Lubricant Formulations for Improved Catalyst Performance

A method and compositions for lubricating surfaces with lubricating oils exhibiting increased phosphorous retention. The lubricated surface includes a lubricant composition containing a base oil of lubricating viscosity, an amount of a phosphorus-containing compound and an amount of at least one hydrocarbon soluble titanium compound that is effective to provide an aged catalyst temperature that converts at least fifty percent of exhaust gas hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and NO x that is lower than an aged catalyst temperature that converts at least fifty percent of exhaust gas hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and NO x of the lubricant composition devoid of the hydrocarbon soluble titanium compound.