What is the best oil for the beast. - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

soslow · 10-25-2009

I have a 1990 ZR-1 with only 7500 miles. So far I have been using Mobil-1. I read that most oil companies removed the zinc from the oil formulations because it destroys the catalytic converters but zinc was the ingredient that afforded the most protection to the cams. Does anyone have any ideas what the best oil would be for the beast? I heard that Hy-per lube sells a zinc replacement additive, but you need 2 bottles at twenty bucks each for the 12 quart capacity LT-5. I want to use the best oil available, without resorting to expensive additives that may or may not work. Any input from my Beast Brothers?

Kb7tif · 10-25-2009

Here is a good one, highly recommended by people who know.http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/amo.aspx

ZR1Vette · 10-25-2009

Yep..do a bit of 'search' and your find a load of discussion about lubricants etc. For many (including me) the conclusion is the Amsoil AMO syn 10-40 high zinc is the way to go

Aurora40 · 10-25-2009

I use Redline because it has similar ZDDP levels to the oil the Z was spec'd at. And also I can buy it locally. The idea of having oil delivered just doesn't do it for me.

Hammer · 10-25-2009

Amzoil AMO 10-40 and a Bosch filter for me. I think Redline would be great too, but they want $11 a quart around here for it.

Paul Workman · 10-26-2009

I'm also using the AMO 10-40 with the added zinc. But, it is at $100+ per oil change on the Z, if I do it myself!

Marc Hiabeck did a nice article in "The Heart of the Beast", back about - wazzit 2 years ago? Might do a search. Very well thought out article, and the ZR-1 is Marc's "rice bowl" (so I pay attention when Marc makes a recommendation...or later wish I had, on occation!!).

P.

rkreigh · 10-26-2009

the amsoil is great stuff, and the M1 extended has the higher zinc if you are concerned

the LT5 has pretty light spring pressure and a generous lifter

once broken in, I'm not 100% positive how essential the high zinc is but it certainly seems like it's wise and can't hurt

jimmac28 · 10-26-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Workman

Marc Hiabeck did a nice article in "The Heart of the Beast", back about - wazzit 2 years ago? Might do a search. Very well thought out article, and the ZR-1 is Marc's "rice bowl" (so I pay attention when Marc makes a recommendation...or later wish I had, on occation!!).

P.

http://www.zr1specialist.com/HAT%20W...5%20Engine.pdf
I think this is it Paul.

XfireZ51 · 10-26-2009

I'm using Castrol GTX 15W-40 Diesel. Has all the ZDDP necessary based on the discussions in this forum and the list serv. $4/qt.

32valvZ · 10-26-2009

Amsoil & a Wix filter

10-25-2009	#1
soslow Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: SELDEN, NEW YORK Posts: 24	What is the best oil for the beast. I have a 1990 ZR-1 with only 7500 miles. So far I have been using Mobil-1. I read that most oil companies removed the zinc from the oil formulations because it destroys the catalytic converters but zinc was the ingredient that afforded the most protection to the cams. Does anyone have any ideas what the best oil would be for the beast? I heard that Hy-per lube sells a zinc replacement additive, but you need 2 bottles at twenty bucks each for the 12 quart capacity LT-5. I want to use the best oil available, without resorting to expensive additives that may or may not work. Any input from my Beast Brothers?

10-25-2009	#2
Kb7tif Join Date: May 2009 Location: S Nevada Posts: 351	Re: What is the best oil for the beast. Here is a good one, highly recommended by people who know.http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/amo.aspx

10-25-2009	#3
ZR1Vette Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Reston, Virginia Posts: 930	Re: What is the best oil for the beast. Yep..do a bit of 'search' and your find a load of discussion about lubricants etc. For many (including me) the conclusion is the Amsoil AMO syn 10-40 high zinc is the way to go

10-25-2009	#4
Aurora40 Join Date: May 2005 Location: Leesburg, VA Posts: 2,704	Re: What is the best oil for the beast. I use Redline because it has similar ZDDP levels to the oil the Z was spec'd at. And also I can buy it locally. The idea of having oil delivered just doesn't do it for me.

10-25-2009	#5
Hammer Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ideho Posts: 2,647	Re: What is the best oil for the beast. Amzoil AMO 10-40 and a Bosch filter for me. I think Redline would be great too, but they want $11 a quart around here for it.

10-26-2009	#6
Paul Workman Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Squires (near Ava MO in the Mark Twain N'tl Forest) - Missouri Posts: 6,466	Re: What is the best oil for the beast. I'm also using the AMO 10-40 with the added zinc. But, it is at $100+ per oil change on the Z, if I do it myself! Marc Hiabeck did a nice article in "The Heart of the Beast", back about - wazzit 2 years ago? Might do a search. Very well thought out article, and the ZR-1 is Marc's "rice bowl" (so I pay attention when Marc makes a recommendation...or later wish I had, on occation!!). P.

10-26-2009	#7
rkreigh Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Alex VA Posts: 1,080	Re: What is the best oil for the beast. the amsoil is great stuff, and the M1 extended has the higher zinc if you are concerned the LT5 has pretty light spring pressure and a generous lifter once broken in, I'm not 100% positive how essential the high zinc is but it certainly seems like it's wise and can't hurt

10-26-2009	#9
XfireZ51 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chicagoland, IL Posts: 9,683	Re: What is the best oil for the beast. I'm using Castrol GTX 15W-40 Diesel. Has all the ZDDP necessary based on the discussions in this forum and the list serv. $4/qt.

10-26-2009	#10
32valvZ Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 1,061	Re: What is the best oil for the beast. Amsoil & a Wix filter