Reply to "engine oil"

I called Valvoline a few years ago about their VR-1 racing oil, and they confirmed that it has the higher ZDDP. So it's another option (there seem to be a number of oils that have the higher ZDDP from Amsoil, Brad Penn, Royal Purple, Red Line etc, but just don't expect to find them on the shelf at a big-box store).

Here is what I was told when I called them in 2009 [1-800-TEAM-VAL ... 1-800-832-6825]:
- Valvoline VR1 20W50 contains 1400ppm Zinc and 1300ppm Phosphorus
- Valvoline VR1 30weight contains the same 1400ppm Z and 1300ppm Ph

There are hundreds if not thousands of web pages devoted to the whole ZDDP for classic cars discussion, the consensus seems to be to avoid modern oils formulated for cars with catalytic converters (those with 800ppm or less of ZDDP), 1200-1500ppm seems to be the sweet spot, going above 2000ppm and people start arguing about potential negative effects.

VR-1 goes for $8-9/litre here in Canada, not great, but not bad I suppose ... at least they don't have to ship all the way to a Jovian moon (If not Ganymede, perhaps Io?).