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Originally Posted by Shogun1011
Whatever oil you do choose though...my suggestion would be to find one that has the proper amounts of ZDP (zinc/phosphorus blend) in it (or some similar anti wear additive). The oil industry has been cutting back on this because it thickens the oil a little...and hence does not give you as good gas mileage as you'd get with really thin oil. The downside to the new "improved gas mileage" oils is that your engine can suffer from the lack of lube. Sure...your engine can move easier...but can also wear easier. This is especially important when you have a newly rebuilt engine...or newly installed cam shaft etc.
~Shogun
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Here is the story on ZDDP (zinc dithiophosphate). It is a anti-wear barrier-lube (metal-to-metal contact) additive that is also a good anti-oxididant and inexpensive, too. It does nothing to viscosity or gas mileage. The problem is that the phosporus poisons catalytic converters. Since the feds now require emission control devices to be warranted for 120,000 miles, the auto industry has told the oil blenders to remove much of the phosphorus. Since all new gasoline engined cars and trucks produced in the last decade or more have roller cams, the need for barrier lubrication has decreased significantly.
I use Chevron Delo 400 in older cars because it is formulated with a big dose of ZDDP, as well as extra detergents and dispersants. Shell Rotella T and Mobil Delvac 1300 are similar "fleet" oils, blended for turbodiesels, but also API-rated for gasoline engines, just not ISLAC GF-4 for new cars still under warranty. BTW, when was the last time you saw a Chevron or Shell motor oil ad on TV? They put the money in the product, instead of ads, and the price is usually lower than Castrol, Pennzoil or Valvoline.
