ZDDP.....Zinc.....Save Yourselves

[A.T. RockDriller]

This one isn't the sexiest of subjects...
We have talked about this subject before, and forgive me if there is already a "big old" thread out there staring me in the face....but this subject deserves a bunch of attention and I am sure a bunch of you guys know a whole lot more than I do on this....so inform us.
I just posted this on another part of the board and figured I'd put it top and center for every ones benefit...
Quote:
This is (or should be) the #1 mechanical subject of discussion for us, as classic/high-performance vehicle owners.
No $hit, fella's.
The government has made some mandates that have affected the additives used in over the counter motor oils as of late.
#1 point of concern is zinc content (which is added as a anti-scuff/abrasion and anti wear agent) in motor oils for gasoline engines.
For the most part, zinc has all but been removed from these oils. ZDDP has been the silent savior for flat-tappet cams over the years. It is also responsible for early failure of catalytic converters, and since the government has mandated 100K mile minimum performance standards for cat's for 2012 emissions, oil companies are getting a jump on it....at our expense.
There is quite a bit of info out there on this if you search for it.
Without ZDDP in our oils you can expect cam failure in as little as the first hours of run time on new motors and engine life on our "already broke in" engines to be shortened by a factor of 20. (yes, 1/20th of normal life)
There sure are ways to save our butts....Additives...some diesel oils...etc.
I suggest any oils with the "SM" or "SN" designations be avoided.
Brad Penn break-in oils and racing oils are formulated properly to avoid the damage inherent to these new oil's. Some synthetics also have the right stuff.
Look close at the additives in your favorite oils.
It has been touched on by quite a few of us lately.....but it sure needs to be taken seriously.
If you ever wondered....new engine's being manufactured today have "all roller" valve trains and it's not just for the performance advantages.
Learn as much as you can about this.....keep these old power plants runnin' for a few more decades.