brad penn oil same a penn grade oil?

[William B.]

Engine machine shop recommend penn grade sae 30 break in oil, I used Brad Penn break in oil before, is it the same?
Was told penn grade bought out brad penn and still the same high zinc green oil?

[Terry D.]

Re: brad penn oil same a penn grade oil?

According to their website you are correct. It was originally made by Kendall at the Bradford Refinery. Whether it is the same or as good someone with way more knowledge than me can maybe answer that for you.

[Mike K.]

Re: brad penn oil same a penn grade oil?

Recently ordered a case from Paragon and got the new "PennGrade" product. I have attached a couple pics of the label.
From all indications, it appears to be the same "Brad Penn" that I have gotten in the past.

[Duke W.]

Re: brad penn oil same a penn grade oil?

I notice that it doesn't have an API service category rating.

Duke

[Dan D.]

Re: brad penn oil same a penn grade oil?

No, it is not API certified Duke. But it has ample ZDDP. It would cost millions to get API certification, and a small refinery like Kendall could not afford that. It may be the oil that NASCAR uses. Not absolutely certain of that, but our local chapter saw a presentation by a Kendal/Penn representative 3 or 4 years ago. It was very interesting.

-Dan-

[Gary R.]

Re: brad penn oil same a penn grade oil?

I have been using it for the past 5-6 years and no issues. I used to buy it at Carlisle. If anyone is there now look for it at a big white tent sale.

[Dick W.]

Re: brad penn oil same a penn grade oil?

No, it is not API certified Duke. But it has ample ZDDP. It would cost millions to get API certification, and a small refinery like Kendall could not afford that. It may be the oil that NASCAR uses. Not absolutely certain of that, but our local chapter saw a presentation by a Kendal/Penn representative 3 or 4 years ago. It was very interesting.

-Dan-

Like not buying wine before it's time, I will not buy oil without API rating.

NASCAR teams use synthetic oils now due to several things, including the ability to withstand high temperatures

[Richard R.]

Re: brad penn oil same a penn grade oil?

I lived in Bradford for almost 20 years and know a number of people that work at the refinery including the CEO. It is now known as American Refinery Group (ARG) which is privately owned. ARG was created when the refinery was sold for $1, plus all of the environmental liability to a private individual. In spite of all the DEP issues they have had to contend with they have made a pretty good go of it.

Anyhow, ARG decided they didn't want to fuss with the consumer distribution aspect and sold the oil brand. ARG still makes the former Brad Penn grades, from local PA crude oil which is well known for it's lubricating qualities. Although they are the oldest continuous operating refinery in the country (they like to say the world), it is a small operation with about 400 employees. Truly made in USA.

Local (Pa) engine builders that I am familiar with recommend it for classic cars.

Rich

[Gene M.]

Re: brad penn oil same a penn grade oil?

I hope they stay in production as I prefer this oil for my old cars and my friends that race use only Brad Penn/Penn oil.

I used to be a Penzoil guy but with the elimination of ZDDP I have almost no reason to need it.

I have one car that I’ve always used Penzoil and STP since 1971 and still do on it only.

[John D.]

Re: brad penn oil same a penn grade oil?

Thanks Richard Roupe for the wonderful info. That's the oil I use and recommend all the time. John