STP
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STP is a trade name for an oil-fortifying product. Some people have speculated that the acronym stands for "Super Thick Petroleum", or something like that. I've never seen the "official" answer to this speculation.
It makes a reasonably good engine assembly lube if you intend to build an engine and stick it on the shelf for any length of time before running it in and putting it in service.
It really isn't that good as an engine oil additive, unless your engine is worn so badly that it smokes constantly (like Mitsubishi engines in Dodge Caravans). As a regular lubricant additive - don't even think of it. Modern engines operate with closer tolerances and materials that are engineered to maintain the tight fits so that extra thick lubricant isn't a good idea. Your grandfather may swear by it, but it was helping to nurse along his model A or DeSoto, not a modern vehicle. Just like you probably wouldn't put alcohol in your radiator as an antifreeze, you shouldn't use these products except as a temporary last resort before replacement or rebuild.
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Later,
Vader
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Justice and Freedom will Prevail
It makes a reasonably good engine assembly lube if you intend to build an engine and stick it on the shelf for any length of time before running it in and putting it in service.
It really isn't that good as an engine oil additive, unless your engine is worn so badly that it smokes constantly (like Mitsubishi engines in Dodge Caravans). As a regular lubricant additive - don't even think of it. Modern engines operate with closer tolerances and materials that are engineered to maintain the tight fits so that extra thick lubricant isn't a good idea. Your grandfather may swear by it, but it was helping to nurse along his model A or DeSoto, not a modern vehicle. Just like you probably wouldn't put alcohol in your radiator as an antifreeze, you shouldn't use these products except as a temporary last resort before replacement or rebuild.
------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
Justice and Freedom will Prevail
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 43,187
Likes: 42
From: Littleton, CO USA
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: L92/LQ4 (both w/4" stroke)
Transmission: 4L80E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
STP oil treatment is nothing more than the same additive used to make multi-viscosity oils - viscosity index improver. It is a polymer chain that expands with heat to take up the space between oil molecules to keep the oil thick at higher temps. This polymer chain is also the first thing to break down under shear (like crank bearings pistons skirts, cam lobes, and rocker arms) and heat.
If you like the sludge- and varnish-producing properties of multi-viscosity oils, then you can enhance it by adding STP oil treatment. If not, like the rest of us, then stay away from that stuff.
FWIW, I thought the "S" had something to do with "Studebaker". But, the last time I heard that was about 30 years ago...
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82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car, now w/86 LG4/TH700R4. 2.93 limited slip. 2-1/2" cat-back, ZZ3 intake, Accel HEI SuperCoil. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily driver, work-in-progress (LG4 CC system w/'87 LB9 block, ZZ3 cam, ported World 305 heads, Hooker 2055 headers, 3" Catco cat & 3" catback, restalled TC, Spohn SFCs).
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. '66 396, 9.7 CR forged TRWs, Weiand Action+, Holley 750VS w/4150 conversion, GK 270 cam, Magnum rockers, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" Hedders & 3" Warlocks, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & Trans-Scat shift kit, MegaShifter, 3.08 8.2" 10-bolt w/Powertrax, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Idles smooth @ 600 RPM in D. Best 15.02/95.06 @ 5800' Bandimere (corrected 13.93/102.4 @ sea level).
If you like the sludge- and varnish-producing properties of multi-viscosity oils, then you can enhance it by adding STP oil treatment. If not, like the rest of us, then stay away from that stuff.
FWIW, I thought the "S" had something to do with "Studebaker". But, the last time I heard that was about 30 years ago...
------------------
82 Berlinetta, orig V-6 car, now w/86 LG4/TH700R4. 2.93 limited slip. 2-1/2" cat-back, ZZ3 intake, Accel HEI SuperCoil. AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Daily driver, work-in-progress (LG4 CC system w/'87 LB9 block, ZZ3 cam, ported World 305 heads, Hooker 2055 headers, 3" Catco cat & 3" catback, restalled TC, Spohn SFCs).
57 Bel Air, my 1st car. '66 396, 9.7 CR forged TRWs, Weiand Action+, Holley 750VS w/4150 conversion, GK 270 cam, Magnum rockers, Jacobs Omnipack, 1-3/4" Hedders & 3" Warlocks, TH400 w/TCI Sat Night Special conv & Trans-Scat shift kit, MegaShifter, 3.08 8.2" 10-bolt w/Powertrax, AMSOIL syn lubes bumper-to-bumper. Idles smooth @ 600 RPM in D. Best 15.02/95.06 @ 5800' Bandimere (corrected 13.93/102.4 @ sea level).
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I used to know... Ill have to see if I can jar my memory.
I am pretty sure its S??????T?????? Products... hmmm maybe Ill remember before the next decade ends
Just did a search for the heck of it... I am about 90% sure the last letter did stand for products, but their company name (Division of Clorox LOL) is STP Products. So, its ST Products Products. LOL!
Bardahl is still around, although scarce.
STP is great for a car that smokes that you are gonna sell. Otherwise, I wouldnt use it.
[This message has been edited by madmax (edited September 14, 2001).]
I am pretty sure its S??????T?????? Products... hmmm maybe Ill remember before the next decade ends
Just did a search for the heck of it... I am about 90% sure the last letter did stand for products, but their company name (Division of Clorox LOL) is STP Products. So, its ST Products Products. LOL!
Bardahl is still around, although scarce.
STP is great for a car that smokes that you are gonna sell. Otherwise, I wouldnt use it.
[This message has been edited by madmax (edited September 14, 2001).]
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