jdubois said:
Are you really going to argue with "the chemist", Randall?!!
Why not? My Dad's a PhD chemist, and I argue with him all the time.
Keep in mind, this is only my opinion; but that comment about ZDDP also sounds suspicious to me. MOST engines do not need such high levels, particularly those that are treated as "classic" cars! They are trying to play on car owner's fears, and convince them to pay extra for a product that they don't need.
ZDDP comes into play only when the remainder of the motor oil fails to do it's job, and allows high pressure metal-to-metal contact (IOW the oil film breaks down). Some high performance engines do overstress their oil, particularly modified engines or those used in racing scenarios, but generally it's not a problem with "classic" cars.
Here's a quote from an actual tribologist (expert in oils and lubrication) rather than just a garden variety "chemist":
<span style="font-style: italic">However - and this is the important part to remember - available research shows that more zinc does not give you more protection, it merely prolongs the protection <span style="font-weight: bold">if the rate of metal-to-metal contact is abnormally high or extended</span>. So unless you plan on spending a couple of hours dragging your knee at Laguna Seca, adding extra zinc compounds to your oil is usually a waste. Also, keep in mind that high zinc content can lead to deposit formation on your valves, and spark plug fouling. </span>
(emphasis mine)