Question about the recommended Valvoline VR-1 racing oil

[Micha]

Guys,
after reading lots of posts here from the past about the famous oil issue, after your info regarding my last oiled question, I have also red Vech's article where he recommends this VR-1 oil because of the high ZDDP content.
BUT, this oil is also rated in the manufacturer's site with performance API levels of SL grade,
which as far as I understood from the reading, is a no-no to our engines, that should only be fed with SB, SG, SH, SF oils, and avoided from SL (and SM).
1. Am I right or wrong? Probably wrong, so what did I misunderstood here? (Of course I would love to hear the opposite that I'm right, because usually, at home, I'm always wrong, you know).
2. What will be a better oil - if API is ok - 20/50 or straight 40 ?

[schrader7032]

I did some testing on a number of oils 8 years ago, Valvoline VR-1 was in the group. I listed it as having SG/SL/SM/SN ratings...I don't know how they do that. I suspect that the target customer for this oil is not an average driver which might plug up their catalytic converters, so the company can tweak the specs however they want. I can't find spec sheets for the current product that list that. I do find sheets that show they have elevated levels of zinc and phosphorous so that's a good thing.

As for oil grade, what do owners manuals of the day suggest? I don't think it was 20w50 for an R51/3, but more likely 30w in the winter and 40w in the summer. So, it depends on the temperature range you plan on operating in. All oils have ranges of operating environments so you want an oil that works in that range. From my pre 1970 bikes, the manuals suggest the 30 and 40 oils but my winters are fairly mild, or at least I would be riding, so I've gone with a 10w40 oil in them.

Basically, if you have only the API ratings to go on, only use something that touts SF/SG. If you have the chemical specs and you can see that the oil has levels of zinc and phosphorus that are both well above 1000, that's the best thing to know you're going to be OK with the oil.

[huntmiller]

I did some reading and thinking a few years ago and decided on VR-1 20w-50 for both my /2 and airhead.

[schrader7032]

Hunt -

Is 20w50 OK for a /2? I too use 20w50 in my /7, but I came down to 10w40 in my /2 and single cylinder bikes.

[Micha]

Basically, if you have only the API ratings to go on, only use something that touts SF/SG.

Thanks a lot!
Aren't SB & SH also in the "good guys" list?

[schrader7032]

I guess it should be SG/SH ratings. I wouldn't use an oil with earlier ratings as the earlier oils just become more inferior to those developed for SG/SH. Advances were being made to the lubrication qualities of oil but after SH, the quality associated with the anti wear properties began to be dropped. So, use the best oil you can find but be wary of oils after SH.

[Micha]

Hi Kurt, sent you a PM.