I tend to agree with this too. The machine shop I rely on uses a Chevron
product ( Dello 400 LE ) 15-40 wt. It's about $2.50 a qt. Is available in
quarts/6gal/bulk from petroleum distributors. It's probably intended as a
break in lube but certainly could be used as a routine oil.
Dave
Subject: RE: More oil questions
Bruce:
Thanks for posting the questions. They reflect the same issues and
challenges that face us all.
After reading the multiple postings relating oil, I decided to poll a few of
the old time and current race mechanics that I trust. The general consensus
that I received may surprise you. In general the collective response was
that Redline, Amsoil, Schaeffer, Penrite, Royal Purple and the other
boutique oil brands are just that - small companies without large staffs and
budgets to research their particular formulations. Rather, I was told,
these companies rely on the research of their big brothers like Valvoline,
Castrol, Mobil, etc. for the basis of their formulations. To a man, the
experts with whom I talked were nervous about using boutique brands.
The recommendations and comments that I received were:
1. Castrol was specifically formulated in the '50s and '60s to work with our
vintage engines;
2. Castrol continues to research engine oil formulations along with the
other big companies and has the data base to back up their claims;
3. Castrol continues to manufacture a 20w/50 GTX oil with the additives that
help reduce wear in our engines;
4. None of us leave oil in our cars long enough to realize the benefits of
extended life synthetic oil;
5. Motorcycle oil formulations, while heavy with Zinc and Phosphorus
additives are made for anti foam at very high rpms and resistance to break
down in very high heat concentrated areas near exhaust valves in air cooled
cylinder heads, formulations that are not required in low revving automobile
engines. Auto formulations contain a better chemical balance for the needs
of a car.
Their conclusion, use Castrol GTX 20w/50 mineral oil formulation. Just the
opinion of a small group of grey haired long term experts.
Best regards,
Jim Hockert
Dallas, TX
BJ8 Rallye
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