Lucas engine oil

[martin]

Has anyone used the Lucas Hot Rod & Classic 20w-50 engine oil?

Seems to have very good reviews.

[RickyS]

I haven't. I use Valvoline VR1 racing now, it seems to be the oil of choice for a lot of people. Can get it on eBay for ~£26 per 5 litres of you buy a few bottles

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[Blackpopracing]

Opie oils does a good price for VR-1 as well.

[martin]

Always used VR-1 myself, but read that it's not as good as it was due to the lower zinc content, hence my question about Lucas Hot Rod & Classic oil.

[Blackpopracing]

I must admit I follow real Steel's advice and add 1/3rd of a bottle of Comp cams break in oil to each oil change to ensure full protection.

I think Lucas oil is available from Serck motorsport now?

[kapri]

I use Halfords 20/50 Classic which is to SE spec with correct amount of zddp. Anything designed for PETROL later cars ( SF spec and onwards ) will have reduced zddp as it affects catalytic converters. Most diesel oils ( designed for high performance diesels) still retain the larger quantities of zddp .

[Jumpin Jim]

Interesting about the Halfrauds stuff as I stick with VR1 and a dash of stuff as Black Pop says. I have an XE cam SBC with a steep ramp and it bangs like a ****house door on start-up - it is meant to be noisey, and I dread wiping a lobe. But, apparently it can be too slippery preventing lifter rotation.
Sounds awfully complicated for a gallon of lube !!

[Blackpopracing]

Interesting Kev as the VR1 from Opie oils is API SL spec and VR1 from Real Steel is API SJ spec?

I used to use Comp Cams semi synthetic 15/50 which is API SH from Real Steel but its expensive for a gallon at nearly £60 for an oil change

I often top up with Comma Classic 20/50 oil as my local factors sell it which is API SE spec.

Issues for me are Comp cams is best but expensive, and VR1 is the second choice oil as its designed for more extreme conditions/power but both would appear to be short of the SE spec - even though Comp cams oil states it is very high in ZDDP and is made specifically for flat tappet cam engines.

[Blackpopracing]

A bit of searching of the API specs show the below info - which would mean the VR1 of either spec is ok but the Real Steel version is better. It does confirm the Comp cams oil is best suited though.



GASOLINE ENGINES (Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations on oil performance levels)

Category Status Service

SN Current Introduced in October 2010, designed to provide improved high
temperature deposit protection for pistons, more stringent sludge control, and seal compatibility.
API SN with Resource Conserving matches ILSAC GF-5 by combining API SN performance with improved
fuel economy, turbocharger protection, emission control system compatibility, and protection of
engines operating on ethanol-containing fuels up to E85.

SM Current For 2010 and older automotive engines.

SL Current For 2004 and older automotive engines.

SJ Current For 2001 and older automotive engines.

SH Obsolete OBSOLETE: For 1996 and older automotive engines.

SG Obsolete CAUTION: Not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered
automotive engines built after 1993. May not provide adequate protection against build-up of engine
sludge, oxidation, or wear.

SF Obsolete CAUTION: Not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered
automotive engines built after 1988. May not provide adequate protection against build-up of engine
sludge.

SE Obsolete CAUTION: Not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered
automotive engines built after 1979.

SD Obsolete CAUTION: Not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered
automotive engines built after 1971. Use in more modern engines may cause unsatisfactory
performance or equipment harm.

SC Obsolete CAUTION: Not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered
automotive engines built after 1967. Use in more modern engines may cause unsatisfactory
performance or equipment harm.

SB Obsolete CAUTION: Not suitable for use in most gasoline-powered
automotive engines built after 1951. Use in more modern engines may cause unsatisfactory
performance or equipment harm.

SA Obsolete CAUTION: Contains no additives. Not suitable for use in most
gasoline-powered automotive engines built after 1930.
Use in modern engines may cause unsatisfactory performance or equipment harm.

[kapri]

Interesting Kev as the VR1 from Opie oils is API SL spec and VR1 from Real Steel is API SJ spec?

I used to use Comp Cams semi synthetic 15/50 which is API SH from Real Steel but its expensive for a gallon at nearly £60 for an oil change

I often top up with Comma Classic 20/50 oil as my local factors sell it which is API SE spec.

Issues for me are Comp cams is best but expensive, and VR1 is the second choice oil as its designed for more extreme conditions/power but both would appear to be short of the SE spec - even though Comp cams oil states it is very high in ZDDP and is made specifically for flat tappet cam engines.


There's an old thread somewhere on R&S with quotes of discussions I had with Castrol , and they actualy post in the thread, all about what's suitable from their range and why ( re ZDDP) and I remember they said their 10/60 diesel oil was suitable for performance use .

From hands on experience back when 10/40 first came out I found that it lost 10 psi of oil pressure compared with 20/50 so haven't used lower viscosity since.

It's like anti freeze where you often think that the latest spec would be the best when it isn't suitable for older engines.

In modern engines you can actually destroy the engine by using too thick oil as it will blow the pressure relief in the pump and dump it straight back in the sump.

We all tend to have our preferences but it's really down to making sure the oil is the right spec for your engine ( as shown by your table ) and understanding WHY that is the best spec .Throw in a roller cam in an early engine and you have totally different requirements :)

[Blackpopracing]

Seems Real Steel's advice is best then - by adding 1/3rd bottle of break in oil to whichever recommended/preferred oil for your engine will give you the protection you need combined with the superior properties of the newer oils.

[MoreCubes]

Talking of break in oil - does anyone know who stocks the Joe Gibbs BR30 in the UK - at sensible prices !

[Blackpopracing]

Not heard of that one but Real Steel do the Comp Cams break in oil if that will do you?

[fabphil]

Talking of break in oil - does anyone know who stocks the Joe Gibbs BR30 in the UK - at sensible prices !

No one does it at sensible prices but Serck stock it. So does Demon Tweeks.

[Carl P]

I’ve used Lucas 20/50 racing oil as recommended by a very well known engine builder

[Blackpopracing]

Found these oils tonight - seem pretty high spec and full ZDDP content - semi synthetic as well.

https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/millers-oils-classic-sport-20w60-engine-oil-1148343/

https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/millers-oils-classic-sport-high-performance-20w50-612906/ (https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/millers-oils-classic-sport-20w60-engine-oil-1148343/)

[martin]

I gave my Roadster an oil & filter change using Lucas 20w 50 hot rod & classic oil, & hot the best oil pressure I've ever had. Very happy.

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[RickyS]

Good to know, thanks. Could be switching to Lucas when i run out of VR1

[crumble]

Lucas racing 20/50 with added zinc. Been using it for 6 years now.

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