Crower says NO to synthetics?

[pgtr]

...ran across this from another site - seemed kinda strange. Crower is of course well known for their high performance valvetrain components such as cams and rods. Their terminology seems a little confused over the application. It could mean extremely high RPM purpose built race motors. But then they also say 'any' high performance application which could mean a Mustang or Corvette motor or many many others. And competition could mean a friendly autocross or amateur night at the drags w/ a daily driver. And their reference to 'factory suggested' synthetic is perhaps a reference to production engines such as the late model Corvettes among others. Thoughts?

quote:

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Use of Synthetic Oils Crower does not recommend the use of synthetic motor oils in any racing applications, particularly hydraulic and flat tappet camshafts. The minimum gains in horsepower are offset by the excessive wear to cam and lifter surfaces. Crower recommends Kendall GT-1 (20W50) Petroleum based motor oil in all high performance applications. If your manual suggests running synthetic oil, then do so. We have found, however, that the benefits do not outweigh the costs. For additional information click _here_!

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- Crower FAQ

 

[Pablo]

hack hack choke hack...BS

 

[MolaKule]

Ah hem, ummf!

I would think that Amsoil 20W50, Mobil 1R, RP, or Redline would do much better than Kendall.

Me thinks Kendall may have an inside job at Crower?

Cam wear is most affected by

1. the phosphorus, zinc and sulfur levels in the add pack. The main reason for having ZDDP in oil is to reduce cam wear.
2. How fast the oil can provide a hydrodynamic oil film to the upper engine. Full synthetics flow better than dinos, so I can't see Kendall having any benefits over a full synthetic oil.

 

[haley10]

Even if this were to any degree true, how could you make a statement that any small horsepower gains don't out-weigh the cost. What if the winning purse is $1 million? Even if you ruined the engine the small edge might be every bit worth it.

I can't think of any modern regular road car that I would put 20W-50 in.

How does the cam know what the base oil is if the lubricity is there??

Bogus.

 

[berge]

this might actually have meant something if they hadn't said 'kendall 20W50'.

BS/BS/BS.

just how stupid do they think their customers are?

 

[fuel tanker man]

What a bunch of goober-doofs.

If you go to their webpage and click on the "here" for more info (found at the end of the paragraph about how not to use synthetics) you'll find, as part of the text, this:

Synthetics are superior lubricants compared to traditional petroleum oils.

If Crower is really looking to promote conventional as superior to synthetic when it comes to lubing engines they ought to actually read the material they provide as reference...

Dan

 

[haley10]

quote:

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Originally posted by berge:
this might actually have meant something if they hadn't said 'kendall 20W50'.

BS/BS/BS.

just how stupid do they think their customers are?

---

Yep, definitely an "inside job". Rather than being based on scientific fact, it's probably who is buttering their toast.

Molekule has stated the facts. Nuff said.

 

[novadude]

I'll bet the publish date on that document was 1977.

Seriously... it seems like many cam companies do not do a whole lot to keep their literature current.

 

[poison]

Uber goober-doofs!

 

[Hirev]

quote:

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Originally posted by novadude:


Seriously... it seems like many cam companies do not do a whole lot to keep their literature current.

---

I got to agree.

It has not been to many years since the NASCAR guys started using synthetic motor oil though from what I understand.

I defense of Crower they are not a bunch of bozos they do know how to make high quality racing parts.

 

[pgtr]

I figured you guys would enjoy that! I see it didn't take long for someone to notice the site the reference concludes synthetics are better. I hadn't seen an anti-synthetic claim of this ilk in ages - thought you might enjoy...

 

[buster]

I'm entirely convinced that unless your a BITOG member, or work for an oil company, you don't know anything about oil.

I'm exagerating a bit but I've never met anyone other then the gurus on here that know anything about oil. Even dealerships and mechanics don't know about oil. Guy at Toyota told my brother that "oil is oil man!". My brother is using M1 in his Toyota V6.

 

[Rhymingmechanic]

I don't know what their current stance is, but I got a similar answer from the Crane Cams tech line in the early 90s. The tech said they didn't recommend synthetics with their cams because of increased wear. Instead, he said to use a Pennsylvania crude-based conventional oil. I wondered at the time if Crane had ties with Pennzoil.

 

[csandste]

"Instead, he said to use a Pennsylvania crude-based conventional oil."

And how many of those are still on the market?

 

[sprintman]

Kendall GT1 was a good oil way back before changing hands. We used it in our race boat and all my mates sprintcar engines that he built for many people. This just looks like outdated info to me.

 

[Audi Junkie]

quote:

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"oil is oil man!"

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It's just that they don't know the difference.

 

[TheTanSedan]

If ever I am so "lucky" as to win the lottery, then I'll find a cherry 1960's Chrysler and commission CROWER to work with my engine builder and cut a custom light-weight crank and rods to help get the engine specs within a few angstroms.

Until then, I am a little wary of of what some of these "experts" are willing to go out on a limb for:

I have tried more than a few "miracles in a can" and had quit . . . until I saw that both [the late] Smokey Yunick and a highly-regarded piston manufacturer (along with a racing great) were willing to shill for PROLONG.

Tried it, it probably did a little clean-up on the ancient engine I used it in (and I believe it was a help when I completely lost the cooling system one late night in a truly bad part of town and yet drove, slower and slower for another 12-miles; just changed the Mobil 1 15W-50 and went on my way next day after new water pump, coolant and hoses); and was later horified to learn the effects of chlorinated paraffins.

No more.

BITOG is great. Info galore, knowledge at the level of used oil analysis, dozens of testimonials/links from guys who care, and wisdom from the assorted Terry, Molakule, GeorgeCG, Doug Hilary, Pablo and many others.

A super-lightweight crank to fit a MOPAR RACING block with 4.500" bore and preserve the 1.80 rod/stroke ratio . . . come on little numbers! !