More ZDDP data from the MG-TABC list
3000 SW 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 Phone 954-779-3600, Fax
954-779-3029
www.scorpionracingproducts.com
Scorpion Racing Products
ZDDP Guidelines for Motor Oil Selection
The most commonly used anti-wear additive in motor oils is zinc
dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP). ZDDP contains both zinc and phosphorus
components working together to provide anti-wear protection and is most
important during cam break-in procedures. The American Petroleum
Institute (API) in recent years has mandated the reduction of phosphorus to
extend catalytic converter life, however reducing the parts per million
(ppm) of phosphorus in ZDDP also reduces the ppm of zinc in motor oil which
can cause increased wear in engines.
Gasoline motor oil history:
API service classification SH motor oils were the last gasoline motor oils
without minimum phosphorus level regulation. Phosphorus/Zinc levels in
these old oils ranged from 1400 to 1600 ppm and provided good anti-wear
protection.
In 1997, the API first regulated Phosphorus levels in gasoline engine oils
to a maximum 1000 ppm for API service classification SJ.
The most current API service classification for gasoline oil is SM, and was
implemented in 2004. The API requires a minimum phosphorus level for SM
motor oils of 600 ppm and a maximum of 800 ppm. Again, these lower
phosphorus levels bring with it lower zinc levels, increased wear and are
not recommended for Scorpion Racing Products break-in procedures.
Diesel motor oil history:
Prior to 2007, unlike gasoline motor oils, diesel motor oil phosphorus
levels were not regulated by the API. The higher level of phosphorus and
associated zinc level of diesel oils over gasoline oils provided a good
alternative for engine builders and racers. However, in 2007, the API
implemented a new diesel classification called CJ-4, which regulates the
amount of phosphorus to 1200 ppm maximum and reduces the amount of anti-wear
performance from previous oils.
One commonly used diesel motor oil used for high performance engines and cam
break-in was Shell Rotella. However, like most other modern diesel motor
oils, Rotellas zinc level had to decrease in accordance with the new CJ-4
API specification and is now only 1016 ppm.
Any motor oil with the API Starburst on the label should not be used for
cam break-in. After break-in, these oils should be used with an additive
such as Scorpion Racing Products Xtreme Break-In Lube & Oil Additive (part #
SRPXL8-1) at every oil change.
Eight fluid ounces of Scorpion Racing Products Xtreme Break-In Lube & Oil
Additive (part # SRPXL8-1) will add 400 ppm of Phosphorus to 5 quarts of
motor oil. It is okay to use as an additive after cam break-in and it is
compatible with most current synthetics.
Caution: For good catalytic converter life, vehicles produced from 1992
through 1996 (API SH) can use oil with phosphorus levels of 1200 ppm
maximum. Vehicles produced from 1997 through 2003 (API SJ and SL) can use
oil with phosphorus levels of 1000 ppm maximum. Vehicles produced from 2004
and newer (API SM) are limited to 800 ppm phosphorus.
For vehicles NOT equipped with catalytic converters, phosphorus levels are
not limited. This allows for high performance oils such as race oils to
contain a higher level of phosphorus/zinc anti-wear additive. Scorpion
Racing Products recommends phosphorus/zinc (ZDDP) levels of 1200 to 1600 for
good wear protection.
Below are some common oils with zinc and phosphorus levels.
Manufacturer
Zinc (ppm)
Phosphorus (ppm)
AMSOIL RD-20
1575
1424
AMSOIL RD-30
1575
1424
AMSOIL RD-50
1575
1424
Brad Penn race oil 20W-50
1500
1400
Joe Gibbs XP-5 20W-50
1215
1064
Kendall GT-1 SAE 50
1131
940
Shell Rotella T
1016
958
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