How is a modern synthetic not better than some oil formula cooked up back in the day?
Update by David S. Wallens to the
Porsche 911 Carrera project car
Nov 23, 2011
The oil sold today under the Brad Penn brand can be called the spiritual successor of the original Kendall GT-1.
Our Porsche is getting close to rejoining the living, but there was one more thing to pick up: motor oil. When it comes to air-cooled Porsches, opinions abound—ranging from “it doesn’t really matter” to “use the wrong oil and your entire family shall perish.”
So we asked our engine builder what to do. Back in the day, he was loyal to Kendall GT-1—this was the original formula, identifiable by its unique green color. Today’s Kendall brand is owned by Conoco/Phillips, and their GT-1 oil uses a different formula.
The original Kendall GT-1 was known to work well with air-cooled Porsches. Its logo could even be found on the Brumos race cars. Its high-zinc formula has also made it a recent favorite among owners of other older cars.
Since our time machine is out for service, we did the next best thing and ordered up some Brad Penn oil. American Refining Group, the parent company behind Brad Penn, purchased Kendall’s Pennsylvania refinery in 1997. The oil sold today under the Brad Penn brand can be called the spiritual successor of the original Kendall GT-1.
One small issue with the Brad Penn oil: It’s not available at every corner auto parts store. However, it can be found online, including via popular online retailer known for waiving the shipping costs on orders topping $25.
How is a modern synthetic not better than some oil formula cooked up back in the day?
Mainly high levels of zinc (ZDDP) and phosphorus that the EPA doesn't like to see in modern oils for emissions purposes. They are bad for cats and emissions equipment but oh-so-good for flat tappet cams and lifters.
would that oil be good for my 1600 VW flat 4 ? I'm not sure what the guy has in it , that I baught it from . I have been busy with my other cars and havent had time to do much with my 1970 Karmann Ghia
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