‘GREEN’ OIL: One of our readers passes along a rave review he
read online for ARG’s Brad Penn motor oil.

Damion Beaver of Ridgway, who is not affiliated with the
companies mentioned, spotted the recommendation while browsing a
Porsche 911 webforum.

It came in response to questions – “What oil do you recommend
for my air-cooled Porsche?” “What oil do you use in your Porsche?”
– posed to the LN Engineering website, a purveyor of
high-performance Porsche 911 engine components.

The answer: “For a sub $5 a quart oil, I recommend Brad Penn
Penn Grade 1 Racing 20w50. For winter use, I recommend their 0w30
Racing formulation.”

“The Brad Penn Penn Grade 1 Racing oil is the same ‘green’ oil
everyone was familiar with back when Kendall GT was the best motor
oil money can buy, as both the original and this newer product both
come from the same facility using genuine Pennsylvania crude which
has its trademark sodium content.

“These oils are proven to protect cams, rockers, lifters, and
all valvetrain components as well as provide superior rod bearing
life.

“We normally stock Brad Penn Penn Grade 1 Racing 20w50 as it is
our preferred choice of lubricant. We also offer their break-in oil
for new engines.

“Just ask any seasoned engine builder about the ‘green’ Kendall
oil from decades past and you’ll know why we like it so much. I
usually change my oil twice a year, in the spring and late in the
fall, and find this oil a perfect balance of price with exceptional
protection.”

Damion adds, “It seems as though Brad Penn’s (and subsequently,
Pennsylvania’s) oils have begun to get some national attention – at
least in the air-cooled Porsche racing world.”

“Incidentally, older Porsche engines place unique demands on
their engine oil, as they are air-cooled – meaning there is no
traditional engine coolant (water) to speak of. Rather, the engine
is kept cool by air-flow around the engine, and through
oil-coolers.’

“Lastly, this mention of ‘green’ oil brought back an old memory.
My grandfather (whose brother had owned oil wells in the Bradford
area) told me once how he had considered selling small decorative
bottles of Pennsylvania crude to show off its unique color. I
believe he had even gone as far as having the glass bottles
designed – they were in the shape of oil derricks.”