[Amc-list] Learnings from the PRI show.

["Bruce Hevner" <scramblr@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Just returned from the Performance Racing Industry show in Orlando. 
While there I attended a seminar sponsored by Shell entitled "Fuels &
Lubes, Myths & Legends".
For over two hours we were allowed to pick the brains of some of Shell's
engineers and scientists.
 Readers digest version,,,
When asked about Butanol there was only silence from the fuel guy. The
only comment he wanted to make was "It is under study but part of the
bio-fuel group, not performance" He said they don't "think" it can be a
drop in replacement for gasoline but more study needs to be done. They are
watching the fellow who says he can make it cheap but so far no
confirmation on that.
 My comment to him was I think that the time for E85 is already past if
Butanol can come in at even $5 a gallon. He just nodded his head. I think
they are reserving judgment on that one.

"Lubes" was an interesting discussion!
They all agreed that you can NOT make a blanket statement that Group V
(Red Line etc) lubes are better simply because they are based on Group V
(Ester) base stock. They were adamant that PAO type oils (Mobil1) have
made great strides in the last few years and meet the needs of most
racers. They said they could make that type lube if they wanted but did
not think the price level necessary would make it marketable for them.
 They said over 80% of NASCAR teams are currently using syn lubes, many
with viscosity as low as FIVE weight!!!
The MAIN benefit to using syn lube is it's high temperature stability NOT
increased HP. The tests that compare dino lube and syn lube showing
increased HP is due mainly to the change in VISCOSITY,, not the type of
oil. He said he has never seen a valid test showing more than a 6-7 HP
gain from switching to syn lube.
 You should always use the LOWEST viscosity that your engine combo can
tolerate. The only way to tell is to start reducing weight until you start
seeing bearing and or piston scuffing. Then go with the next higher
weight. Most top fuel racers are now using SEVENTY weight syn lube. For
MOST applications there is no longer a need to use dino lube to "break in"
an engine. Modern rings and cylinder techniques make it unnecessary.
There was a lot of "hedging" on an answer for the place of dino-syn
"blend" oils! They admitted that adding dino oil to a syn oil REDUCES the
failure level to that of a dino oil. But they stated there is a "place" in
the market for a mid "priced" product that has the appeal of syn without
the price. I told them I thought it was strictly a MERCHANDISING move!!,,,
They moved on to the next question,,,

 ZDDP,,, BOY there was discussion on THAT one! ZDDP HAS been reduced in
many (but not ALL) current lubes. Before the reductions started most high
quality oil had 12-1300 PPM level of ZDDP. The request came from the MFGs
who were seeing a reduction in O2 sensor performance over time due to ash
coating coming from burning Phosphorus (part of ZDDP). It was then reduced
to 1000 and then to 800 where it is now. Not ALL oils have been reduced.
The reduced oils have the "starburst" (circle with a star) on the label.
They advised staying away from those oils if you have a flat tappet type
cam! Yes Shell Rotella-T STILL has 1200ppm. The 800 oils are FINE for use
in a "roller" motor.
They also advised being VERY cautious in choosing a "non detergent" oil IF
you need it. They do NOT recommend using a ND oil to break in a motor
because many contain NO anti-wear additives (Shell does).

Additives ,, They are COMPLETELY aware of additives claims but do NOT
recommend using ANY unless there is a special TEMPORARY need (cleaning a
sludged engine). The reason? there is NO way to know what kind of
interaction there might be between the oil's additive package and what you
are adding to it. Some combinations can make the ENTIRE additive package
fall out and render the oil almost useless! 
If you are having a problem they recommend contacting the OIL mfg for
advice on how to solve it. They know there are LOTS of folks using
additives that they SWEAR by. If your combination is working for you
that's OK. But be aware you are playing with fire!!

Pretty much validated the procedure I have been using. Rotella-T 15-40 for
1000 mile break in then Mobil1 10-30.
But HEY,,, that's just ME!!!
Bruce Hevner



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