Oil additive--

sbmackie · 12-07-2007, 09:54 PM

UNCLE!

Until I get around to changing my Mobil 1 15-50, what is the best additive readily available at Auto Zone/Checkers etc that will replace the Zinc and Phosphorous?

Car is an SC used mainly for autocross and track days. Some pleasure driving and I drive it to most events.

Next oil change will be with one of the recommended oils in the Ultimate Oil Thread.

Thanks
Scott

David E. Clark · 12-08-2007, 02:32 AM

From what I've read, the most common recommendation for easy to get ZDDP is STP® Four-Cylinder Oil Treatment. It's supposed to have high levels of ZDDP and other anti-wear agents.

As you've seen this topic is extremely complicated with opinions running all over the place. Here is one more link for your consideration. The article has charts showing what additives have what levels of ZDDP and other anti-wear agents: How much Additive do you need?

You ought to be thoroughly confused by now!

sbmackie · 12-08-2007, 03:23 PM

Thanks for the info. How does one find out the Zinc and Phosphorous in a common oil such as Mobil 1?

Thanks

Scott
82 SC

David E. Clark · 12-08-2007, 05:26 PM

Here is a chart with all the appropriate information from the Mobile 1 website.

sammyg2 · 12-08-2007, 09:35 PM

Snake oil. You don't need additives.
Oil is oil, forget about what people have been telling you.

scottb · 12-09-2007, 01:37 AM

I recently asked a very reputable local Porsche mechanic about the current situation with oil. He told me that the Valvoline additives work very well. So, with all of this oil brouhaha, if you spend an extra $10 per oil change for a couple of bottles of Valvoline additives, you're good to go (according to this mechanic). That begs the question -- is it really necessary to order Brad Penn (or similar oil) online and pay shipping charges, when you can go to your local AutoZone and easily get high quality oil and a couple of bottles of additives?

Mo_Gearhead · 12-09-2007, 05:09 AM

QUOTE: "...is it really necessary to order Brad Penn (or similar oil) online and pay shipping charges, when you can go to your local AutoZone and easily get high quality oil and a couple of bottles of additives?"
___________________

The dance continues ...100 people ...85-95 differing opinions.

Use a good quality oil, change it (and the filter) three or four times a year and worry about something else in your life that's REALLY important!

sbmackie · 04:44 PM

Gives me grist for the mill. A little extra protection can't hurt, right?

Hey, here's a grenade to get the discussion going: How much of this argument is among the more technical minded, academic types vs us sweat hog throttle bashing weekend warriors with jobs, wives, other things to think about, etc? Is there actual evidence to support the zinc/phosphorous additives debate?

Also, I saw a reference to more HP generated with synthetic? True?

Let the bombs start falling.

Scott
82 SC, currently getting a Getty ducktail, some euro bumpers, a new dash, and some paint.
22/29 or 21/28 hollow torsions to follow, as soon as I find some used ones for sale.

HarryD · 12-09-2007, 06:31 PM

Scott,

IMHO, There is much in the SAE Journals about the different needs of Flat Tappets vs the current Roller Tappets. This is what is driving this discussion. The current crop of SM/CJ-4 oils are fine for Roller Tappet engines (most engines built since the mid 90's). Our older 911's like many pre '90 cars have Flat Tappets. There is an enormous amount of pressure where the lifter meets the tappet and a very good anti wear compound (ZDDP in this case) provides protection to these moving parts.

But hey, it's your car and your choice.

For those who need to know, This is the Ultimate Oil thread