Motor oil recommendations

[Sal Gerace]

I use the 20-50 Valvoline Racing oil. Make sure it says racing. If it does not say racing it will not have the zinc additive that is needed. You should also use ZDDP plus in addition to the racing oil. I would stay away from any synthetic oil. This information is more important if you are runnung a solid lifter cam.

[Monster]

I've been running Delo 400 (same oil I run in my F350 PSD) because of the added zinc ( zinc dithiophosphate or ZDDP ) in current FE build since break-in which now has 3Kmiles.

From ad for ZDDP Plus Oil Additive:
After 70+ years, the EPA mandated that all domestic oil producers remove ZDDP (Zinc Dialkyl Dithio Phosphate) from all conventional and synthetic motor oil. If your engine was designed before 1989 the non-roller lifters require ZDDP to avoid premature deterioration. ZDDP also alters bearing and journal surface characteristics to prevent metal to metal contact. Under extreme conditions like a high performance motor, ZDDP reduces the tendency of parts to scuff or gall under heavy loads.

I haven't used this additive but I did go with Delo because of the added ZDDP and the protection it provides. I have since found that "newer" Delo 400 LE (Low Emissions) does not provide ZDDP at the same levels as the older version of Delo. I am going to do further investigation on ZDDP additives.

Thanks for the post.

Mike

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by Sal Gerace

I use the 20-50 Valvoline Racing oil. Make sure it says racing. If it does not say racing it will not have the zinc additive that is needed. You should also use ZDDP plus in addition to the racing oil. I would stay away from any synthetic oil. This information is more important if you are runnung a solid lifter cam.

I'm also running Valvoline 20/50 Racing Oil.

[Monster]

Bob,

PLEASE READ MY POST----------- It say's "From ad for ZDDP Plus Oil Additive:" This was found on their web site


MORE regarding EPA according again to ZDDPlus www.zddplus.com

" As part of an effort to reduce vehicle emissions, the U.S. EPA offers vehicle manufacturers "credits" for early implementation as well as penalties for violation of emission reduction standards. The EPA's program called for 100,000-mile catalytic converter life by 2004, 120,000 miles by 2007, and 150,000 miles by 2009. To achieve these goals, automotive manufacturers have pressured their oil suppliers to remove substances from motor oils that would shorten the service life, including the proven EP (extreme pressure) additive ZDDP (zinc dialkyldithiophosphate). Zinc and phosphorus from the ZDDP can be present in small amounts in the exhaust gas of an engine depending on the amount of oil which is consumed in combustion. These elements can coat the catalyst reducing the amount of catalyst exposed to the exhaust gases, ultimately increasing emissions at the tailpipe. As a result of the EPA mandate, the ZDDP level in engine oils has been declining since the mid-1990s, roughly coinciding with the implementation of OBDII."

So it appears that the reduction in ZDDP is the result of the auto manufactures "mandate" by EPA to reduce emissions and not a direct mandate to the oil companies.

The more I read up on this topic the more questions seem to arrise. Do check out the link I provide above for some basic reference info. It appear's that bottom line is that oil zinc levels have been reduced to help auto manufacturers meet EPA and that an addive is needed for older "flat tappet" engines to prevent premature engine ware. GM EOS and ZDDPlus appear to be additives to consider.

Mike