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3000 SW 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315 ï Phone 954-779-3600, Fax 954-779-3029

www.scorpionracingproducts.com

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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 ìbreak-inî 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.

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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 ìbreak-inî procedures.

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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, Rotellaís 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 ìStarburstî 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.†

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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.

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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.††

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Below are some common oils with zinc and phosphorus levels.†

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