<VV> New Oils for Classic cars

[Jim Houston]

 From today's Hemmings Blog:

Over the last few years, the dwindling amounts of ZDDP in off-the-shelf 
engine oils have sent many collector-car enthusiasts scrambling for 
alternatives that include enough zinc to keep their engines with 
flat-tappet camshafts running. Diesel oil worked for a while, and we 
even heard some accounts of guys crushing up tablets of raw zinc to dump 
into their engines. In recent weeks, however, two new companies have 
begun offering oils with the ZDDP levels of yore.

First, Comp Cams and Endure Performance Lubricants have teamed up to 
offer a new line of ZDDP-enhanced engine oils for critical break-in 
periods in flat tappet-equipped and racing engine applications. Offered 
in two synthetic-blended viscosities, 10W30 and 15W50, Comp Cams Engine 
Break-in oil is to be used for classic engines that have recently been 
machined or sit for long periods of time. It is also recommended for 
initial break-in on high horsepower engines. Engine Break-in Oil 
protects all rotating assembly surfaces and internal engine components, 
and the proprietary mix of ZDDP additives prevents scuffing of metal 
surfaces. Another performance formulation, Muscle Car and Street Rod 
Engine Oil, is also available in 10W30 and 15W50, and is used after 
break-in has been completed. Both formulations require no additional 
supplements or additives; everything you need is right in the same 
bottle. Comp Cams Break-In Oil and Muscle Car and Street Rod Engine Oil 
are compatible with all racing and pump gas, including methanol or 102 
octane. This advanced formulation reduces internal engine sludge and 
varnish caused by additives in conventional mineral-based oils.

Endure Lubricants' well known Comp Cams Engine Break-In Additive 
supplement will still be offered for those enthusiasts who prefer 
another oil formulation such as the 15W40 diesel oil that many camshaft 
and engine manufacturers have been recommending since zinc and 
phosphorus started disappearing from engine oil. The additive is offered 
in 12-ounce bottles, or for an engine repair shop or large fleet, a 
5-gallon container is also available.

Second, Champion Hi-Tech Racing Lubricants has recently created a new 
Classic and Muscle synthetic motor oil formulation that contains 
premeasured ZDDP additives. Offered as a synthetic/mineral oil blend, 
Champion Classic and Muscle oil is available in both 10W30 and 20W50 
weights. A full synthetic 15W50 is also produced. The synthetic blend 
viscosities contain .16 percent zinc and .14 percent phosphorus for 
additional lubrication of performance engines with roller camshafts 
and/or flat tappets. The ZDDP additives have been available for quite 
some time; however, Champion Hi-Tech was one of the first companies to 
incorporate the additive into the oil.

Easily identifiable by its blue color, Classic and Muscle oil is ideal 
for classic cars that spend extended periods of time in storage, as it 
provides protection of all internal engine surfaces at initial start-up. 
It also has a unique thermal viscosity stabilizer that delivers 
consistent oil film strength at higher temperatures, horsepower and 
compressions.

Champion Classic and Muscle Oil has also been chosen as the official oil 
of the 2011 Great Race, which is sponsored by Hemmings Motor News, takes 
place between Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Bennington, Vermont, on June 
11-17, 2011.

Jim Houston