http://www.fmrcoa.org/newsletter/2006/S ... Screen.pdf
Read 'Engine Oil Mythology' above.
The new SM spec 'energy conserving oil' has gained the name of late thru internet hysteria and just general misinformation of being 'dangerous' for older vintage and classic cars. Particularly cars with flat tappet camshafts. If you search under 'MODERN OIL IS KILLING OUR CARS'...you'll find plenty.
It's just not factual AT ALL. I would be a lot more concerned about offshore Chinese made valve lifters than SM spec oil! The new test that the SM spec oil must pass is the TOUGHEST test they have devised to date for wear in flat tappet camshafts. It was deliberately made tougher than the IIIE and IIIF tests that predated it. If the new oil is 'dangerous' to old cars....all the older spec oil was assuredly also. Funny...no one seemed to complain back then about the oil being 'dangerous' for old cars.
The test for flat tappets is the IIIG test...here it is in the link below. In a word...it's BRUTAL. Would you run your car engine like this? There is also a sequence called IVA I believe for OHC engine valve train wear that the SM oil must pass. It's no walk in the park either.
The 3800 engines actually come with a roller cam..but it's removed before test and replaced with a flat tappet cam to simulate older engines. I have even heard people claim the new SM spec oil was designed with no real thought for OHV pushrod engines in mind...oh really?
Look for yourself.
http://www.swri.org/4org/d08/GasTests/I ... efault.htm
