I've used ActiV8 in the past on a number of cars to smooth the running - it's sold as an oil additive reduces wear, eases maintenance and enhances performance.

 

I've tended to use it on older car engines like - SD1 V8, Stag V8, BMC 1500 etc... and it has made them quieter and smoother. Got a big bottle sitting on my shelf and wondered about the benefits of pouring a capfull into the 300.

 

What are the thoughts on these additives? Are the tolerances too fine in a 300 V6 engine for this sort of thing? Shall I just pour it in a let you all know?

This has been discussed a few times before, try a search.

 

My general opinion is that if manufacturers believed that these products really worked then they would be included in the oil to start with. Of course they want to sell more oil, at more profit so maybe, just maybe it's not commercially viable.

 

However, that said I have tried one of these before, can't remember which one but it's in a blue/yellow bottle in Halfords for about £16. IMO it made bugger all difference, except to my wallet.

This has been discussed a few times before, try a search.

 

My general opinion is that if manufacturers believed that these products really worked then they would be included in the oil to start with. Of course they want to sell more oil, at more profit so maybe, just maybe it's not commercially viable.

 

However, that said I have tried one of these before, can't remember which one but it's in a blue/yellow bottle in Halfords for about £16. IMO it made bugger all difference, except to my wallet.

 

 

that will be the zx1 stuff!

This has been discussed a few times before, try a search.

 

My general opinion is that if manufacturers believed that these products really worked then they would be included in the oil to start with. Of course they want to sell more oil, at more profit so maybe, just maybe it's not commercially viable.

 

However, that said I have tried one of these before, can't remember which one but it's in a blue/yellow bottle in Halfords for about £16. IMO it made bugger all difference, except to my wallet.

 

ZX1 is not a oil additive,you may not see or hear any difference,but it will certainly make your internal parts reduce their friction,bare more load,and increase compression,fact ;)

 

As for oil additives to shut the engine up ,ie noise,smoke,etc etc,maybe for a short term,but never put it in a Z,will i believe be asking for trouble!

Tony.

And i now believe,but not sure on this season,but F1 teams maybe allowed to use it(it was banned by F1 governing body some years back) ;)

ZX1 is not a oil additive,you may not see or hear any difference,but it will certainly make your internal parts reduce their friction,bare more load,and increase compression,fact ;)

 

As for oil additives to shut the engine up ,ie noise,smoke,etc etc,maybe for a short term,but never put it in a Z,will i believe be asking for trouble!

Tony.

 

It's an additive in as much as you add it to the engine oil and it's supposed to reduce friction etc etc etc. Whether the conditions under which they demonstrate it actually exist in an engine is probably a different matter.

 

Incidentally, I don't really believe the Magnatec claims either ! ;)

additives give up to 5 benefits I can think of to oil lubrication

 

1. reduce rates of oil degradation (antioxidants)

2. reduce/prevent dirt deposits (dispersants hold crap in a fine suspension until oil is changed)

3. reduce wear between metal surfaces (anti-wear additives)

4. reduce friction between metal surfaces (friction modifiers)

5. reduce the viscosity changes the oil undergoes going from cold to hot (viscoisty modifiers) - a thinner base oil blend is used with FMs as the FM thickens the oil mainly at the high temp end. There is an optimum film thickness for oil in an engine to reduce friction without causing more wear than normal (most wear is from cold start). This gives more powr and fuel economy.

 

Friction modifiers are only in top end oils and these coat the engine to reduce cold running wear - like Magnatec adverts.

 

3 and 4 compete with each other for surface film formation.

 

Most engine additives and oils are compatible (can be mixed) - it's the properties of the final mix which counts. So additives like ZX1 may provide benefits, but they may also be a poor use of money(oil is OK already)