Someone convince me to run ZDDP

[blkcorvair]

FYI, as I understand Rotella has taken thier Zinc out with all the new desiel standards. So the only oils that you can find them in is racing designated oils or an additive. I have always run VR-1 Valvoline in my race engines, and will be running a zinc oil in my new motor soon.

[71 super]

I too am skeptical about the zinc additive, but based on what I have read the new oils are deficient and for the few dollars extra that it costs, it is still cheaper than a cam and lifters or worse. I say do what works for you. If you have gone 60,xxx plus then I would think you are safe, but if you are rebuilding a new motor and firing for the first time $7 is cheap insurance to get to that 60,xxx point.

[oldgold70c10]

I have 3 engines that are proof eough for me that, at least after break in, the ZDDP issue is a non-issue. Two of these are over 100k on the clock and still running fine.

If you can find Ticker's oil thread, someone actually posted an exerpt or a link to an article that basically says that even tough ZDDP in oil has been reduced, it is still higher than it was or equal to 1950's era levels. A friend of mine who has several classic Pontiacs which he drives quite regularly, has researched and found basically the same thing and also doesn't fret over the ZDDP levels and has had no problems.

His cars all have basically stock valve trains, and so do mine. From what I've managed to piece together, stock set-ups without high-lift cams or super-stiff valve springs seem to be pretty indiffernt to the whole ZDDP issue.

If you really want to know the recipe for disaster, take it from my truck's PO:
-Never ever change the oil
-Never ever add oil exept when you notice there is no oil pressure
-Keep driving when it starts knocking!

[JJorgensen52]

I am going to make only one post in this thread:

First, facts need to be straight. The EPA doesn't care about Zinc in oil. They care about Phosphorus, which destorys catalytic converters. Engines don't burn oil like they used to, so this really is a non-issue.

Second, ZDDP is NOT gone from oils. Take a look at the following link:
Mobil_1_Product_Guide.pdf

Not advocating Mobil 1 in specific (though I use it in all my engines, the high mileage formulation at 1100ppm zinc additives), but just to show you there is data out there and you need to do the research before you believe everything you read.

Here is the GM tech bullentin which references the 1950's ZDDP oil levels.
oil_myths.pdf
(If the link is no-worky, google "gm Techlink oil myths, it was published by a gentleman named Bob Olree, well respected GM powertrain engineer)

For people building wild motors with high spring rates and trick cams, more ZDDP is good. This is why there are racing oils. For the rest of us who have stock or mild builds, this is largely a myth.

Those are my 2 cents. Knowledge is power, use it or lose it.

[powerdriver 1958]

III. No pissing matches. Its fine to disagree, but once a thread has run its course, and degenerated into little more than an insult fest, it will be locked. While this will require a judgment call by the Administrators & Moderators.