I was just wondering what the real diffrences are but I guess my real question would be why do they say it can damage the emission systems cat. conveter etc.
Street oil VS Racing oil
- Thread starter crazycrak
- Start date
- Status
There are many brands, types, and qualities of race oils as there are street oils. Basically, race oils have more anti wear and less detergent. ZDDP in "most" street oils runs about 800 ppm. ZDDP in race oils runs from about 1000 to 1800 ppm.
Detergents can compete for metal surface with anti wear. Since race oil is a short term oil, detergent is traded for anti wear.
Some race oils will have great NOACK and some are just the same as SM minimum.
Phosphorus, part of the ZDDP, the main part of the anti wear can deteriorate catalytic converters. You do not have to burn oil for this to happen as it will violatize and make its way into the exhaust.
I have a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier with 213,000 miles on it. The day it came home from the dealer, it got an oil with 1200 ppm ZDDP and has used that oil ever since. At 175,000, the cat was still working fine. I haven't tested it since. It still has all of the original exhaust system, I mean everything, it hasn't been touched.
There are some race oils that have great detergent packages and can be run in street engines. Basically they are street oils with a higher ZDDP add pack. Valvoline VR 1, for example.
If I were considering running a race oil in a street engine, I would seriously compare it to a full synthetic or synthetic blend HM oil. You may, or may not, find the HM oil a better choice for your street engine.
Detergents can compete for metal surface with anti wear. Since race oil is a short term oil, detergent is traded for anti wear.
Some race oils will have great NOACK and some are just the same as SM minimum.
Phosphorus, part of the ZDDP, the main part of the anti wear can deteriorate catalytic converters. You do not have to burn oil for this to happen as it will violatize and make its way into the exhaust.
I have a 1999 Chevrolet Cavalier with 213,000 miles on it. The day it came home from the dealer, it got an oil with 1200 ppm ZDDP and has used that oil ever since. At 175,000, the cat was still working fine. I haven't tested it since. It still has all of the original exhaust system, I mean everything, it hasn't been touched.
There are some race oils that have great detergent packages and can be run in street engines. Basically they are street oils with a higher ZDDP add pack. Valvoline VR 1, for example.
If I were considering running a race oil in a street engine, I would seriously compare it to a full synthetic or synthetic blend HM oil. You may, or may not, find the HM oil a better choice for your street engine.
Originally Posted By: buster
Racing oils usually have much higher levels of ZDP, which can threaten the life of cat. converters. Some also lack the detergency for street use.
Buster
Arthritis slows my typing and posting. You were able to get in, make a post, and get out before I finished a sentence. Just consider my post an agreement and support of your post.
Racing oils usually have much higher levels of ZDP, which can threaten the life of cat. converters. Some also lack the detergency for street use.
Buster
Arthritis slows my typing and posting. You were able to get in, make a post, and get out before I finished a sentence. Just consider my post an agreement and support of your post.
Red Line's race oils have a Phosphorus level of 2500 ppm.
Their TBN level is 2.
Their TBN level is 2.
- Status
