Engine OIL

What oil to use?
What oil to 'break in' a newly rebuilt engine?
What is Zinc in the oil used for?  Does it help?

Here is a great article.  It is long but worth the read.
https://540ratblog.wordpress.com/2013/06/20/motor-oil-wear-test-ranking/

Here is another-
http://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/rotella-worlds-first-ever-combined-hair-oil-foot-ointment-salad-dressing-188168/



The “WEAR PROTECTION RANKING LIST” itself, begins here:

1. Prolong Engine Treatment added to 5W30 Pennzoil Ultra, API SN synthetic = 136,658 psi
This oil on its own WITHOUT the Prolong Engine Treatment added to it, has a wear protection capability of 92,569 psi. With the recommended amount of Prolong added per qt, its wear protection capability “WENT UP 48%”.

2. Prolong Engine Treatment added to 5W30 Castrol GTX, API SN conventional = 130,366 psi
This oil on its own WITHOUT the Prolong Engine Treatment added to it, has a wear protection capability of 95,392 psi. With the recommended amount of Prolong added per qt, its wear protection capability “WENT UP 37%”

3. Prolong Engine Treatment added to 5W30 Pennzoil, API SN conventional, (yellow bottle) = 117,028 psi
This oil on its own WITHOUT the Prolong Engine Treatment added to it, has a wear protection capability of 76,989 psi. With the recommended amount of Prolong added per qt, its wear protection capability “WENT UP 52%”.

4. 5W30 Motul 300V Ester Core 4T Racing Oil, synthetic = 112,464 psi
This Motorcycle Road Racing oil is from France and comes in liter bottles (slightly more than a quart). At the time this oil was tested in spring 2014, it cost $24.25 per bottle. And with the shipping cost added to that, the final cost was about $33.00 per bottle (shipping was all inside the U.S.), making it THE most expensive motor oil I’ve ever tested

5. “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to 5W30 Pennzoil Ultra, API SM synthetic = 111,570 psi
This oil on its own WITHOUT the “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to it, has a wear protection capability of 115,612 psi. But, with 2.0 OZ of concentrate added per qt, which is the amount intended for racing, its wear protection capability “WENT DOWN 3.5%”.

6. “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to 10W30 Brad Penn, Penn Grade 1 semi-synthetic = 111,061psi
This oil on its own WITHOUT the “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to it, has a wear protection capability of only 71,206 psi. But, with 2.0 OZ of concentrate added per qt, which is the amount intended for racing, its wear protection capability “WENT UP A BREATH TAKING 56%”.

7. 5W30 Oil Extreme Motor Oil, API SM synthetic (per the Oil Company, even though synthetic wording is not shown on the label) = 110,286 psi
The Company claims this oil contains their proprietary formula of calcium petroleum sulfontate EP (Extreme Pressure) technology that is NOT found in any other motor oil. They also claim that it will provide 5 to 7 more HP, 7 to 10% better fuel mileage, cut engine wear in half, and will extend drain intervals two or three times safely. This oil is endorsed and promoted by Tech Author David Vizard. And he was so impressed by this oil’s performance that he also became a share holder in the Company. The results from the “Dynamic Wear Testing Under Load” performed here, fully supports their claim regarding wear protection. So, their hype about that, turned out to be absolutely true. And since this oil beat nearly every high zinc oil I’ve ever tested, it also proved another one of their claims, that using zinc as the primary anti-wear component, is outdated technology.

8. 5W30 Valvoline MaxLife High Mileage, API SN, synthetic blend (red bottle) = 108,045 psi
High Mileage oils are formulated for older engines with over 75,000 miles on them. And High Mileage oils include “Seal Swell” chemicals to help reduce oil leakage in those older engines.

9. 10W30 Lucas Racing Only synthetic = 106,505 psi
NOTE: This oil is suitable for short term racing use only, and is not suitable for street use.

10. CFS 0W30 NT Millers Nanodrive Racing Oil, API SM synthetic = 105,907 psi
This oil is from England, comes in liter bottles (slightly more than a quart), and it uses a nanotechnology formulation. At the time this oil was tested in fall 2013, it cost $22.45 per bottle. And with the shipping cost added to that, the final cost was about $28.00 per bottle (shipping was all inside the U.S.), making it one of the most expensive oils I’ve ever tested.

11. 5W30 Mobil 1, API SN synthetic = 105,875 psi

12. “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to 10W30 Lucas Hot Rod & Classic Hi-Performance Oil conventional = 105,758 psi
This oil on its own WITHOUT the “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to it, has a wear protection capability of only 62,538 psi. But, with 2.0 OZ of concentrate added per qt, which is the amount intended for racing, its wear protection capability “WENT UP A MIND BLOWING 69%”.

13. 0W30 Amsoil Signature Series 25,000 miles, API SN synthetic = 105,008 psi

14. 5W30 Joe Gibbs Driven LS30 Performance Motor Oil, synthetic = 104,487 psi
The bottle says it is formulated specifically for high output GM LS engines, and that no ZDDP or additives required. This is by far, the best performing Joe Gibbs oil I’ve ever tested. It is at the very top of the OUTSTANDING wear protection category, and fell just short of the INCREDIBLE wear protection category. But, it has way too much zinc/phos for use in cat equipped vehicles. However, it is well suited for Race Cars, Street Hotrods and Classic cars.

15. 10W30 Valvoline NSL (Not Street Legal) Conventional Racing Oil = 103,846 psi
NOTE: This oil is suitable for short term racing use only, and is not suitable for street use. Since this testing was performed, Valvoline has discontinued this oil.

16. 5W50 Motorcraft, API SN synthetic = 103,517 psi

17. 10W30 Valvoline VR1 Conventional Racing Oil (silver bottle) = 103,505 psi

18. 5W30 Amsoil Series 3000 Heavy Duty Diesel Oil synthetic, API CI-4 PLUS, CF, SL, ACEA A3/B3, E2, E3, E5, E7 = 102,642 psi
This is BY FAR, the highest ranked Diesel oil I have ever tested. This oil is Engineered for Diesel engines not equipped with Diesel particulate filters (DPF). Amsoil says this oil delivers better wear protection than other popular Diesel oils. And in this case, their hype is absolutely true. They also say it effectively reduces fuel consumption, with its advanced fuel efficient formula. This oil costs $11.15 per quart in the 2013 Amsoil Factory Direct Retail Catalog,

19. 5W30 Pennzoil High Mileage Vehicle, API SN, conventional = 102,402 psi
High Mileage oils are formulated for older engines with over 75,000 miles on them. And High Mileage oils include “Seal Swell” chemicals to help reduce oil leakage in those older engines.

20. “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to 5W30 Mobil 1, API SN synthetic = 102,059 psi
This oil on its own WITHOUT the “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to it, has a wear protection capability of 105,875 psi. But, with 2.0 OZ of concentrate added per qt, which is the amount intended for racing, its wear protection capability “WENT DOWN 3.6%”.

21. 10W30 Valvoline VR1 Synthetic Racing Oil, API SL (black bottle) = 101,139 psi

22. “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to 5W30 Pennzoil, API SN conventional, (yellow bottle) = 100,252 psi
This oil on its own WITHOUT the “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to it, has a wear protection capability of only 76,989 psi. But, with 1.5 OZ of concentrate added per qt, which is the bottle’s instruction for street driven vehicles, its wear protection capability “WENT UP A WHOPPING 30%”.

23. 5W30 Chevron Supreme, API SN conventional (blue bottle) = 100,011 psi
This oil only cost $4.29 per quart at an Auto Parts Store when I bought it.

24. 5W20 Castrol Edge with Titanium, API SN synthetic (gold bottle) = 99,983 psi

25. 5W30 Pennzoil Platinum, API SN synthetic = 99,949 psi
This was the original API SN version, that was NOT made from natural gas.

26. “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to 5W30 Pennzoil, API SN conventional, (yellow bottle) = 99,529 psi
This oil on its own WITHOUT the “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to it, has a wear protection capability of only 76,989 psi. But, with 2.0 OZ of concentrate added per qt, which is the amount intended for racing, its wear protection capability “WENT UP 29%”.

27. 5W30 Pennzoil “Ultra” Platinum, Pure Plus Technology, made from pure natural gas, API SN = 99,039 psi

28. “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to 5W30 Oil Extreme Motor Oil, API SM synthetic = 98,396 psi
This oil on its own WITHOUT the “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to it, has a wear protection capability of 110,286 psi. But, with 2.0 OZ of concentrate added per qt, which is the amount intended for racing, its wear protection capability “WENT DOWN 11%”.

29. “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to 5W30 Pennzoil, API SN conventional, (yellow bottle) = 97,651 psi

This oil on its own WITHOUT the “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to it, has a wear protection capability of only 76,989 psi. But, with 3.0 OZ of concentrate added per qt, its wear protection capability “WENT UP 27%”.

30. 10W30 Amsoil Dominator Racing Oil synthetic = 97,118 psi

31. “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to 5W30 Pennzoil, API SN conventional, (yellow bottle) = 96,739 psi
This oil on its own WITHOUT the “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to it, has a wear protection capability of only 76,989 psi. But, with 4.0 OZ of concentrate added per qt, its wear protection capability “WENT UP 26%”.

32. 20W50 Castrol GTX, API SN conventional = 96,514 psi

33. 30 wt Red Line Race Oil synthetic = 96,470 psi
NOTE: This oil is suitable for short term racing use only, and is not suitable for street use.

34. 0W20 Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy, API SN synthetic = 96,364 psi

35. 5W30 Quaker State Ultimate Durability, API SN synthetic = 95,920 psi

36. 5W30 Castrol Edge with Titanium, API SN synthetic (gold bottle) = 95,717 psi

37. 10W30 Joe Gibbs XP3 NASCAR Racing Oil synthetic = 95,543 psi
NOTE: This oil is suitable for short term racing use only, and is not suitable for street use.

38. 5W20 Castrol GTX, API SN conventional = 95,543 psi

39. 5W30 Castrol GTX, API SN conventional = 95,392 psi

40. 10W30 Amsoil Z-Rod Oil synthetic = 95,360 psi

41. 5W30 Havoline, API SN conventional = 95,098 psi

42. 5W30 Valvoline SynPower, API SN synthetic = 94,942 psi

43. “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to 5W30 Chevron Supreme, API SN conventional (blue bottle) = 94,864 psi
This oil on its own WITHOUT the “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to it, has a wear protection capability of 100,011 psi. But, with 2.0 OZ of concentrate added per qt, which is the amount intended for racing, its wear protection capability “WENT DOWN 5.1%”.

44. 5W30 Valvoline Premium Conventional, API SN = 94,744 psi

45. 5W20 Mobil 1, API SN synthetic = 94,663 psi
46. 5W20 Valvoline SynPower, API SN synthetic = 94,460 psi

47. 10W40 Mobil 1 Racing 4T, four stroke Motorcycle oil, synthetic = 93,661 psi

48. 5W30 Eneos, API SN, synthetic = 93,135 psi

49. 5W30 Pennzoil Ultra, API SN synthetic = 92,569 psi

50. 5W30 Lucas, API SN conventional = 92,073 psi

51. 5W30 O’Reilly (house brand), API SN conventional = 91,433 psi
This oil only cost $3.99 per quart at an Auto Parts Store when I bought it.

52. 5W30 Castrol GTX High Mileage, API SN, synthetic blend = 91,404 psi
High Mileage oils are formulated for older engines with over 75,000 miles on them. And High Mileage oils include “Seal Swell” chemicals to help reduce oil leakage in those older engines

53. 5W30 Maxima RS530 Synthetic Racing Oil = 91,162 psi

54. 5W30 Red Line, API SN synthetic = 91,028 psi

55. 5W20 Royal Purple API SN synthetic = 90,434 psi

56. 10W30 Quaker State Defy High Mileage, API SL semi-synthetic = 90,226 psi
Defy has always been a High Mileage oil since it was first introduced. But, “High Mileage” hasn’t always been prominently displayed on the front label. Newer bottles do now prominently display “High Mileage” on the front label. High Mileage oils are formulated for older engines with over 75,000 miles on them. And High Mileage oils include “Seal Swell” chemicals to help reduce oil leakage in those older engines.

57. 10W60 Castrol TWS Motorsport, API SJ conventional = 90,163 psi
This oil is manufactured in Europe and is sold in the US for BMW models M3, M5, M6, Z4M, and Z8.

58. 5W20 Valvoline Premium Conventional, API SN = 90,144 psi

59. “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to 5W30 Castrol GTX, API SN conventional = 89,659 psi
This oil on its own WITHOUT the “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to it, has a wear protection capability of 95,392 psi. But, with 2.0 OZ of concentrate added per qt, which is the amount intended for racing, its wear protection capability “WENT DOWN 6%”.

60. 5W30 Havoline, API SN synthetic = 89,406 psi

61. 5W30 Penrite 10 Tenths Racing 5, synthetic = 88,992 psi
This oil comes from Australia in 1 liter bottles (slightly more than a quart), and can be ordered in the U.S. from Summit Racing Equipment. It claims low friction for max power, and says it is not suitable for motorcycles with wet clutches. It also claims to have a full zinc formula.

62. 30 wt Castrol Heavy Duty, API SM conventional = 88,089 psi

63. 5W30 Mobil 1 High Mileage, API SL, synthetic = 88,081 psi
High Mileage oils are formulated for older engines with over 75,000 miles on them. And High Mileage oils include “Seal Swell” chemicals to help reduce oil leakage in those older engines.

64. 20W50 LAT Synthetic Racing Oil, API SM = 87,930 psi

65. 5W30 Valvoline Nextgen 50% Recycled Oil, API SN conventional = 87,563 psi

66. 5W30 Pennzoil Platinum, Pure Plus Technology, made from pure natural gas, API SN = 87,241 psi

67. 5W50 Mobil 1, API SN, synthetic = 86,456 psi

68. 10W30 Joe Gibbs HR4 Hotrod Oil synthetic = 86,270 psi

69. 5W20 Pennzoil Ultra, API SM synthetic = 86,034 psi

70. 15W40 RED LINE Diesel Oil synthetic, API CJ-4/CI-4 PLUS/CI-4/CF/CH-4/CF-4/SM/SL/SH/EO-O = 85,663 psi

71. 5W30 Castrol Edge w/Syntec, API SN, synthetic (formerly Castrol Syntec), (black bottle) = 85,179 psi

72. 20W50 Millers Classic Performance Oil, API SJ, conventional = 84,764 psi
Claims high ZDDP level. It comes from England in 1 Liter bottles, which is slightly more than a quart, and is available in the U.S.

73. 5W30 Schaeffer’s Supreme 9000, API SN, synthetic = 84,118 psi

74. 5W30 Royal Purple API SN synthetic = 84,009 psi

75. 20W50 Royal Purple API SN synthetic = 83,487 psi

76. 20W50 Kendall GT-1 High Performance with liquid titanium, API SN conventional = 83,365 psi

77. 5W30 Mobil 1 Extended Performance 15,000 mile, API SN synthetic = 83,263 psi

78. 0W20 Castrol Edge with Titanium, API SN synthetic (gold bottle) = 82,867 psi

79. 0W40 Mobil 1, API SN, European Formula, made in the U.S., synthetic = 82,644 psi

80. 0W40 Pennzoil Ultra, API SN, synthetic = 81,863 psi

81. 5W30 LAT Synthetic Racing Oil, API SM = 81,800 psi

82. “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to 5W30 Royal Purple XPR (extreme performance racing oil) synthetic = 81,723 psi
This oil on its own WITHOUT the “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to it, has a wear protection capability of only 74,860 psi. But, with 2.0 OZ of concentrate added per qt, which is the amount intended for racing, its wear protection capability “WENT UP 9%”.

83. 0W30 Mobil 1, API SN, Advanced Fuel Economy, synthetic = 81,240 psi

84. 5W30 Peak, API SN synthetic = 80,716 psi

85. 5W30 Edelbrock “Cat-Safe”, API SM synthetic = 78,609 psi
This oil is made for Edelbrock by Torco

86. 30wt Amsoil Break-In Oil conventional = 78,192 psi

87. 20W50 Resolute Racing Oil, API SN conventional = 77,554 psi
This oil cost only $2.49 per quart when bought for this test. It is a Regional Oil from the Mid-Western U.S. farm country.

88. 5W40 Amsoil Premium Diesel Oil synthetic, API CJ-4, CI-4 PLUS, CF, SN, SM, ACEA E7, E9 = 77,207 psi

89. 10W30 Renegade Pro Series Racing Oil, synthetic blend = 77,136 psi

90. 15W40 ROYAL PURPLE Diesel Oil synthetic, API CJ-4 /SM, CI-4 PLUS, CH-4, CI-4 = 76,997 psi

91. 5W30 Pennzoil, API SN, conventional (yellow bottle) = 76,989 psi

92. 10W40 Chevron Supreme, API SN conventional (blue bottle) = 76,806 psi

93. 5W30 Lucas API SM synthetic = 76,584 psi

94. 5W30 GM’s AC Delco dexos 1 API SN semi-synthetic = 76,501 psi

95. 5W30 Motul 8100 X-clean, API SM, synthetic = 76,166 psi
This oil is made in France, and comes in a 1 liter bottle, which = 1.05 qts’96. 20W50 Mobil 1 V-Twin 4 Cycle Motorcycle Oil, API SJ, synthetic = 75,855 psi

97. 5W50 Castrol Edge with Syntec API SN, synthetic, (formerly Castrol Syntec), (black bottle) = 75,409 psi

98. “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to 10W30 Comp Cams Muscle Car & Street Rod Oil semi-synthetic = 74,874 psi’

This oil on its own WITHOUT the “Oil Extreme concentrate” added to it, has a wear protection capability of only 60,413 psi. But, with 2.0 OZ of concentrate added per qt, which is the amount intended for racing, its wear protection capability “WENT UP AN IMPRESSIVE 24%”.

99. 5W30 Royal Purple XPR (Extreme Performance Racing) synthetic = 74,860 psi

100. 15W40 Cenpeco (Central Petroleum Company) S-3 Diesel Oil, conventional, API CI-4, CH-4, CG-4, CF, CE, CD, SL, SJ, SH = 74,593 psi

101. 5W40 MOBIL 1 TURBO DIESEL TRUCK synthetic, API CJ-4, CI-4 Plus, CI-4, CH-4 and ACEA E7 = 74,312 psi

102. 0W50 Mobil 1 Racing Oil = 73,811 psi

103. 5W30 Peak, API SN conventional = 73,690 psi

104. 5W30 Mobil Super Synthetic, API SN = 73,601 psi

105. 5W30 Castrol GTX Magnatec, API SN, synthetic blend = 73,566 psi
This oil claims to have molecules that cling to parts, forming an extra layer of protection during warm-up, reducing engine wear.

106. 15W40 CHEVRON DELO 400LE Diesel Oil, conventional, API CJ-4, CI-4 Plus, CH-4, CF-4,CF/SM, = 73,520 psi

107. 15W40 MOBIL DELVAC 1300 SUPER Diesel Oil conventional, API CJ-4, CI-4 Plus, CI-4, CH-4/SM, SL = 73,300 psi

108. 15W40 Farm Rated Heavy Duty Performance Diesel Oil conventional CI-4, CH-4, CG-4, CF/SL, SJ = 73,176 psi

109. 5W30 Amalie Elixir Oil, API SN, synthetic = 72,825 psi

110. 15W40 “NEW” SHELL ROTELLA T Diesel Oil conventional, API CJ-4, CI-4 Plus, CH-4, CF-4,CF/SM = 72,022 psi

111. Brad Penn, Penn Grade 1 Nitro 70 Racing Oil semi-synthetic = 72,003 psi

112. 0W30 Mobil 1 Racing Oil = 71,923 psi

113. 0W30 Brad Penn, Penn Grade 1, partial synthetic = 71,377 psi

114. 15W40 “OLD” SHELL ROTELLA T Diesel Oil conventional, API CI-4 PLUS, CI-4, CH-4,CG-4,CF-4,CF,SL, SJ, SH = 71,214 psi
Yes it’s true, the old Rotella actually has LESS zinc than the new Rotella.

115. 10W30 Brad Penn, Penn Grade 1, partial synthetic = 71,206 psi

116. 15W40 VALVOLINE PREMIUM BLUE HEAVY DUTY DIESEL Oil conventional, API CJ-4, CI-4 Plus, CI-4, CH-4, CG-4, CF-4, CF/SM = 70,869 psi

117. 15W50 Mobil 1, API SN synthetic = 70,235 psi

118. 10W40 Resolute All Season Motor Oil, API SN conventional = 69,709 psi
This oil cost $2.49 per quart when bought for this test. It is a Regional Oil from the Mid-Western U.S. farm country.

119. 5W40 CHEVRON DELO 400LE Diesel Oil synthetic, API CJ-4, CI-4 Plus, CI-4, SL, SM = 69,631 psi

120. 5W40 Liqui Moly Leichtlauf High Tech Oil, synthetic = 69,580 psi
This oil is made in Germany and is available in the U. S. It comes in 1 Liter bottles which is slightly more than a quart.

121. 0W40 Castrol Edge with Syntec, API SN, synthetic, European Formula, made in Belgium and sold in the U.S., (black bottle) = 69,307 psi

122. 0W30 Castrol Edge with Syntec, API SL, synthetic, European Formula, made in Germany and sold in the U.S., (black bottle)= 69,302 psi

123. 30wt Edelbrock Break-In Oil conventional = 69,160 psi

124. 5W30 Motorcraft, API SN synthetic = 68,782 psi

125. 10W40 Edelbrock synthetic = 68,603 psi
This oil is manufactured for Edelbrock by Torco.

126. 5W30 Toyota Motor Oil, API SN conventional = 68,069 psi

127. 5W40 SHELL ROTELLA T6 Diesel Oil, synthetic, API CJ-4, CI-4 Plus, CI-4, CH-4, SM, SL = 67,804 psi

128. 10W30 Champion Racing Oil, synthetic blend = 67,239 psi

129. 15W40 LUCAS MAGNUM Diesel Oil, conventional, API CI-4,CH-4, CG-4, CF-4, CF/SL = 66,476 psi

130. 15W40 CASTROL GTX DIESEL Oil, conventional, API CJ-4, CI-4 Plus, CI-4, CH-4, CG-4, CF-4/SN = 66,323 psi

131. 10W30 Royal Purple HPS (High Performance Street), synthetic = 66,211 psi

132. 10W40 Valvoline 4 Stroke Motorcycle Oil, API SJ, conventional = 65,553 psi

133. 15W40 Swepco 306 Supreme Formula Engine Oil, with Dimonyl, conventional, API CI-4/SL, CF-2 = 65,185 psi
This oil is from Southwestern Petroleum Corporation.

134. 5W30 Klotz Estorlin Racing Oil, API SL, synthetic = 64,175 psi

135. “ZDDPlus” added to Royal Purple 20W50, API SN, synthetic = 63,595 psi
The amount of ZDDPlus added to the oil, was the exact amount the manufacturer called for on the bottle. And the resulting psi value here was 24% LOWER than this oil had BEFORE the ZDDPlus was added to it. Most major Oil Companies say to NEVER add anything to their oils, because adding anything will upset the carefully balanced additive package, and ruin the oil’s chemical composition. And that is precisely what we see here. Adding ZDDPlus SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED this oil’s wear prevention capability. Just the opposite of what was promised.

136. 5W30 PurOl Elite Series, synthetic = 63,282 psi

137. Royal Purple 10W30 Break-In Oil, conventional = 62,931 psi

138. 10W40 Crane Cams Break-In Oil, conventional = 62,603 psi

139. 10W30 Lucas Hot Rod & Classic Hi-Performance Oil, conventional = 62,538 psi

140. 5W30 Motul 8100 ECO-nergy, API SL, synthetic = 61,880 psi
This oil is made in France, and comes in a 1 liter bottle, which = 1.05 qts
For reference, 5W30 Motul 300V Ester Core 4T Racing Oil, synthetic, produced a wear protection capability of 112,464 psi

141. 0W20 Klotz Estorlin Racing Oil, API SL, synthetic = 60,941 psi

142. 10W30 Comp Cams Muscle Car & Street Rod Oil, synthetic blend = 60,413 psi
This oil is manufactured for Comp Cams by Endure.

143. 10W40 Torco TR-1 Racing Oil with MPZ, conventional = 59,905 psi

144. 10W40 Summit Racing Premium Racing Oil, API SL = 59,483 psi

145. 10W40 Edelbrock, conventional = 59,120 psi
This oil is manufactured for Edelbrock by Torco.

146. 10W40 Spectro Motor-Guard High Performance Motorcycle Oil, API SL, conventional = 57,977 psi

147. 10W40 Brad Penn, Penn Grade 1, partial synthetic = 57,864 psi

148. 0W20 LAT Synthetic Racing Oil, API SM = 57,228 psi

149. “ZDDPlus” added to O’Reilly (house brand) 5W30, API SN, conventional = 56,728 psi
The amount of ZDDPlus added to the oil, was the exact amount the manufacturer called for on the bottle. And the resulting psi value here was 38% LOWER than this oil had BEFORE the ZDDPlus was added to it. Adding ZDDPlus SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED this oil’s wear prevention capability. Just the opposite of what was promised.

150. “ZDDPlus” added to Motorcraft 5W30, API SN, synthetic = 56,243 psi
The amount of ZDDPlus added to the oil, was the exact amount the manufacturer called for on the bottle. And the resulting psi value here was 12% LOWER than this oil had BEFORE the ZDDPlus was added to it. Adding ZDDPlus SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED this oil’s wear prevention capability. Just the opposite of what was promised.

151. 30wt Brad Penn, Penn Grade 1, Break-In Oil, conventional = 56,020 psi

152. 0W Mobil 1 Racing Oil = 55,080 psi

153. “Edelbrock Zinc Additive” added to Royal Purple 5W30, API SN, synthetic = 54,044 psi
The amount of Edelbrock Zinc Additive added to the oil, was the exact amount the manufacturer called for on the bottle. And the resulting psi value here was a whopping 36% LOWER than this oil had BEFORE the Edelbrock Zinc Additive was added to it. Adding Edelbrock Zinc Additive SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED this oil’s wear prevention capability. Just the opposite of what was promised.

154. 10W30 Comp Cams Break-In Oil, conventional = 51,749 psi

155. “Edelbrock Zinc Additive” added to Lucas 5W30, API SN, conventional = 51,545 psi
The amount of Edelbrock Zinc Additive added to the oil, was the exact amount the manufacturer called for on the bottle. And the resulting psi value here was a “breath taking” 44% LOWER than this oil had BEFORE the Edelbrock Zinc Additive was added to it. Adding Edelbrock Zinc Additive SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED this oil’s wear prevention capability. Just the opposite of what was promised.

156. 15W50 Joe Gibbs Driven BR Break-In oil, conventional = 51,299 psi
NOTE: Total Seal also sells this Break-In Oil with their label on it.

157. “Edelbrock Zinc Additive” added to Motorcraft 5W30, API SN, synthetic = 50,202 psi
The amount of Edelbrock Zinc Additive added to the oil, was the exact amount the manufacturer called for on the bottle. And the resulting psi value here was 22% LOWER than this oil had BEFORE the Edelbrock Zinc Additive was added to it. Adding Edelbrock Zinc Additive SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCED this oil’s wear prevention capability. Just the opposite of what was promised.


158. 30wt Lucas Break-In Oil, conventional = 49,455 psi

159. 5W30 Joe Gibbs Driven BR30 Break-In Oil, conventional = 47,483 psi
NOTE: Total Seal also sells this Break-In Oil with their label on it.



So, the results show:

1. My tester and test procedure have no problem at all showing excellent performing high zinc oils. The fact is, my oil testing performs worst case torture testing on motor oil. So, an oil HAS TO BE GOOD to produce good results. And we saw that many high zinc oils produced excellent results here.

2. This is ABSOLUTE PROOF that not all high zinc oils have equal wear protection capabilities. And why would anyone think that all high zinc oils are good? Not all tires are good. Not all cylinder heads are good. Not all camshafts are good. The world just doesn’t work that way. Some high zinc oils are quite good and provide excellent wear protection, while other high zinc oils are not good at all, and provide rather poor wear protection. It just depends on the particular oil in question. And that makes it totally clear here, that you simply CANNOT predict an oil’s wear protection capability by looking only at its zinc level. Life is just NOT that simple. If you only look at zinc levels, that is no better than guessing. So, if anyone tells you that you need high levels of zinc for more wear protection, even if it comes from a Cam Company, don’t believe a word of it. Because as you can see above, they have no idea what they are talking about. Would you really want to use the 40th ranked last place oil simply because it has more zinc than the number one ranked oil here? That is just what you’d be doing if you believed the incorrect advice about only looking at zinc levels. In fact, MANY WIPED FLAT TAPPET LOBES COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED, INCLUDING DURING BREAK-IN, if people had not blindly believed that all high zinc oils provide all the wear protection they need. Because nothing could be further from the truth.

3. A motor oil’s wear protection capability is determined by its base oil and its additive package “as a whole”, with the emphasis on its additive package which is what contains the extreme pressure anti-wear components, and NOT simply by how much zinc is present. The ONLY way to know for sure how much wear protection any given oil can provide, is to look at “dynamic wear testing under load” results, such as I have provided above.
My motor oil testing, is very similar in concept to dyno testing an engine. An engine dyno test is also dynamic testing under load. For the guys who just want to look at a motor oil zinc level reference chart, that is like looking at an engine’s build sheet instead of its dyno print out. Which do you think has more value?

ADDITIVES-

Zn- Zinc is the most effective and cheapest anti-wear additive. It has been a part of engine lubrication since the 1930s. Zinc forms a coating on top of moving metal parts to provide protection when engine oil film strength simply is not enough. This action makes it extremely useful in situations with high pressures, such as those present in a flat tappet cam follower. It also prevents corrosion due to acids.

Phos- works with Zn, hand in hand, in almost equal parts and the two metals are delivered together in compounds commonly called ZDDP, ZDP, ZTP.  Phos is poisonous th the rare metals in catalytic converters and will eventually kill them.

Moly- is an anti-wear additive.  It also forms a layer on the metals that protects against wear and corosion.  It is quite slippery, similiar to graphite.  It is a solid lubricant used in low speed applications like massive bearings on large equipment and in many extreme pressure greases.  It increases the lubricant qualities of an oil and shown to increase fuel economy and is not a catalyst poison.

Boron- is another anti-wear 'ceramic' additive.  Often called 'white graphite'.  

Ca- is a detergent.  It lifts deposits, soot and sluge off surfaces.  It increases the alkalinity of the oil and increases the rate of decomposition of ZDDP.  Too much can be a bad thing.

Mg- is a dispersant.  It makes sure that the scum that Ca breaks up doesn't settle again and is carried to the filter.  Small contaminants can stay in the oil and makes the oil look 'dirtier'.  Helps keep your engine clean over a long oil change interval.

TBN- Total Base Number is an index of oil's reserve alkalinity.  It helps neutralizes acids that form by blow-by gasses.  Acids in an engine oil lead to corosion and can damage seals.  TBN of 1-2 is the lower limit.  High TBN is important to running an extended oil change interval.  It is not an additive, but just a measurement.

OILS COMMONLY USED-

Joe Gibbs Break In Oil 10w30  51,299psi  Zn?
Joe Gibbs Break In Oil 50w  47,483psi  Zn?
Brad Penn Break In Oil 30w  56,020psi  Zn?

Valvoline VR1 Conventional Silver bottle 103,505psi, Zn=1472, Phos=1544, (ZDDP=1500), Moly=3, Ca=2707, TBN=7.4
Valvoline VR1 Synthetic 10w30 Black bottle 101,139psi, Zn=1180, Phos=1112, (ZDDP=1100), Moly=162, Ca=2664, TBN=7.9
Mobil 1 5w30 105,875psi, Zn=801, Phos=842, Moly=112, Ca=799, TBN=7.5
Rotella T6 5w40  67,804psi, Zn=1264, Phos=1147, Moly=59, Ca=1066, Mg=1187, Boron=69, TBN=10.6

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