Is a good synthetic oil as good as a high zinc content dino oil with a flat tappet?

Rich-L79 · Mar 12, 2007

Is a good synthetic oil as good as a high zinc content dino oil with a flat tappet?

All the talk recently about lower zinc content in motor oils has me concerned about the oil I'm using in my older sytle engines. Many years ago I switched to Mobil 1 for the truck (69 Chevy) and the Chevelle. Mobil 1 is probably the best readily available synthetic (or so I believe at the moment) but is it really good enough for an old fashioned flat tappet engine? Should I be switching back to Valvoline racing oil which has a high zinc content?

dreis454 · Mar 12, 2007

Re: Is a good synthetic oil as good as a high zinc content dino oil with a flat tappe

there is a thread in Chevelle tech about the Valvoline oils. I would stick to using Rotella T

CDN SS · Mar 12, 2007

Re: Is a good synthetic oil as good as a high zinc content dino oil with a flat tappe

FWIW .....I too use Mobil 1 synthetic in all my cars and trucks .another car has a hyd roller ......no problem but in a discussion with Rod at Isky re ny Isky Red Zones street use he had no problem with a synthetic oil but would prefer I use a "Racing Synthetic " presumibly because of the zinc content level ..I like to run thinner rather than thicker oils been using the Mobil 10-30, my engine builder swithing to the Joe Gibbs stuff ?? for all his circle motors ...I believe Valvoline zinc levels are very low since cars with cats came on the scene .need to be sure which Valvoline really has enough zinc to do the job .not sure the Racing version cert for street use has much zinc any more .check that out more

mr 4 speed · Mar 12, 2007

Re: Is a good synthetic oil as good as a high zinc content dino oil with a flat tappe

I run Mobil 1 in the 70 SS and add either a red or blue bottle of STP
The red bottle has a lot of zinc.

Aaron · Mar 12, 2007

Re: Is a good synthetic oil as good as a high zinc content dino oil with a flat tappe

This red bottle of STP, where did you find that? I can't seem to find that at all.

mr 4 speed · Mar 12, 2007

Re: Is a good synthetic oil as good as a high zinc content dino oil with a flat tappe

Aaron said:
This red bottle of STP, where did you find that? I can't seem to find that at all.

Wal Mart and any parts store

novaderrik · Mar 12, 2007

Re: Is a good synthetic oil as good as a high zinc content dino oil with a flat tappe

i thought the main problem was during the cam break in period. i thought that once the cam and lifters get to know each other, it doesn't really matter all that much.

Aaron · Mar 12, 2007

Re: Is a good synthetic oil as good as a high zinc content dino oil with a flat tappe

Really? Walmart and other part stores. Guess I will have to look closer, or speak with the manager.

Rich-L79 · Mar 12, 2007

Re: Is a good synthetic oil as good as a high zinc content dino oil with a flat tappe

novaderrik said:
i thought the main problem was during the cam break in period. i thought that once the cam and lifters get to know each other, it doesn't really matter all that much.

Generally, that was my understanding as well but I'm trying to be sure before I cause a problem in my expensive toys.

SWHEATON · Mar 13, 2007

Re: Is a good synthetic oil as good as a high zinc content dino oil with a flat tappe

RICH,I JUST COPIED THIS FROM PERF FORUM;
==========================================================

VR1 Racing Oil isn't the oil we thought it was

This is from valvoline web--

1-Valvoline Conventional Racing Oil is designed for racing application only. Its unique formulation contains premium mineral base stocks and advanced additive technology to reduce internal friction and help enhance horsepower output. Available at NAPA.
Designed for high-performance racing engines
Proven to provide more horsepower than the most widely used engine oils in grassroots racing
Helps increase horsepower through advanced friction modifiers balanced with reduced detergent levels
Contains increased amounts of zinc for extra engine protection
Not for use in wet clutch applications

Racers — whether weekend warriors or committed professionals — are always looking for a performance edge. Drawing on over 100 years of racing heritage, Valvoline has developed a new line of conventional and synthetic racing lubricants formulated to increase horsepower and protect high-performance engines. Though these special formulations have been developed only for grassroots racers (not for street use), Valvoline's VR-1 Racing Motor Oil has been reformulated to meet all new-car specifications, making it the right choice for the track or the street.

2-VR1 Racing Motor Oil's exclusive chemistry is designed to reduce friction and enhance power. It is among the most popular engine lubricants in all types of racing including CART, stock car and drag racing. It is recommended for engines burning gasoline and full or partial alcohol fuels in track and street service.High performance and protection for today's engines that run at high RPM
New ashless anti-wear additives combined with ZDDP provide ultimate wear protection
Enhanced anti-foam system helps protect the engine even during extreme stress
Enhanced additives protect against high-temperature deposits for a cleaner engine
Friction modifiers help improve horsepower output.

3-Valvoline Synthetic Racing Oil is designed for racing application only. Its unique formulation contains premium synthetic base stocks and advanced additive technology to reduce internal friction and help enhance horsepower output. Available at NAPA.
Designed for high-performance racing engines
Proven to provide more horsepower than the most widely used engine oils in grassroots racing
Helps increase horsepower through advanced friction modifiers balanced with reduced detergent levels
Contains increased amounts of zinc for extra engine protection
Not for use in wet clutch applications
__________________
Brett

SWHEATON · Mar 13, 2007

Re: Is a good synthetic oil as good as a high zinc content dino oil with a flat tappe

RICH,For curiosity i contacted Chevron to ask what lvl's of ZDDP/Zinc,phosphorus,magnesium,etc their Delo 400 15w-40 diesel oilhad in it and here is the somewhat lame answer i got pasted below.

================================================== =======
Thank you for your questions. We do not give pour product typicals out
in writing, however Delo 400 15w40 and RPM 15w40 both still have high
levels of zinc and phosphorus and would be our recommendation for older
pre-catalytic converter gasoline vehicles.
================================================== =======

Note: i did ask the same question of the chevron oil engineer/s a little over a yr ago and they did send me that info but is was in percentage insted of PPM like you see in most oil testing so that data was NG to me unless it could be converted from percetage to PPM data.

Scott

Is a good synthetic oil as good as a high zinc content dino oil with a flat tappet?

Rich-L79

dreis454

CDN SS

mr 4 speed

Aaron

mr 4 speed

novaderrik

Aaron

Rich-L79

SWHEATON

SWHEATON

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