Originally Posted by ZoomZ

No offence meant, nor bad mouthing intended. I simply implied that it's "snake oil" .

I'm not a chemist, but I've been around the block a few times. Worked with Synthetic oils for over 25 years.

We've seen and heard it all. All sorts of advertisements, videos, blogs, etc etc etc.

From Slick 50, SynLube, Camguard, Zmax, to false advertisements by big oil that they are 100% synthetic. There is literally 1000's of threads on this topic.

They all say they coat the metal. So some or most of us have become Skeptical over the years.

No one has ever witness this miracle solution for themselves. ALL WORDS.

I fully respect your profession and your understanding of the chemistry. Its all great on paper, but without independent review and proof, it's just that, a piece of paper.

Good oil, with proper additives is all you'll ever need. Specially one that is engineered by the designers of the engine.

Sorry for the thread jack OP. My intentions was to see what oil you are running and that you are aware of the VVEL issue. It seems that you are and can say the noise is not from there.

Besides trying to get a higher Octane gas, I am out of suggestions for you.

Good luck and let us know what you find.