Ok, here it is. My car has about 240K on its engine (mostly highway) and it's starting to burn oil. Right now I can't afford to get my engine rebuilt cuz its bloody expensive (quoted $5K for the rebuild and if anyone knows anyone in Calgary that can rebuild a Talon's engine for cheaper, PLZ let me know). Anyways, I keep seeing this advertisement on the TV about ZMAX and other additives that restores and improves it. Does anyone actually know anything about these additives? Is it safe? Does it work?

Don't touch that stuff, all it is apparently is mineral oil or some sort. This company is been sued I think for false advertising. I read something on the DSMTalk ubb and people says it does more damage to your car that anything. Do a search on dsmtalk and you'll probabl find the thread.

If your burning oil try using Valvoline Max Life high mileage oil.

I will vouch for Valvoline MaxLife. That stuff is great! I've seen a serious decrease in oil consumption and smoke since I started using it in the DL.

from my experience Lucas Oil Stabilizer has stopped valve seal leakage(not extreme, just started) it also cured my lifter tick.

Deep

I'll have to try that, Rob Strelecki can vouch for my "most distinguished" lifter tick

Gabriel,
For 5k you could get a race engine built with forged pistons rod's etc,
If your engine is realy tired, look into doing a JDM swap engine's can be had for about 1200 and that comes with injectors turbo etc, some of the cost can be recouped by selling off the parts you take out.

I heard that getting a JDM is a matter of luck when it comes to reliability. Some are good and some are crap. Is this true?

Gabriel: I think they come with some sort of a warranty. Or at least if you check it out and find any problems when it arrives, they will help to resolve things. Look up "Lucky Star", they sell JDM, just ask them about it.

Bart: I can vouch for your "most distinguished" lifter tick. And you can vouch for my "most disturbing" rattle...

Try what I used on a 250000km engine,, 20/50 oil,and a bottle of no-smoke. PLUS a purolator oil filter.

Try contacting www.japanautoparts.com they guarantee less than 50 000 kms on the engines, and they have a 90 day warranty. I have never actually dealt with these guys before but one of the shops in my town that deal with them says they're pretty reputable.

The engine on my 90GSX has 230,000kms and it doesn't even burn oil Although cylinder head was freshened with new seals and valves.

Anyway. Zmax, along with Duralube, Prolong etc. had all been sued by the US Justice Department for fraudulent advertisement. That is why you see their commercials all over Canada but not in US anymore.

Zmax is basically tinted mineral oil that actually increases wear on engines.

When it comes to JDM engines, I bought my 91 TSi 2.5 years ago with a fresh JDM in it. In this time period, I've had problems with just about everything on the car except my JDM engine. I had to replace wheel bearings, all driveshafts, brakes seized up, t-case, tranny, clutch, blah blah blah.......As far as I'm concerned, JDM engines are rock solid.

Where do you guys get lucas oil stabilizer? Is that the exact name? I saw stuff made my "cd2" at crappy, but no lucas.

Anybody had negative experiences with this stuff?

Some people put it in tranny as well as engine oil...

You can get Lucas products from any NAPA /UAP.

I have always used Wynns products like Wynns tune up in a can every few oil changes...
My car has 280,000km and only uses less than 1/2 liter oil every 4000-5000km.
I use fram filters and Mobil 1
I have never had lifter tick yet, compression is still perfect ! (170+)

Just to let you know Steve, Fram filters are the worst filters out there. Tests have been done, and they were dead last.

I hear ya...
Yeah I've sen all the reports and articals...but I've tried others and noticed no difference other then a purolator filter that leaked and they cost alot more...
I realize they are far from the best but they do the job and the price it right...
I change my oil and filter every 4000km (1.5 months) and my engine is kept very clean so im not too worried about it cloging up or falling a part after a while. it's not on there long enough...
Thanks anyways...

Has anyone tried that RESTORE additive in a silver can. I can't remember the name of the manufacturer. I haven't heard anything on that product. I think its by Pennzoil, I think.

I've used it a couple times, it doesn't really do much.