Oil additives needed? - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

AT T 2D · 09-06-2010

I have an '89 Turbo Trans Am with the 3.8L Turbo, which is a higher horsepower version of the Buick Grand National motor. It is common practice to run an oil additive called ZDD Plus due to some of the additives that have been removed from the modern oils.

Should I be using any additives on my '94 ZR-1?

xlr8nflorida · 09-06-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by AT T 2D

I have an '89 Turbo Trans Am with the 3.8L Turbo, which is a higher horsepower version of the Buick Grand National motor. It is common practice to run an oil additive called ZDD Plus due to some of the additives that have been removed from the modern oils.

Should I be using any additives on my '94 ZR-1?

There are advantages and disadvantages of ZDDP. For one ZDDP will kill your catalytic converters (expensive) If you don't put the right amount of ZDDP other issues occur.

Many LT-5 engines have gone 200,000 on Mobil 1. If you are concerned, I would go to Mobil 1 High Mileage Oil which has close to the ZDDP requirements. Also, while ZDDP is not at the same level, I'm sure mobil 1 has other additives to address the issue.

There are others that go to Amsoil with correct levels of ZDDP. Personally, after spending hours if not days reviewing oils, I'm not sure I feel comfortable with Amsoil, most of it is "propaganda" by dealers and very awkward non-real life tests that are posted on the web. Also, they are not held to the same standards as Mobil. Do I think Amsoil is a good oil? Yes, is it better then Mobil 1. I have my doubts and its expensive and harder to get.

tomtom72 · 09-06-2010

Okay I'll take a shot at this one. I'm not sure what the exact outcome of our forum's discussion of this topic was and it's possible that we arrived at no definitive conclusions.

Just to be honest, I panicked and bought some stuff from the turbo buick crowd....oh heck, listen to Jim as he is telling you straight. No need for my two cents. I type too slow!

Tom

xlr8nflorida · 09-06-2010

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dynomite

Oils Antifreeze Brake Fuid http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=3039
Best engine oil http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?p=78856#post78856
Oil filter poll http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=2476
ZDP and cam wear http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread....6183#post56183

Dynomite, you would make an excellent online editor

PhillipsLT5 · 09-06-2010

He is not talking about posts, Its the website editor

Kb7tif · 09-07-2010

Amsoil AMO has proper amount of Zink for our lifters

secondchance · 09-07-2010

About a year ago last time we had a discussion over this topic I calculated about a half a bottle of ZDD Plus would bring ZDDP level to about 1100 - about the same as pre 2004 (?) level.
I have been adding a half a bottle per oil change, if anything, for a peace of mind.

09-06-2010	#1
AT T 2D Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 28	Oil additives needed? I have an '89 Turbo Trans Am with the 3.8L Turbo, which is a higher horsepower version of the Buick Grand National motor. It is common practice to run an oil additive called ZDD Plus due to some of the additives that have been removed from the modern oils. Should I be using any additives on my '94 ZR-1? __________________ 1989 Turbo Trans Am Indy Pace Car 2002 Collectors Edition WS6 Trans Am 2008 MINI Cooper S 2008 Corvette Convertible

09-06-2010	#3
tomtom72 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Jacksonville, FL USA Posts: 4,645	Re: Oil additives needed? Okay I'll take a shot at this one. I'm not sure what the exact outcome of our forum's discussion of this topic was and it's possible that we arrived at no definitive conclusions. Just to be honest, I panicked and bought some stuff from the turbo buick crowd....oh heck, listen to Jim as he is telling you straight. No need for my two cents. I type too slow! Tom __________________ 1990 ZR-1, Black/grey, #2233, stock. ZR-1 Net Reg Founding Member #316 & NCM member

09-06-2010	#5
PhillipsLT5 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 2,452	Re: Oil additives needed? He is not talking about posts, Its the website editor

09-07-2010	#6
Kb7tif Join Date: May 2009 Location: S Nevada Posts: 352	Re: Oil additives needed? Amsoil AMO has proper amount of Zink for our lifters __________________ 1995 Convertible Supercharged Auto 1974 454 550hp (avatar car) On the blocks- -Scharger install ! 1992-Zr-1 Sold. Watson Headers Ported Plenum, Housings Random tech cats Fidanza Flywheel Chipped, Relocated Mat Woods 165 stat Borlas, Straights 1996 Lt4 Sold 1994 Lt1 Sold 2004 Z06 Sold AKA** Illenema

09-07-2010	#7
secondchance Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: McLean, VA Posts: 3,721	Re: Oil additives needed? About a year ago last time we had a discussion over this topic I calculated about a half a bottle of ZDD Plus would bring ZDDP level to about 1100 - about the same as pre 2004 (?) level. I have been adding a half a bottle per oil change, if anything, for a peace of mind.