Classic Car Motor Oil Offered by Car Club

IF YOU FEEL You’ve Been Lacking in ZDDP, Consider This…

The Indiana Region of the Classic Car Club of America is offering a motor oil specifically designed for older cars. “If one bought it for no other reason, its preservatives to keep oil on bare metal would be enough,” the club said in a statement. “Our cars do a lot of sitting and relatively little driving.”

Beyond that, however, the club’s Classic Car Motor Oil has higher levels of ZDDP (zinc dialkyldithiophosphate) than modern mass-market oils.

The ZDP (zinc dithiophosphate) family decreases wear on highly loaded rubbing surfaces. In the vintage engine this most prominently relates to the camshaft-lifter interface. Meanwhile, the problem with ZDDP in APISN (modern) oil for use in today’s cars is that the phosphorus in the ZDP coats the active substrate in catalytic converters and thus shortens the converter’s effective life. Therefore, the amount of the chemical has been reduced in modern oils to the point where many collector car enthusiasts feel their engines no longer receive adequate protection.

Classic Car Motor Oil has 1600 PPM of ZDDP, which the chemists at D-A Lubricant Co. in Lebanon, Indiana, who developed the oil, feel is correct, the club said. The current API-SM oil has 600-800 PPM of ZDDP and the goal is to decrease that concentration.

Furthermore, some vintage motor oils, including Classic Car Motor Oil, have anti-rust packages. These are especially important in vintage engines that, as noted, do a lot of sitting in conditions ranging from the outdoors to climate-controlled storage. “If the goal for your vintage engine is longevity and not better fuel economy at the expense of longevity, and you don’t have a catalytic converter, you must use a motor oil designed for vintage engines,” the club’s statement said.

In addition, the use of high-quality viscosity modifiers in Classic Car Motor Oil are designed to degrade less with time and temperature and thus reduce friction and wear, the club said.

Some Frequently Asked Questions

What cars would benefit from the use of Classic Car Motor Oil (CCMO)?

Virtually any car that does not have a catalytic converter. CCMO may shorten the life of the converter by coating the active substrate with phosphorus.

What about ZDDP in CCMO?

CCMO has an optimal level of ZDDP, which decreases wear on highly loaded rubbing surfaces. It is most helpful in the cam-lifter interface, the piston ring/cylinder interface and any moving part that does not run in a cushion of oil. ZDDP has been around since the 1940s.

Can I use ZDDP as an additive to my existing oil?

You can, however, you don’t know your end product. CCMO was designed by the chemists and engineers of the D-A Lubricant Co. in Lebanon, Indiana, (dalube.com), to be “The optimal oil for the collector vehicle.”

Should I use CCMO in my car that has been using non-detergent oil?

Like any other motor oil, CCMO is not recommended for an engine that has been using non-detergent oil. However, it is more than acceptable to use CCMO once that engine has been rebuilt.

Why should I purchase Classic Car Motor Oil?

In addition to the higher levels of ZDDP, buy it for the presence of a preservative which meets military specifications and protects bare metal parts from rust. Rust produces degradation of the metal, and rust particles act as an abrasive between moving parts.

CCMO is a multi-grade oil. How does CCMO compare to mono-grade?

The club’s multi-grade oil is thinner at start-up, allowing the oil to flow rapidly to wear points. Beyond 100 degrees C, the CCMO retains its viscosity better than mono-grade oil. CCMO contains high-quality viscosity modifiers which keep the oil thicker at high temperatures. On the other hand, inexpensive, as well as many moderately priced oils do not contain high-quality viscosity modifiers. The new SM Oil (modern oil) has viscosity modifiers which degrade.

How do I order CCMO and how is it shipped?

CCMO is sold by the case (12 quarts). The oil can be ordered from the club’s website, classiccarmotoroil.com or by phone at . CCMO can only be purchased through the Indiana Region of the CCCA. It is shipped via FedEx ground.

Is there a discount for multi-case orders?

Yes, allowances are given for multicase orders including: 25–49 cases, 5% discount; 50-95 cases, 10% discount; 96 or more cases, 15% discount.

Editor’s note: Our thanks to John Klein of The Indiana Region of the CCCA for much of this information and the FAQ.