Niles:
All of the oils that you have mentioned have ZDDP as the antiwear component. Anyway, it is actually the phosphorus that provides the antiwear protection, and that is now limited by the ILSAC GF-3 or API SL classification to .10%, again to try and mitigate the catalyst fouling due to the phos. There are other antiwear additives such as phenols and amines, but they are not generally used in engine
oil formulations. Mobil 1 has ZDDP just like any other engine
oil. ILSAC is trying to get that limit reduced to .05% for the coming GF-4 spec, but the
oil companies are screaming blood murder because, if successful, the GF-4 oils will probably not be backward compatible with previous engines.
Non API qualified oils, such a motorcycle oil, Mobil 1 has one, has more antiwear, but they are getting almost $8.00 a quart for them. Same goes for the mineral MC oils, don't know the cost, but more than the regular engine oils I am sure. But still it has more ZDDP because it does not have the API license.
Syntec is made with Group III basestocks, that are hydrocracked to saturate the aromatics and produce what you see called, pure base oils, I think Pennzoil used that name and so does Petro Canada. They are close to PAO's, Group IV's, with respect to viscosity index, sulphur content, and saturates, pour points, etc., but the PAO's still out perform them. No oil with the SL classification or an SJ classification will have 1%
zinc. That would be 10,000 ppm, and most run around 1,000-1,300 ppm
zinc and a max of 1,000 ppm of phos by specification requirement that I mentioned. They can be called
synthetic also because of an adminstrative decision about the definition of synthetics by the NAD of the BBB. No one won the contest, too bad... Mr. Fixit, I was counting on you.
BinB, your are right, your vast experience in lubrication trumps my 35 years hands down, I yield to your superior knowledge and intellect.
Jerry