Valvoline Synpower for a flat tappet

[kschachn]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think moly improves lubricity and would help with flat tappet and cam.

Valvoline Maxlife Full Synthetic's ZDDP has a high level of moly, and it's a very good type of moly.

Valvoline Extended Protection Full Synthetic (VEPFS) has high moly.
NAPA Full Synthetic is (I think) VEPFS with a NAPA sticker on it.

Valvoline Extended Protection High Mileage Full Synthetic has the highest moly (of any affordable American oil that I know of).

You might also want to consider Quaker State Ultimate Protection Full Synthetic available at Walmart in USA, or Quaker State Ultimate Defy Full Synthetic from Canadian Tire in Canada.

You might also want to consider Pennzoil Euro and Mobil 1 ESP (both available from Walmart in USA) or Quaker State Euro (some grades available at Walmart in USA, all grades available at Canadian Tire in Canada).

The Valvoline oils I mentioned are known for high moly. The Quaker State oils I mentioned are known for high ZDDP and GTL.

I'm not sure what you're trying to say here. Do you know what "moly" is?

 

[novadude]

Valvoline VR1

• This is a viable option here, except my understanding and from reading their PDS, it is not intended to stay in the crank case for long. It's ideal for a few weeks / 500 miles, by their recommendation

I'm curious as to where you got this information about VR1? I've never seen anything stating a few weeks / 500 miles should be the interval?

I have a limited use, flat tappet engine (Chevy 396 big block) that's been running (mostly) VR1 since it was built. I do annual oil changes, and this ends up being 12 months and 1000-1500 miles. I had the top end of the engine apart last year, and the lifter valley was as clean as the day it was assembled 30 years ago.

 

[Lawnfella]

There’s way too many oils out there with higher zddp you can use and not have any worry about your flat tappet cam. You’re overthinking it all.

 

[4wd]

FYI, the OP might have left the building …

 

[Carlostrece]

I'm not sure what you're trying to say here. Do you know what "moly" is?

I had a signifigant typo in that post. It was late at the time. I was tired. So I can understand why you asked that question. I'll repost with typo correction(s).

 

[Carlostrece]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think moly improves lubricity and would help with flat tappet and cam.

Valvoline Maxlife Full Synthetic's ZDDP has a high level of moly, and it's a very good type of moly.

Valvoline Extended Protection Full Synthetic (VEPFS) has high moly.
NAPA Full Synthetic is (I think) VEPFS with a NAPA sticker on it.

Valvoline Extended Protection High Mileage Full Synthetic has the highest moly (of any affordable American oil that I know of).

You might also want to consider Quaker State Ultimate Protection Full Synthetic available at Walmart in USA, or Quaker State Ultimate Defy Full Synthetic from Canadian Tire in Canada.

You might also want to consider Pennzoil Euro and Mobil 1 ESP (both available from Walmart in USA) or Quaker State Euro (some grades available at Walmart in USA, all grades available at Canadian Tire in Canada).

The Valvoline oils I mentioned are known for high moly. The Quaker State oils I mentioned are known for high ZDDP and GTL.

That ^ had signifigant typos. It was late and I was tired. What I meant to say was:

Moly improves lubricity and IMO would help with flat tappet cam.

Valvoline Maxlife Full Synthetic has ZDDP and lots of moly. According to Lakespeed it's a very good type of moly.

Valvoline Extended Protection Full Synthetic (VEPFS) has ZDDP and even higher moly.
NAPA Full Synthetic is (I think) VEPFS with a NAPA sticker on it.

Valvoline Extended Protection High Mileage Full Synthetic has higher ZDDP and the highest moly (of any affordable American oil that I know of).

You might also want to consider Quaker State Ultimate Protection Full Synthetic available at Walmart in USA, or Quaker State Ultimate Defy Full Synthetic from Canadian Tire in Canada. It as high ZDDP and might also have moly.

You might also want to consider Pennzoil Euro and Mobil 1 ESP (both available from Walmart in USA) or Quaker State Euro (some grades available at Walmart in USA, all grades available at Canadian Tire in Canada).

The Valvoline oils I mentioned are known for better than average ZDDP, and high moly, for USA oils. The Quaker State oils I mentioned are known for high ZDDP and GTL base oil, and might also have moly. I don't know how much moly in those Quaker State oils.

 

[chevy8]

FYI, the OP might have left the building …

Still here. I realised notifications weren't coming through for replies, plus an intense year of projects.

VR1 is an ideal choice but only available in 20w50 here and being a relatively cool climate, it's more of a "summer only" choice. I'd prefer the initial start up protection of a 5w or 10w in this part of the year. VR1 10w30 or 10w40 is the easy answer.... if it were available here.

Mobil 1 15w50 would be great but not available here.

Exploring options that are available here:

Lucas Classic 10w40 [Mineral], a more ideal viscosity for year-round but the zddp of 1600 is way up, which is teetering on the too much/corrosive end of the scale.
https://lucasoil.co.uk/product/hot-rod-classic-car-10w-40-motor-oil/

--- Castrol ---

Castrol Edge 5w40 [Full Synthetic] - API SP and ACEA A3/B4. Supposedly ~1,000 ZDDP (found via used oil analysis so could be be higher when new, link below), Molybdenum, Boron, Titanium. Certified for: BMW Longlife-01MB-Approval 229.5Porsche A40Renault RN 0700 / RN 0710VW 502 00/ 505 00 MB 226.5/229.3
https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/unite...l-edge-oils/castrol-edge.html#tab_5w-40-a3-b4
Supposedly ~1,000 ZDDP based on this used oil analysis https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/castrol-edge-euro-car-5w-40-voa.394715/

Castrol Edge 5w50 S [Full Synthetic] - The S version (Supercar) is: "API SN, Meets Ford WSS-M2C931-C" but no ACEA rating. Supposedly ZDDP of around 1250/1300ppm, with titanium and potentially molybdenum. So potentially a good contender? https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/t...ent-rotella-vr1-valvoline-15w40.401088/page-3
https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/unite...strol-edge-oils/castrol-edge.html#tab_5w-50-s

Castrol Magnatec 5w40 [Semi-Synthetic] - API SP ACEA A3/B4 MB-Approval 226.5 / 229.5, Renault RN 0700 / RN 0710, VW 502 00 / 505 00
https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/unite...ne-oils/castrol-magnatec.html#tab_5w-40-a3-b4

Castrol Magnatec 10w40 [Semi-Synthetic] - API SP ACEA A3/B4, Renault RN0700 / RN0710, VW 501 01/ 505 00, Meets FIAT 9.55535-D2
https://www.castrol.com/en_gb/unite...ine-oils/castrol-magnatec.html#tab_10w-40-a-b

--- Mobil ---

Mobil Super 2000 10w40 [Semi-Synthetic] - API SN to SQ. ACEA A3/B4-16 API CF MB 229.1, VW 501 01, VW 505 00 content levels unknown. but supposedly ~850ppm zddp but potentially 1100ppm, can't confirm.
https://www.mobil.co.uk/en-gb/engine-oil/mobil-super/car/mobil-super-2000-x1-10w-40

Mobil Super 2000 Formula P 10w40 [Semi-Synthetic] - Similar to above. Specifically adds "Excellent wear protection" and "High performance engines". API SL to SN Plus. ACEA A3/B4, MB 229.1. Supposedly this is the performance version of the above and is supposedly ~1,000 zddp, fulls SAPS. Unconfirmed though.
https://www.mobil.co.uk/en-gb/engine-oil/mobil-super/car/mobil-super-2000-formula-p-10w-40

Mobil Super 3000 5w40 [Full Synthetic] - ACEA A3/B4 API SL thru to API SQ, and API CF. Unconfirmed ~960 ppm zddp and no molybdenum info. Fiat 9.55535-M2, Porsche A40, PSA B71 2296, RENAULT RN0700, RENAULT RN0710, VW 502 00, VW 505 00, MB-Approval 229.3
https://www.mobil.co.uk/en-gb/engine-oil/mobil-super/car/mobil-super-3000-x1-5w-40

Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 5W-40 (The only Mobil 1 we get here) [Fully Synthetic] - Similar to above, difference unclear.
https://www.mobil.co.uk/en-gb/engine-oil/mobil-1/car/mobil-1-fs-5w-40

--- Shell ---

Shell Helix Ultra 5w40 [Full Synthetic] - API SN/CF; ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4; BMW LL-01; MB approval 229.5, 226.5; VW 502.00/505.00; Porsche A40; Renault RN0700, RN0710; PSA B71 2296, Ferrari. Meets the requirements of Fiat 9.55535-Z2 and Chrysler MS-10725
https://www.shell.co.uk/fuels-oils-and-coolants/shell-engine-oils/shell-helix-car-engine-oils/shell-helix-ultra.html#Viscosity:=5W-40

Shell Helix Ultra Racing 5W-40 [Full Synthetic] - API SN, ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4, Ferrari.
https://www.shell.co.uk/fuels-oils-and-coolants/shell-engine-oils/shell-helix-car-engine-oils/shell-helix-ultra.html#Viscosity:=5W-40

Shell Helix 7 10w40 [Semi Synthetic] - API SN/CF (website says SN but bottle shows SP); ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4; JASO SG+; MB approval 229.3; VW 501.01/505 00; Renault RN0700, RN0710. This appears to the be equivalent to the titular Valvoline SynPower 10w40.
https://www.shell.co.uk/fuels-oils-...ic-motor-oils.html#tab-shell-helix-hx7-10w-40

--- Valvoline ---

Valvoline SynPower 5w40 [Full Synthetic] - API SP, API SN/CF, ACEA A3/B3 (doesn't appear to be B4). Supposedly 850-900 ZDDP but contains around 68ppm molybdenum.
https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en-au/synpower-synthetic-engine-oil-5w-40/

Valvoline SynPower 10w40 as per opening page. AP SN. ACEA A3/B4.
https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publ...2d889bd1/391aae45-ddf4-e811-9c1b-ac162d889bd1

Some notes:

• Looking at Shell's Helix range, only the 5w-x ones are ACEA C certified. The 10w-x drops the ACEA C rating. Which may suggest that is has higher ZDDP as the C rating is related to Catalytic converter?
• Interestingly the Mobil Super 3000 is one of the only SQ rated, and I've read that supposedly API SQ considered acceptable for classic cars/flat-tappet due to molybdenum and similar additives being used in higher concentrations, offering equal if not better performance than zddp, meaning zddp numbers may be less of a concern with SQ. And perhaps with it being a 5w40, it can have higher levels of additives anyway?
• The Valvoline's (non VR) seem to have the lower ZDDP, more towards 800 level, but they do show they contain moly.
• They all appear to come back as High SAPS

This would be so much easier if the manufacturers would publish some of the key contents on the their materials, but they seem averse to this and focus on the marketing side of things instead.

So still unsure.

 

[JeffKeryk]

Remember, ZDDP is a consumable. So frequent oil changes can help offset lower levels.
I would use the Castrol stuff as it is for flat tappet engines.
It sounds like your applications are mild valve spring pressure; any good 10w30 would likey be fine.

 

[chevy8]

It sounds like your applications are mild valve spring pressure

Yes correct, stock cam and heads on SBC and SB Chrysler, potentially RV cam (unknown) but that's as extreme as it gets.

ZDDP is a consumable. So frequent oil changes can help offset lower levels

True, typically working out to a short 1,500 mile interval.

any good 10w30 would likey be fine.

That is reassuring, and why I'm thinking away from the VR1 given it's 20w50, so whilst the zddp is there, if I can run a 5w or 10w that early start up protection would be much appreciated.

I do like the idea of the Magnetic given they're not daily drivers and the potential of some of the oil remaining in place between long start periods is somewhat reassuring.

I've since found the Castrol 5w50s has likely been updated and is now down 800ppm so ruling out.

Currently narrowed down to:

Synthetic:
Magnatec 5W-40 A3/B4
Shell Helix HX8 5w40
Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40
Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 5W-40
Mobil Super 3000 X1 5W-40

Semi-synthetic:
Shell Helix HX7 10W-40
Castrol Magnatec 10W-40
Mobil Super 2000 X1 10W-40

I'm factoring in not only for zddp but also additives that help with cleaning, reducing sludge, keeping piston rings cleaner etc. hence looking at "newer" style oils which are leaps ahead on this part.

 

[Countryman]

Just adding in my 2000 XJ with 4.0 I use Rotella t6 and in my 73 Nova with a Blueprint 355 motor I use VR1 10w30. No issues runs good and quiet....well except the Nova it's kind of loud at least my neighbors tells me that...lol.

 

[Japanese]

I'm factoring in not only for zddp but also additives that help with cleaning, reducing sludge, keeping piston rings cleaner etc. hence looking at "newer" style oils which are leaps ahead on this part.

OVERKILL on another thread:

It's API SL, which was the last API certification that an oil in the xW-30 and below grades could carry with more than 800ppm of phosphorous.

In those words, don't hope for enough phosphorous in oils rated API SM and later.

I would run only an oil that explicitly says on the label that has ZDDP and is good for flat tapped engines.

I contacted a few months back Valvoline, Castrol, and Mobile about those oils and posted their replies on here, but cannot find the thread now. I may copy/paste them again later.

 

[wlk]

Yes correct, stock cam and heads on SBC and SB Chrysler, potentially RV cam (unknown) but that's as extreme as it gets.


True, typically working out to a short 1,500 mile interval.


That is reassuring, and why I'm thinking away from the VR1 given it's 20w50, so whilst the zddp is there, if I can run a 5w or 10w that early start up protection would be much appreciated.

I do like the idea of the Magnetic given they're not daily drivers and the potential of some of the oil remaining in place between long start periods is somewhat reassuring.

I've since found the Castrol 5w50s has likely been updated and is now down 800ppm so ruling out.

Currently narrowed down to:

Synthetic:
Magnatec 5W-40 A3/B4
Shell Helix HX8 5w40
Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40
Mobil 1 Full Synthetic 5W-40
Mobil Super 3000 X1 5W-40

Semi-synthetic:
Shell Helix HX7 10W-40
Castrol Magnatec 10W-40
Mobil Super 2000 X1 10W-40

I'm factoring in not only for zddp but also additives that help with cleaning, reducing sludge, keeping piston rings cleaner etc. hence looking at "newer" style oils which are leaps ahead on this part.

Can you get Castrol Edge Euro 0w30? It is SL rated and has the higher phos/zddp you are wanting. Depending on with VOA ~900p, 1000/1100 z.