Racing Oil lab tests - and others

General engine tech -- Drag Racing to Circle Track

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540 RAT
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Racing Oil lab tests - and others

Post by 540 RAT »

All samples were taken from brand new, thoroughly shaken bottles of oil. And all tests were performed at ALS Tribology, formerly Staveley Labs, in Sparks, Nevada. The oil samples are put into a Spectrometer which generates the results. This prevents the possibility of a technician introducing human error.

Brief overview/comparison of High Performance and Racing Oil:

Lucas 10W30 Racing Only
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 2943 ppm
Total anti-wear = 7895 ppm***

Redline 30 wt Race Oil
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 2059 ppm
Total anti-wear = 5494 ppm**

Joe Gibbs 10W30 XP3 Racing Oil
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 620 ppm
Total anti-wear = 2670 ppm

Joe Gibbs 10W30 HR-4 Hot Rod Oil
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 3134 ppm
Total anti-wear = 2408 ppm

Royal Purple 5W30 XPR (Extreme Performance Racing)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 3050 ppm
Total anti-wear = 2963 ppm, plus their proprietary “Synerlec” extreme pressure additive that does not show up in basic lab tests
Note: This particular RP XPR oil info has been posted previously, but it is included here for comparison purposes.

Royal Purple 10W30 HPS (High Performance Street)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 3676 ppm
Total anti-wear = 3310 ppm, plus their proprietary “Synerlec” extreme pressure additive that does not show up in basic lab tests
Note: This particular RP HPS oil info has been posted previously, but it is included here for comparison purposes.

Valvoline NSL (Not Street Legal) 10W30 conventional Racing Oil
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 1618 ppm
Total anti-wear = 3971 ppm

Valvoline VR1 10W30 Racing Oil (Silver Bottle)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 2787 ppm
Total anti-wear = 3019 ppm

Valvoline VR1 10W30 "SYNTHETIC" Racing Oil API SL (Black Bottle)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 2683 ppm
Total anti-wear = 2454 ppm

Brad Penn 10W30 Penn-Grade 1 High Performance Oil
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 3173 ppm
Total anti-wear = 3211 ppm

Brad Penn 0W30 Penn-Grade 1 High Performance Oil
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 2939 ppm
Total anti-wear = 3058 ppm


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Brief overview/comparison of Mainstream Oil:

Mobil 1 5W30 API SN
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 1489 ppm
Total anti-wear = 1755 ppm

Mobil 1 5W30 Extended Performance - 15,000 miles API SN
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 1697 ppm
Total anti-wear = 1813 ppm

Quaker State 5W30 Ultimate Durability API SN
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 2845 ppm
Total anti-wear = 1870 ppm

Valvoline 5W30 SYNPower API SN
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 2628 ppm
Total anti-wear = 1730 ppm

Castrol 5W30 Edge w/ Titanium API SN
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 1810 ppm
Total anti-wear = 1835 ppm

Pennzoil 5W30 Ultra API SM
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 3387 ppm
Total anti-wear = 1684 ppm

Royal Purple 5W30 API SN
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 2834 ppm
Total anti-wear = 1759 ppm, plus their proprietary Synerlec extreme pressure additive that does not show up in basic lab tests

Royal Purple 5W20 API SN
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 2875 ppm
Total anti-wear = 1856 ppm, plus their proprietary Synerlec extreme pressure additive that does not show up in basic lab tests

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Detailed info of High Performance and Racing Oil:

Lucas 10W30 Racing Only (lab tested 2011)
Silicon = 18 ppm (anti-foaming agent in new oil, but in used oil, certain gasket materials and dirt can also add to this number)
Boron = <5 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Magnesium = 1 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Calcium = 2929 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Barium = 9 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 2943 ppm
Zinc = 2642 ppm (anti-wear)
Phos = 3489 ppm (anti-wear)
Moly = 1764 ppm (anti-wear)
Total anti-wear = 7895 ppm***
Potassium = <5 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
Sodium = 9 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
Tin = 23 ppm (from bearings, bronze parts and piston coatings, but this is brand new oil……..)
TBN = 9.0 (Total Base Number is an acid neutralizer to prevent corrosion. Most gasoline engine motor oils start with TBN around 8 or 9. And in use, this becomes depleted over time as mileage accumulates)
Viscosity (cSt at 100*C) = 11.5 (cSt range for SAE 30 is 9.3 to 12.4) And cSt (centistokes) in general terms, represents an oil’s thickness.

***NOTE: The zinc and phosphorus anti-wear levels of all oil in this list, are elemental values, which are NOT the same as ZDDP values. Earlier oil industry testing found that above .14% or 1,400 ppm, ZDDP INCREASED long term wear, even though break-in wear was reduced. And it was also found that .20% or 2,000 ppm ZDDP started attacking the grain boundaries in the iron, resulting in camshaft spalling.

But the correlation between elemental values and ZDDP values varies by motor oil manufacturer, and they do NOT publish their ZDDP values. That makes it difficult to impossible for the consumer to know how elemental and ZDDP values actually compare for any particular oil. However, these elemental values are so extremely high here, that this oil really is only suited for short life dedicated racing engines, as the name implies. Using zinc/phos levels this high in other engines could be cause for concern, since excessively high levels, used for more than just break-in, can “cause” engine damage rather than “prevent” it.

This by Brad Penn:
There is such a thing as too much ZDDP.
ZDDP is surface aggressive, and too much can be a detriment.
ZDDP fights for the surface, blocking other additive performance.
Acids generated due to excessive ZDDP contact will “tie-up” detergents thus encouraging corrosive wear.
ZDDP effectiveness plateaus, more does NOT translate into more protection. Only so much is utilized.
We don’t need to saturate our oil with ZDDP.


Redline 30wt Race Oil (lab tested 2011)
Silicon = 23 ppm (anti-foaming agent in new oil, but in used oil, certain gasket materials and dirt can also add to this number)
Boron = 70 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Magnesium = 4 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Calcium = 1982 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Barium = 3 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 2059 ppm
Zinc = 2207 ppm (anti-wear)
Phos = 2052 ppm (anti-wear)
Moly = 1235 ppm (anti-wear)
Total anti-wear = 5494 ppm**
Potassium = <5 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
Sodium = 20 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
Tin = 18 ppm (from bearings, bronze parts and piston coatings, but this is brand new oil…….)
TBN = 5.0* (Total Base Number is an acid neutralizer to prevent corrosion. Most gasoline engine motor oils start with TBN around 8 or 9. And in use, this becomes depleted over time as mileage accumulates)
Viscosity (cSt at 100*C) = 9.9 (cSt range for SAE 30 is 9.3 to 12.4) And cSt (centistokes) in general terms, represents an oil’s thickness.

**NOTE: The zinc and phosphorus anti-wear levels of all oil in this list, are elemental values, which are NOT the same as ZDDP values. Earlier oil industry testing found that above .14% or 1,400 ppm, ZDDP INCREASED long term wear, even though break-in wear was reduced. And it was also found that .20% or 2,000 ppm ZDDP started attacking the grain boundaries in the iron, resulting in camshaft spalling.

But the correlation between elemental values and ZDDP values varies by motor oil manufacturer, and they do NOT publish their ZDDP values. That makes it difficult to impossible for the consumer to know how elemental and ZDDP values actually compare for any particular oil. However, these elemental values are high enough here, that this oil really is only suited for short life dedicated racing engines, as the name implies. Using zinc/phos levels this high in other engines could be cause for concern, since excessively high levels, used for more than just break-in, can “cause” engine damage rather than “prevent” it.

This by Brad Penn:
There is such a thing as too much ZDDP.
ZDDP is surface aggressive, and too much can be a detriment.
ZDDP fights for the surface, blocking other additive performance.
Acids generated due to excessive ZDDP contact will “tie-up” detergents thus encouraging corrosive wear.
ZDDP effectiveness plateaus, more does NOT translate into more protection. Only so much is utilized.
We don’t need to saturate our oil with ZDDP.
*NOTE: The low TBN value in this Redline oil is also consistent with short term use only.

Joe Gibbs 10W30 XP3 Racing Oil (lab tested 2011)
NOTE: Some of the numbers here were so unusual and unexpected, that I had the lab re-test the oil sample on another day, after other oil tests showed normal results, just to ensure that the original test was valid. And the re –test came back with the exact same numbers. So, the numbers here, are what they are. But we know this line of oil works incredibly well. Because it was developed for, and is used by, winning Sprint Cup NASCAR teams.
Silicon = 4 ppm (anti-foaming agent in new oil, but in used oil, certain gasket materials and dirt can also add to this number)
Boron = 259 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Magnesium = 1 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Calcium = 356 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Barium = 4 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 620 ppm
Zinc = 743 ppm (anti-wear)
Phos = 802 ppm (anti-wear)
Moly = 1125 ppm (anti-wear)
Total anti-wear = 2670 ppm
Potassium = 5 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
Sodium = 5 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
TBN = 1.8 (Total Base Number is an acid neutralizer to prevent corrosion. Most gasoline engine motor oils start with TBN around 8 or 9. And in use, this becomes depleted over time as mileage accumulates)
Viscosity (cSt at 100*C) = 12.2 (cSt range for SAE 30 is 9.3 to 12.4) And cSt (centistokes) in general terms, represents an oil’s thickness.

The detergent and TBN levels are so very low here, that this oil should most likely be changed after every outing, before those components are totally exhausted.

This oil line is one of the leading oils used in NASCAR Sprint Cup endurance engines, yet it has very low levels of zinc/phos, about the same as modern API SN oils. So, this is one example of a textbook case showing that you cannot really depend on elemental zinc/phos numbers alone, to predict how well an oil can protect against wear in high HP, high RPM engines. If you looked at the zinc/phos levels alone, like so many folks do, you’d think this oil should only be used in granny’s late model grocery getter.

This is something that the Royal Purple folks have said all along as well. Because their proprietary “Synerlec” additive is their primary extreme pressure additive, and their zinc/phos levels are only icing on the cake and do not need to be as high as it does with other oils.

The only way to really know how oils compare to each other with regard to preventing metal to metal contact, is to perform lab testing (quickest and most controlled method, particularly when testing a large number of oils) or real world on the road or on the track testing (time consuming, not well controlled, and perhaps impractical if a lot of oils are involved). This way you can test the whole additive package along with its base oil, to see how the overall product actually works. Simply looking at an oil lab test printout, is not enough information to always give you the right answer.

It’s the same thing with a new engine. You don’t just look at its build sheet to really see how well it will perform. You test it on the dyno and/or on the track (or road), to see the real deal.

So, with all that in mind, I’ve ordered an oil wear tester. And in the coming months, I’ll be performing impartial testing of all the oils on this list, and maybe a few others, to see how they rank against each other. I don’t really care which one wins or how they rank. I just want to “KNOW” which one wins and how they rank, so that I can make a better informed decision as to which oil I want to run in my own motors. I have no problem switching brands if the test results show the need to do so. Once I put all that data together, I’ll post the results for anyone interested in seeing it.



Joe Gibbs 10W30 HR-4 Hot Rod Oil (lab tested 2011)
Silicon = 4 ppm (anti-foaming agent in new oil, but in used oil, certain gasket materials and dirt can also add to this number)
Boron = 6 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Magnesium = 164 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Calcium = 2964 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Barium = 0 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 3134 ppm
Zinc = 1247 ppm (anti-wear)
Phos = 1137 ppm (anti-wear)
Moly = 24 ppm (anti-wear)
Total anti-wear = 2408 ppm
Potassium = <5 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
Sodium = 2 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
TBN = 9.4 (Total Base Number is an acid neutralizer to prevent corrosion. Most gasoline engine motor oils start with TBN around 8 or 9. And in use, this becomes depleted over time as mileage accumulates)
Viscosity (cSt at 100*C) = 11.6 (cSt range for SAE 30 is 9.3 to 12.4) And cSt (centistokes) in general terms, represents an oil’s thickness.


Royal Purple 5W30 XPR (Extreme Performance Racing) (lab tested 2008)
Silicon = 4 ppm (anti-foaming agent in new oil, but in used oil, certain gasket materials and dirt can also add to this number)
Boron = 1 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Magnesium = 10 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Calcium = 3039 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Barium = 0 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 3050 ppm
Zinc = 1421 ppm (anti-wear)
Phos = 1338 ppm (anti-wear)
Moly = 204 ppm (anti-wear)
Total anti-wear = 2963 ppm, plus their proprietary Synerlec extreme pressure additive that does not show up on basic lab tests
Potassium = 0 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
Sodium = 0 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
TBN = 10.9 (Total Base Number is an acid neutralizer to prevent corrosion. Most gasoline engine motor oils start with TBN around 8 or 9. And in use, this becomes depleted over time as mileage accumulates)
Viscosity (cSt at 100*C) = 11.6 (cSt range for SAE 30 is 9.3 to 12.4) And cSt (centistokes) in general terms, represents an oil’s thickness.
Note: This RP XPR oil info has been posted previously, but it is included here for comparison purposes.


Royal Purple 10W30 HPS (High Performance Street) (lab tested 2011)
Silicon = 7 ppm (anti-foaming agent in new oil, but in used oil, certain gasket materials and dirt can also add to this number)
Boron = <5 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Magnesium = 46 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Calcium = 3626 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Barium = <1 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 3676 ppm
Zinc = 1774 ppm (anti-wear)
Phos = 1347 ppm (anti-wear)
Moly = 189 ppm (anti-wear)
Total anti-wear = 3310 ppm, plus their proprietary Synerlec extreme pressure additive that does not show up in basic lab tests
Potassium = 11 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
Sodium = 2 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
TBN = 10.2 (Total Base Number is an acid neutralizer to prevent corrosion. Most gasoline engine motor oils start with TBN around 8 or 9. And in use, this becomes depleted over time as mileage accumulates)
Viscosity (cSt at 100*C) = 11.3 (cSt range for SAE 30 is 9.3 to 12.4) And cSt (centistokes) in general terms, represents an oil’s thickness.
Note: This RP HPS oil info has been posted previously, but it is included here for comparison purposes.


Valvoline NSL (Not Street Legal) 10W30 conventional Racing Oil (lab tested 2011)
Silicon = 6 ppm (anti-foaming agent in new oil, but in used oil, certain gasket materials and dirt can also add to this number)
Boron = <5 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Magnesium = 5 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Calcium = 1607 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Barium = 2 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 1618 ppm
Zinc = 1669 ppm (anti-wear)
Phos = 1518 ppm (anti-wear)
Moly = 784 ppm (anti-wear)
Total anti-wear = 3971 ppm
Potassium = 7 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
Sodium = 190 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
Tin = 13 ppm (from bearings, bronze parts and piston coatings, but this is brand new oil……..)
TBN = 4.4**** (Total Base Number is an acid neutralizer to prevent corrosion. Most gasoline engine motor oils start with TBN around 8 or 9. And in use, this becomes depleted over time as mileage accumulates)
Viscosity (cSt at 100*C) = 9.8 (cSt range for SAE 30 is 9.3 to 12.4) And cSt (centistokes) in general terms, represents an oil’s thickness.

****NOTE: The very low TBN value in this NSL oil would require increased oil change frequency, to avoid acid build-up. And Valvoline has said that their NSL oils should be changed at least every 500 miles.

Valvoline VR1 10W30 Racing Oil (Silver Bottle, lab tested 2011)
This one does NOT have the API symbol, but its text says it exceeds API SM
Silicon = 10 ppm (anti-foaming agent in new oil, but in used oil, certain gasket materials and dirt can also add to this number)
Boron = <5 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Magnesium = 73 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Calcium = 2707 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Barium = 3 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 2787 ppm
Zinc = 1472 ppm (anti-wear)
Phos = 1544 ppm (anti-wear)
Moly = 3 ppm (anti-wear)
Total anti-wear = 3019 ppm
Potassium = 6 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
Sodium = 380 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
TBN = 7.6 (Total Base Number is an acid neutralizer to prevent corrosion. Most gasoline engine motor oils start with TBN around 8 or 9. And in use, this becomes depleted over time as mileage accumulates)
Viscosity (cSt at 100*C) = 11.0 (cSt range for SAE 30 is 9.3 to 12.4) And cSt (centistokes) in general terms, represents an oil’s thickness.


Valvoline VR1 10W30 “SYNTHETIC” Racing Oil API SL (Black Bottle, lab tested 2011)
Silicon = 8 ppm (anti-foaming agent in new oil, but in used oil, certain gasket materials and dirt can also add to this number)
Boron = <5 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Magnesium = 15 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Calcium = 2664 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Barium = 0 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 2683 ppm
Zinc = 1180 ppm (anti-wear)
Phos = 1112 ppm (anti-wear)
Moly = 162 ppm (anti-wear)
Total anti-wear = 2454 ppm
Potassium = 5 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
Sodium = 195 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
TBN = 7.4 (Total Base Number is an acid neutralizer to prevent corrosion. Most gasoline engine motor oils start with TBN around 8 or 9. And in use, this becomes depleted over time as mileage accumulates)
Viscosity (cSt at 100*C) = 10.4 (cSt range for SAE 30 is 9.3 to 12.4) And cSt (centistokes) in general terms, represents an oil’s thickness.


Brad Penn 10W30 Penn Grade 1 High Performance Oil ( lab tested 2011)
This oil is from Bradford, Pennsylvania, thus the name Brad Penn.
Silicon = 9 ppm (anti-foaming agent in new oil, but in used oil, certain gasket materials and dirt can also add to this number)
Boron = <5 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Magnesium = 646 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Calcium = 2518 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Barium = 5 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 3173 ppm
Zinc = 1557 ppm (anti-wear)
Phos = 1651 ppm (anti-wear)
Moly = 3 ppm (anti-wear)
Total anti-wear = 3211 ppm
Potassium = 5 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
Sodium = 450 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
TBN = 8.7 (Total Base Number is an acid neutralizer to prevent corrosion. Most gasoline engine motor oils start with TBN around 8 or 9. And in use, this becomes depleted over time as mileage accumulates)
Viscosity (cSt at 100*C) = 10.3 (cSt range for SAE 30 is 9.3 to 12.4) And cSt (centistokes) in general terms, represents an oil’s thickness.


Brad Penn 0W30 Penn Grade 1 High Performance Oil ( lab tested 2011)
This oil is from Bradford, Pennsylvania, thus the name Brad Penn.
Silicon = 6 ppm (anti-foaming agent in new oil, but in used oil, certain gasket materials and dirt can also add to this number)
Boron = <5 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Magnesium = 13 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Calcium = 2922 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Barium = 0 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 2939 ppm
Zinc = 1621 ppm (anti-wear)
Phos = 1437 ppm (anti-wear)
Moly = 0 ppm (anti-wear)
Total anti-wear = 3058 ppm
Potassium = <5 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
Sodium = 2 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
TBN = 8.7 (Total Base Number is an acid neutralizer to prevent corrosion. Most gasoline engine motor oils start with TBN around 8 or 9. And in use, this becomes depleted over time as mileage accumulates)
Viscosity (cSt at 100*C) = 10.5 (cSt range for SAE 30 is 9.3 to 12.4) And cSt (centistokes) in general terms, represents an oil’s thickness.

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The High Performance and Racing Oils on this list that have acceptable levels of all that is needed, and are suitable for High HP Street Hotrods and Street/Strip cars, as well as many dedicated race cars (including flat tappets and bronze dist gears) are:

Joe Gibbs Hot Rod Oil
Royal Purple XPR (Extreme Performance Racing)
Royal Purple HPS (High Performance Street)
Valvoline VR1 Racing Oil (Silver Bottle)
Valvoline VR1 “SYNTHETIC” Racing Oil API SL (Black Bottle)
Brad Penn, Penn Grade 1, High Performance Oil

NOTE: Joe Gibbs oil can be ordered directly from JoeGibbsDriven.com or Amazon.com
These Royal Purple oils can be ordered from Summit or Jegs
These Valvoline oils can be found with limits at some regular Auto Parts Stores, or can be ordered from Jegs, but NOT Summit, as I recall
The Brad Penn oil can be ordered from Amazon.com or from Summit as Howards Cam’s Brad Penn oil
And there are a variety of local shops, etc that carry some of these oils as well

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Detailed info of Mainstream Oil:

Mobil 1 5W30 API SN (lab tested 2011)
Silicon = 8 ppm (anti-foaming agent in new oil, but in used oil, certain gasket materials and dirt can also add to this number)
Boron = 87 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Magnesium = 603 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Calcium = 799 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Barium = 0 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 1489 ppm
Zinc = 801 ppm (anti-wear)
Phos = 842 ppm (anti-wear)
Moly = 112 ppm (anti-wear)
Total anti-wear = 1755 ppm
Potassium = <5 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
Sodium = 6 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
TBN = 7.5 (Total Base Number is an acid neutralizer to prevent corrosion. Most gasoline engine motor oils start with TBN around 8 or 9. And in use, this becomes depleted over time as mileage accumulates)
Viscosity (cSt at 100*C) = 11.5 (cSt range for SAE 30 is 9.3 to 12.4) And cSt (centistokes) in general terms, represents an oil’s thickness.

Mobil 1 5W30 Extended Performance (15,000 miles) API SN (lab tested 2011)
Silicon = 5 ppm (anti-foaming agent in new oil, but in used oil, certain gasket materials and dirt can also add to this number)
Boron = 89 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Magnesium = 666 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Calcium = 942 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Barium = 0 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 1697 ppm
Zinc = 890 ppm (anti-wear)
Phos = 819 ppm (anti-wear)
Moly = 104 ppm (anti-wear)
Total anti-wear = 1813 ppm
Potassium = <5 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
Sodium = 0 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
TBN = 7.9 (Total Base Number is an acid neutralizer to prevent corrosion. Most gasoline engine motor oils start with TBN around 8 or 9. And in use, this becomes depleted over time as mileage accumulates)
Viscosity (cSt at 100*C) = 10.5 (cSt range for SAE 30 is 9.3 to 12.4) And cSt (centistokes) in general terms, represents an oil’s thickness.

The detergent, anti-wear and TBN components of this Extended Performance oil are either about average or below average for typical API SN oils (even though some of the components are a little higher than in its standard Mobil 1 counterpart). TBN eventually becomes depleted as miles accumulate on oil in service. That’s “one” of the primary reasons for changing oil in the first place, to replenish the exhausted additive package. And it’s not unusual to see TBN values drop by as much as 60% from the original value, in only 5,000 miles. And with this oil starting out with a fairly low TBN value to begin with, it would seem very unlikely it could ever go a whopping 15,000 miles without having the TBN totally depleted well before reaching that 15,000 mile mark. So, this extended mileage claim appears to be only an unsupported marketing gimmick.

But, for those interested in long drain intervals, I’d suggest sending in a sample of this oil and having it lab tested at about the half way mark of 7,500 miles to see how much, if any, TBN remains. But, of course motor oil is typically already dark, dirty, contaminated and in need of changing by 5,000 miles anyway.

Quaker State 5W30 Ultimate Durability API SN (lab tested 2011)
Silicon = 3 ppm (anti-foaming agent in new oil, but in used oil, certain gasket materials and dirt can also add to this number)
Boron = <5 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Magnesium = 10 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Calcium = 2831 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Barium = 0 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 2845 ppm
Zinc = 877 ppm (anti-wear)
Phos = 921 ppm (anti-wear)
Moly = 72 ppm (anti-wear)
Total anti-wear = 1870 ppm
Potassium = <5 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
Sodium = 0 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
TBN = 7.9 (Total Base Number is an acid neutralizer to prevent corrosion. Most gasoline engine motor oils start with TBN around 8 or 9. And in use, this becomes depleted over time as mileage accumulates)
Viscosity (cSt at 100*C) = 10.5 (cSt range for SAE 30 is 9.3 to 12.4) And cSt (centistokes) in general terms, represents an oil’s thickness
NOTE: This bottle’s plastic was so paper thin and flimsy, that just gripping the bottle with the cap off, squeezed oil up, out and all over the place. So, use extra care with this one.


Valvoline 5W30 SYNPower API SN ( lab tested 2011)
Silicon = 5 ppm (anti-foaming agent in new oil, but in used oil, certain gasket materials and dirt can also add to this number)
Boron = <5 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Magnesium = 19 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Calcium = 2605 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Barium = 0 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 2628 ppm
Zinc = 969 ppm (anti-wear)
Phos = 761 ppm (anti-wear)
Moly = 0 ppm (anti-wear)
Total anti-wear = 1730 ppm
Potassium = 11 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
Sodium = 205 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
TBN = 7.1 (Total Base Number is an acid neutralizer to prevent corrosion. Most gasoline engine motor oils start with TBN around 8 or 9. And in use, this becomes depleted over time as mileage accumulates)
Viscosity (cSt at 100*C) = 10.5 (cSt range for SAE 30 is 9.3 to 12.4) And cSt (centistokes) in general terms, represents an oil’s thickness.


Castrol 5W30 Edge w/ Titanium API SN (lab tested 2011)
Silicon = 4 ppm (anti-foaming agent in new oil, but in used oil, certain gasket materials and dirt can also add to this number)
Boron = 55 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Magnesium = 1176 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Calcium = 577 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Barium = 2 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 1810 ppm
Zinc = 818 ppm (anti-wear)
Phos = 883 ppm (anti-wear)
Moly = 90 ppm (anti-wear)
Titanium = 44 ppm (anti-wear)
Total anti-wear = 1835 ppm
Potassium = <5 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
Sodium = 0 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
TBN = 10.1 (Total Base Number is an acid neutralizer to prevent corrosion. Most gasoline engine motor oils start with TBN around 8 or 9. And in use, this becomes depleted over time as mileage accumulates)
Viscosity (cSt at 100*C) = 10.6 (cSt range for SAE 30 is 9.3 to 12.4) And cSt (centistokes) in general terms, represents an oil’s thickness.


Pennzoil 5W30 Ultra API SM (lab tested 2011)
Silicon = 3 ppm (anti-foaming agent in new oil, but in used oil, certain gasket materials and dirt can also add to this number)
Boron = 363 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Magnesium = 13 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Calcium = 3011 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Barium = 0 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 3387 ppm
Zinc = 806 ppm (anti-wear)
Phos = 812 ppm (anti-wear)
Moly = 66 ppm (anti-wear)
Total anti-wear = 1684 ppm
Potassium = <5 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
Sodium = 0 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
TBN = 10.3 (Total Base Number is an acid neutralizer to prevent corrosion. Most gasoline engine motor oils start with TBN around 8 or 9. And in use, this becomes depleted over time as mileage accumulates)
Viscosity (cSt at 100*C) = 10.8 (cSt range for SAE 30 is 9.3 to 12.4) And cSt (centistokes) in general terms, represents an oil’s thickness.


Royal Purple 5W30 API SN ( lab tested 2011)
Silicon = 3 ppm (anti-foaming agent in new oil, but in used oil, certain gasket materials and dirt can also add to this number)
Boron = <5 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Magnesium = 8 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Calcium = 2822 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Barium = 0 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 2834 ppm
Zinc = 942 ppm (anti-wear)
Phos = 817 ppm (anti-wear)
Moly = 0 ppm (anti-wear)
Total anti-wear = 1759 ppm
Potassium = 6 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
Sodium = 424 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
TBN = 7.7 (Total Base Number is an acid neutralizer to prevent corrosion. Most gasoline engine motor oils start with TBN around 8 or 9. And in use, this becomes depleted over time as mileage accumulates)
Viscosity (cSt at 100*C) = 10.3 (cSt range for SAE 30 is 9.3 to 12.4) And cSt (centistokes) in general terms, represents an oil’s thickness.


Royal Purple 5W20 API SN (lab tested 2011)
Silicon = 2 ppm (anti-foaming agent in new oil, but in used oil, certain gasket materials and dirt can also add to this number)
Boron = <5 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Magnesium = 9 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Calcium = 2862 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Barium = 0 ppm (detergent/dispersant, anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge)
Total detergent/dispersant (anti-deposit buildup/anti-sludge) = 2875 ppm
Zinc = 964 ppm (anti-wear)
Phos = 892 ppm (anti-wear)
Moly = 0 ppm (anti-wear)
Total anti-wear = 1856 ppm, plus their proprietary Synerlec extreme pressure additive that does not show up in basic lab tests
Potassium = <5 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
Sodium = 267 ppm (anti-freeze inhibitor)
TBN = 7.7 (Total Base Number is an acid neutralizer to prevent corrosion. Most gasoline engine motor oils start with TBN around 8 or 9. And in use, this becomes depleted over time as mileage accumulates)
Viscosity (cSt at 100*C) = 8.7 (cSt range for SAE 20 is 5.6 to 9.2) And cSt (centistokes) in general terms, represents an oil’s thickness.
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Re: Racing Oil lab tests - and others

Post by zums »

mobil 5-30 extended performance @ 7-$8 a quart is what i use in my service vehicle, which sees all traffic conditions hot city/ extended turnpike runs , and at that price i leave it in for 140000 miles each change, if its a`"gimmick" some one should let my 350 sbc know because its been used so far for 106000 miles and i cut EVERY filter apart at the change- NO flakes or specs of metal- i also use theyre 10-30 ep in my 372 sbc, with solid rollers street/ strip shifted at 7900, thats COMP endurex rollers by the way, over 4500 street / strip miles, zero problems, like it or not mobil has theyre shit together
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Re: Racing Oil lab tests - and others

Post by BrazilianZ28Camaro »

Great info about oils 540!

Wish I had the chance to get any of those here in Brazil. :x
'71 Z28 street strip car
Pump gas All motor SBC 427
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NEW BEST ET
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Re: Racing Oil lab tests - and others

Post by Bob Hollinshead »

Thanks for sharing the info, looking forward to the test results.
Pro question poster.
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Re: Racing Oil lab tests - and others

Post by Kevin Johnson »

It would be interesting to know the results of ASTM D3427 on the samples. (air release properties)
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Re: Racing Oil lab tests - and others

Post by Brad Hawk »

Thanks for taking the time to both test these products and publish the results. =D>
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Re: Racing Oil lab tests - and others

Post by noice »

This is VERY good work, I work with commercial/marine grade oils and we send them off to the lab every few months for tests. The reports we get back aren't as detailed as what you have listed and the companies pay thousands per test sample kit that we send off. We do simple tests like viscosity, TBN, and Water Content weekly, but this is on another level. Thank you very much for your work on this.
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Re: Racing Oil lab tests - and others

Post by eric's 327 »

The Joe Gibbs 10W30 XP3 Racing Oil may have marginal Zinc and Phos, but look at the Moly - 1,125 ppm. That's a lot of Moly and maybe that's what they're using to compensate. I noticed the
Mobil 1 SN oils you listed have quite a bit of Moly now also, which I don't believe they had before the Zinc and Phos were lowered.

This is great info. Thanks.

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Re: Racing Oil lab tests - and others

Post by wyrmrider »

Thanks for the always good info rat
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Re: Racing Oil lab tests - and others

Post by Kevin Johnson »

You will need to purchase the paper but it is worthwhile. I suspect that enough time has passed that the authors would be willing to specifically identify all the oils tested if you ask politely.

SAE 2000-01-3553 wrote: Oil Development for Nascar Racing
Douglas T. Jayne and Gail A. Evans
The Lubrizol Corp.
Steven G. Wilson
Richard Childress Racing Enterprises
Arnold L. Shugarman
76 Lubricants Co.
Tim Wusz
TOSCO Marketing Co.

...

DEVELOPMENT OF NASCAR OIL
Developing a NASCAR oil requires a standardized test
which reproduces repeatable results that correlate with
on track performance if the test is used to demonstrate
improved oil performance in Winston Cup Racing.
Lubrizol uses a series of industry standard engine and
bench tests to qualify oils for API certifications.
Candidate NASCAR oils were run through these industry
standard tests. The tests are used to determine how
these oils might affect valve train wear, ring welding in
the piston ring groove, scuffing of the wrist pin in the pin
bores of the connecting rod and piston, and deposit
formation on the pistons.

From this original testing program, a candidate oil was
chosen for use in Winston Cup Racing. On track the oil
was found to reduce deposit and varnish formation on
pistons but increased valve-train wear, wrist pin bore
damage, and micro-welding of the top ring in the ring
groove. These field results indicated that many of the
industry standard oil tests did not address the
specialized oil requirements needed for the extreme
environment of Winston Cup Racing.

It was determined from these racing results that
additional full scale engine testing with NASCAR
compliant engines would be necessary to demonstrate
on track performance. The RCR Research Team has
developed a dynamometer test which was found to be
as severe or more severe than on track racing.
Dynamometer testing was used to compare the
performance properties of seven candidate oils under
consideration for Winston Cup Racing. The candidate
oils differed in the type of base fluid, viscosity grade, and
additive chemistry, specifically detergent type and
antiwear chemistry. The seven candidate oils are
described in the following Table:
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Re: Racing Oil lab tests - and others

Post by lorax »

Kevin Johnson wrote:You will need to purchase the paper but it is worthwhile. I suspect that enough time has passed that the authors would be willing to specifically identify all the oils tested if you ask politely.

SAE 2000-01-3553 wrote: Oil Development for Nascar Racing
Douglas T. Jayne and Gail A. Evans
The Lubrizol Corp.
Steven G. Wilson
Richard Childress Racing Enterprises
Arnold L. Shugarman
76 Lubricants Co.
Tim Wusz
TOSCO Marketing Co.
Yeah, that's pretty old. Tim hasn't worked for Tosco/Conoco for a decade, since he co founded Rockett Fuel, and 76 Union hasn't been involved in Nascar or Hendricks for just about as long. Tim was the MAN when he was with Tosco/Conoco.
When QS became involved with Hendricks the whole thing pretty much started all over again. Things have change in Nascar since that was written.
But it DOES point out what I have said all along. You can kick your bench tests and what you thought you knew about a given oil's performance, and kick it out the door. ITS ALL APPLICATION SPECIFIC!! What works great for keep contaminates suspended can cause foaming, things that keep deposits and varnish under control and keep ZDDP and other anti wear compounds from doing their job.
Looking at bearing in a engine is a waste of time. Virtually any decent oil can keep your bearing looking good. That's more of a crank prep, roundness and clearance issue, not an oil issue.
But if your rings are welding themselves to the ring lands, and your PR tips are frying, or your oil pressure heads south after a few minutes of balls out WOT, or turns to broken down water thin crap after a short period in the pan, you need to be addressing your oil, not some chart pasted on the internet.
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Re: Racing Oil lab tests - and others

Post by Kevin Johnson »

I think that one of the primary points of interest is that a dyno test series was devised that equaled or exceeded the demands of the engine on the track -- in the opinion of the authors (ala I don't have an opinion, I have a dyno). :wink:

Still, their "opinion" does have a firm grounding in empirical science: [my emphasis]
The candidate oils were run in the dynamometer engine
test at RCR Research. The engine components were
visually rated by RCR personnel at the end of each test.
Pistons, piston rings, wrist pins, lifters, and camshafts
were then shipped to Lubrizol where they were
photographed and rated by certified engine parts raters.
Select parts were also examined using techniques of
surface analysis to determine whether there was transfer
of material on mating ring and wrist pin surfaces and
formation of suitable antiwear films on lifters, cam lobes,
piston wrist pin bores, and wrist pins.
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Re: Racing Oil lab tests - and others

Post by lorax »

Kevin Johnson wrote:I think that one of the primary points of interest is that a dyno test series was devised that equaled or exceeded the demands of the engine on the track -- in the opinion of the authors (ala I don't have an opinion, I have a dyno). :wink:

Still, their "opinion" does have a firm grounding in empirical science: [my emphasis]
Don't try to compare the dynos and what they can do with them to the one "I have a dyno" is using.

In watched a Mercury Racing dyno flog once and it was amazing. 5-15 minutes at max torque, then max HP, then back to max torque. Went on for hours.
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Re: Racing Oil lab tests - and others

Post by GARY C »

GM Performance Parts – tested to the limits, backed by GM

GM Performance Parts crate engines undergo a 50-hour, full-throttle engine dynamometer validation that requires the engines perform from peak horsepower to peak torque. GMPP also installs crate engines in its own engineering vehicles for testing and continuous improvement. That commitment to quality and durability enables General Motors to back GM Performance Parts crate engines with a 24-month/50,000-mile warranty (whichever occurs first). All GM Performance Parts components carry a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty.
http://media.gm.com/media/us/en/gm/news ... P_lsx.html

In light of this I guess GM's oil recommendation must have some merit.
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THE ABOVE POST IN NO WAY REFLECTS THE VIEWS OF SPEED TALK OR IT'S MEMBERS AND SHOULD BE VIEWED AS ENTERTAINMENT ONLY...Thanks, The Management!
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Re: Racing Oil lab tests - and others

Post by Bazman »

Down here we have a Super Tourer V8 series and the race cars run a sealed LS7 that is rated at 575hp due to a cam change. These engines are hand built only for this series and are not available to anyone else. They have been run at 300 hours WOT in testing. I should find out what oil GM recommended those guys run, because that is awesome reliability.
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