Hello, my fellow racers! I hope you are all crashing the roads with your four-wheeled beasts. Wait! What’s stopping you? An old engine that has become inefficient during your car was in the garage for a pretty long time; I bet that’s it! But do you know what’s guilty of this? Your racing car engine oil! Yes, you read it right.
Just like you can’t work efficiently without food nutrition; similarly, even your racing cars cannot function properly without the right oil. Yes, you might know how added zinc contents in the oil help boost your engine speed and performance.
Now, the question is, where will you find a racing oil with zinc? You’d probably have to check hundreds of bottles and options to finally settle for one, however still not being 100% sure of it. Just sit back and relax for a few minutes as we take you through the best racing oil with zinc. At least for the sake of Fernando Alonso, and your Mustang!
A quick look at the top three to save you more time –
- Partially synthetic
- Cost-effective choice
- Great to tackle the high speed pressure
- High zinc motor oil
- Anti-foam formulation
- Maximizes engine potential and horsepower
- Synthetic plus racing oil
- High-viscosity index
- More strength to overcome scorching heat
Table of Contents
Best Racing Oil with Zinc Reviews
1. Valvoline Racing Oil SAE 20W-50
Key Features:
- Volume: 1 Qt. / 32 fluid ounces
- Viscosity: SAE 20W-50
- Type: Motor zinc oil
- Anti-foam action for superior protection
- Excellent wear protection by addition of high zinc and phosphorus
- Horsepower maximizing technology
- Alcohol or gasoline fuel compatibility
Either it’s your classic Porsche or a newly purchased BMW 3-series, considering an oil that fits for both would be a smart choice. And it’s none other than the Valvoline racing oil.
As a racer, driving in the race track, you know the pressure that’s building upon both you and your car engine. Valvoline offers advanced formula that maximizes the engine horsepower. And for protection? There is a unique anti-foam system that safeguards your engine in those extreme conditions. Besides, The higher zinc and phosphorus contents in this oil are perfect for delivering race-level safety.
The oil is designed to work efficiently for friction reduction, and maximization of your cars potential. Do you know what I find the most amazing about it? The fact that despite being a racing car oil, it is equally compatible with passenger vehicles. So, no matter whether you need to drive your BMW on the race track or the highways, you can blindly rely on this oil.
To make it even more flexible, the manufacturers have made the formula compatible with gasoline and alcohol fuels. So, the question is, if thousands are trusting this as the best high zinc motor oil then why shouldn’t you?
Pros:
- Ideal for both modern and classic cars
- Speedy performance
- Limits friction to a high level
- It is specially formulated for racing cars.
- Excellent lubrication
- Bring on the pressure, but it will still make your car fly!
Cons:
- Probably not quite the best for bikes
2. Brad Penn 20W-50 Synthetic Racing Oil with Zinc
Key Features:
- Volume: 1 Qt. / 32 fluid ounces
- Viscosity: SAE 20W-50
- Type: Partial synthetic racing oil with zinc
- Ideal for flat tappet camshaft engines
- Unique additives formula for improving the anti-wear ability
- The partial synthetic base for safeguarding from friction
- High-performing dispersant and added detergents
If your target is achieving the 5000 mileage milestone at a very high speed, then don’t think it’s something you can only dream of. Wait till you check out the Brad Penn synthetic racing oil with zinc!
Packed with superior anti-wear additives, and some high-class lubricators, the oil is perfect if you want to make your car run like a Cheetah for long. Due to the presence of higher content of zinc in oils, it is preferable to the customers and the engine builders. It also safeguards your engine like a ninja when there’s a high risk from maximum torque and stress.
Apart from that, there are also the detergents in the zinc oil that keep your engine working as new. If you don’t want the synthetic blend, there’s also the straight blend option you can go for. Don’t worry! Both work the same.
Considering all these features, we can say that it’s quite the ideal choice for your flat tappet camshaft engines. But, even when it comes to traditional or motorsport cars, it works like a magician.
What I love about it the most is the pack of 12. Perhaps most owners love it; you’ll love it too once you get hold of it.
Pros:
- Well-suited for all vehicle types, including muscle car, classic vehicles, and motorsports.
- Safeguards from extreme stress and high-torque
- Keeps your engine parts clean and active
- Cost-effective
- Available both in straight blends and partial synthetic form
- Well-suited zinc oil for older engines
Cons:
- Indeed, an expensive choice when you need to buy the full pack together
3. Lucas Racing Oil – 5 Quarts
Key Features:
- Volume: 5 Qt/ 160 fluid ounces
- Viscosity: SAE 30
- Type: High Zinc Break-in oil
- Maximum protection offered by more significant zinc and phosphorus levels
- Highly efficient for ring sealing
- Maximum power with limited blow-by
- Especially suited for flat tappet and roller camshaft engines.
- Methanol, Ethanol, and high octane race gas compatibility
You’d probably know that the engine rings could make or break the deal. This is one of the primary factors that can upgrade your engine’s performance or make it go downhill, especially for racing cars. If you are trying to avoid the latter option, you’d probably want to go for the Lucas racing oil with zinc.
Due to high zinc and phosphorus inclusion in the racing oil, it works like a boss. Again, due to the improved ring sealing technology, you are getting the benefits of more power, more speed, and incredible engine performance.
Suppose, you are in the middle of a tough race, and in the next few minutes, it’s either winning or losing; but the unwanted blow-by’s are on the verge of ruining your whole effort. Do you know what can get you out of this situation? The Lucas zinc oil.
It’s quite normal that you’d need additional additives or supplements for your flat tappet camshaft break-in engines; but surprisingly, with this oil, you won’t.
It’s time I tell you my favourite part. The zinc oil has excellent compatibility with high-octane race gas, methanol, or ethanol gas. Quite the flexible choice, huh? For racing engine oil, the zinc level of 3600 ppm seems quite the deal. So, you plan on winning or what?
Pros:
- Three grades formula is suitable for different motors.
- It’s all you need! No need for additional supplements or additives
- Superior safety for the entire valve train
- Offers the best performance on the track
Cons:
- The higher level of zinc is only suited for racing engines – a no-no for typical passenger vehicles
4. Schaeffer 7000 Synthetic zinc oil additive
Key Features:
- Volume: 4 Qt. / 128 fluid ounces
- Viscosity: 10W-50
- Type: Synthetic plus racing oil with zinc
- Shields from sludge, and debris
- Extra zinc content for better wear resistance
- Safeguards engines when performing at extreme temperatures.
- Enhanced film strength and high-viscosity index
Not running at high temperatures or keeping them cool, is not an option for race car engines. So you need to go for a unique formula for your particular need, such as the Schaeffer 7000 synthetic zinc oil.
The synthetic zinc oil makes sure your engine is clean from the harmful waste, deposits, build-up. Thanks to the advanced detergency additives. You know it’s tough to get hold of racing engine oil that can maintain the oil film density with the highs and lows of engine temperature. But, it seems like you just found it.
Due to the high viscosity levels, the zinc oil protects your engine from the corroding metal-to-metal contact, also increasing the film strength. And guess what? All of that ensures you have a friction-free engine with high performing abilities.
It has unique zinc formula for the flat tappet cam engine to safeguard from untimely wear. But, can it handle different weather conditions? Undoubtedly! With it’s incredible thermal and oxidation stability, it will pass in that test with flying colours.
Your long-awaited racing schedule is knocking at the door, don’t fear even the most challenging times as long as you have this synthetic racing oil with zinc.
Pros:
- Limits metal-to-metal contact
- Reduces friction and overheating problem
- Ensures thermal and oxidative stability
- Rapid oil flow and circulation
- Usable in supercharged, turbocharged, and flat tappet camshaft engines
- Offers exceptional cleanliness
Cons:
- Not for use in ATVs, 4-cycles, and some motorcycle engines. For further specifications, don’t forget to check the oil manually
5. Hot Rod Motor Oil with Zinc – SAE 10W-40
Key Features:
- Volume: 5 Qt. / 160 fluid ounces
- Viscosity: SAE 10W-40
- Type: High zinc motor oil
- Unique additive technology with high zinc oil
- Maximum protection during severe conditions
- Safeguards both from scorching heat and shivering cold
If you are a racer, you have to keep in mind the odds of racing and how it might turn out for your car in the racetrack. The bumps and high speeds, the engine’s temperature increase, or may it be any other severe conditions; you simply have to be ready! And your arrangements can’t be complete without the Hot Rod motor oil.
The paraffinic base oil with advanced additives equipped with high phosphorus, molybdenum, and zinc levels make sure your engine has a thicker and robust layer of protection on it. The maximum film strength delivered by the oil limits oil burn off and increases the amount of pressure your engine can take.
No matter if you are racing in the Antarctic or the Sahara desert, the oil makes sure your engine can stand up to both high and low temperatures.
So, my favourite part? It’s the compatibility of Lucas oil with different racing fuel including methanol, and also synthetic and non-synthetic oils.
For protection against stubborn rust, corrosion, and deposits, you can only rely on engine oils like this to extend your engine life. Otherwise, you know the deal; your engine might be gone too soon.
Pros:
- Enhanced film strength
- Total safety during high operating temperatures
- Maintains a precise oil film density
- Offers compatibility with all racing fuels, including methanol
- Supports long term usage
- Ensures engine cleanliness even under extremities
Cons:
- Not recommended choice for typical passenger vehicles
How to Choose the Best Racing Oil With Zinc?
Yes, you’ve already seen what the experts suggest for your racing cars, and also the high zinc motor oil comparison. The question is, why do they recommend only these few racing oil with zinc out of the plethora options? Let’s see.
Getting rid of the viscosity confusion
What’s the advantage of low viscosity levels? It usually acts as a benefit when you are driving in the colder lands. In colder regions, low viscosity indicates thinner oil that offers a better oil flow keeping your engines working 24/7 and getting rid of the cold start struggles.
You must be wondering when to use the higher viscosity oils. The heavier oils help protect the engine parts, especially the bearings, and cling on to them tightly rather than the thinner oils. There’s also a difference of opinion in this case that suggest using lower viscosity oils, help to maximize engine horsepower, and also keep the engine parts clean.
The viscosity requirements of racing cars depend on a few different factors, including, ambient temperature, bearing clearances, engine RPMs, and of course, considering customer preferences..
Viscosity levels for general engine stress
We’ve talked through the extremities, now let’s see the requirement in the usual condition for an engine. The 5w-30 grades are mostly recommended because it’s suitable for both low and high-temperature environments. Even with the standard engine stress, this viscosity level will handle your engine quite well.
Higher engine temperature
The racing car engines tend to get heated up pretty quickly following the pressure they are under. If you are already driving in hot temperature areas, you better get some extra protection. For such cases, you should go for oil that has a high temperature range, for instance, 10W-40.
Environment friendly
Conventional oils include several additives that can come out as harmful and toxic elements for the environment. But if you opt for racing oil with zinc, there is a lesser risk of harmful emissions and the advantage of a better performing racing car engine.
Anti-wear additives
A racing car engine oil without anti-wear additives is like a fish without water. Well, that somewhat explains the importance of anti-wear additives in the oil. When we say anti-wear additives, we generally point out to ZDDP or zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate and moly supplements. Your racing car engines are prone to go through extreme pressure and stress, with the anti-wear additives, you can make sure your machine is safe even during those extremities.
Protection from crappy cold-starts
Well, no one would disagree with me here on how struggling these crappy cold starts are. Especially when you got to run to your office for an urgent meeting, and you see that these cold starts take hours to get resolved, it gets on your nerves. That’s why you need to maintain a viscosity level specially formulated for the colder regions. For instance, a 0W-30 would work great in the cold as well as moderate environments. No more cold starts assured!
Shielding from sludge and deposits
Only the anti-wear formula is not enough for high-quality engine performance. You should also keep in mind the time-to-time sludge and deposit accumulation on your engines that can break it for real. Hence, picking a high zinc oil that comes with dispersant and detergents would be the wiser pick if you want to give a good fight to the continuously building sludge.
The Effects of Zinc Oil additives on Older engines
We usually opt for zinc oils for our brand new racing cars or so. But how does the zinc content affect older engines?
– Considering older machines having flat tappet camshafts, they need a mandatory zinc content in their oils to resist premature wearing.
– For dry or cold start protection, zinc works effectively.
The ZDDP additives added to the oil are crucial if you don’t want to endanger your engine’s life and increase efficiency.
– For downsides, zinc can sometimes reach the combustion chamber through the exhaust pipe harming the catalytic converters, ultimately reducing engine effectiveness.
FAQs
What motor oil has zinc in it?
The racing oils I’ve mentioned already all have zinc in them. However, the highest zinc amount in the Valvoline contains about 75% more zinc than SN or SM conventional motor oils.
What is the best motor oil for racing?
There are several great motor oils for racing as I’ve reviewed already, keeping the Valvoline racing oil being the best. But the main noticeable part is that they have a high zinc content to take on the extra stern drives.
Does racing oil with zinc mean full synthetic oils?
Not necessarily. I mean it’s better to go for a fully synthetic racing oil, but there are other synthetic blend oils available that’d give you similar results.
Is zinc adequate in motor oils?
For your classic car engines that have flat tappet camshaft engines, zinc in the engine oil is crucial or else be ready to take the blame for a damaged engine.
Final Verdict
Be it one of the expert chosen ones in the high zinc oil list or any other racing oil with zinc you have in mind, don’t forget to check out the configurations before investing your money. Now, that you know what you are looking for, you have a clear path in front of your eyes that you should go for.
I’m sure you’d want to win the upcoming racing championship more than anything, then switching to the best racing oil with zinc is probably your wisest move. Enough with the discussions, there’s a lot you need to do with less time in hand, start with choosing the ideal zinc oil. Go and grab your championship trophy!
Related: 8 Best Oil For 5.7 Hemi, here.
Sources:
- Jim O’Clair, Zinc in oil and its effects, Hemmings, Oct 18th, 2012
- Speedwaymotors, Racing Oil Expert, Phone Interview, November 26, 2020