their product line and now called Mobil Delvac MX. Both are available in 10W-30 and 15W-40. I have not yet tracked down the actual zinc content of each, but will post it if I find it.

 

E.O.S. is gone, and it ain't comin' back.

 

This looks like a reasonable evaluation of the diesel oils:

http://www.turbodieselregister.com/TDR57_Oil.pdf

Remember, everything that is published, both online & in print, has an agenda. That agenda may coincide with yours, or it may not. The best thing you can do (short of running your own experiments) is to read as much as you can & make up your own mind.