[murph3204]

There has been much discussion around the risk of flattening cam lobes on break-in, etc., with regard to using engine oil that's readily available today. I can see using certain additives for the initial fill and fire routine but am also concerned with the best solution thereafter. I recently contacted the Chevron lubricants division through thier website about this and thought I'd share the response from one of their research engineers:

The zinc content of gasoline engine oils in the 60's and 70's was usually between 1100 and 1300 ppm zinc. Newer engine oil classifications like API SN, incorporate tests that address flat tappet cams, however, these oils have zinc contents of 880 ppm. Chevron Delo 400 LE 15W40 and 10W30 have 1300 ppm zinc. Both products meet API SM for gasoline engines.

-john

[PONTIAC DUDE]

I use and recommend Valvoline VR-1 only for my customers and if a flat tappet, to add my 4 oz. bottle of Zinc additive.

[ELKHORNAOG7]

What zinc additive do you add to the oil---BOB

[murph3204]

What is the zinc content of Valvoline VR-1?

[PONTIAC DUDE]

Zinc additive. On bottle for 5/7 quarts.

http://store02.prostores.com/servlet...dsh-OBD/Detail

[ELKHORNAOG7]

What would the zinc additive be called and who makes it when I ask the people at the auto store they look at me like I have two heads-----BOB

[Overkillphil]

murph, this was posted on a big block Ford site:


(Reply from Chevron tech)

"API SM in of itself does not provide protection for your camshaft and lifters; however, Chevron Delo 400 Multigrade SAE 15W-40 & Chevron Delo 400 LE SAE 15W-40 do contain more than sufficient ZDDP to protect these components. We do not recommend the use of any after-market oil additives.

Thank you for your business and please let us know if we can assist you further."


I don't know how any oil that meets the latest rating can contain sufficient amounts of ZDDP, unless there are "substitutes" that have been developed.

[gillyiowa]

A lot of motorcycles need high zinc content for there trans/engine set-ups. Look for oils that are cycle approved. (JASO MA). A lot of the collector guys use cycle oil for their collector cars. Oils like Shell Rotella-T have this spec.

[tekheavy]

I use Valvoline VR1 racing oil and a bottle of STP oil treatment. STP is much cheaper then other ZDDP additives and a lot easier to find.

[Verdoro 68]

This might be a silly question, but is it possible to have too much zinc in your oil or is there a point where you get diminishing returns?

Just wondering if adding a ZDDP additive to oil that already has 1100+ppm of zinc could harm anything or just be a waste of $10 per oil change.

[tekheavy]

Just found this. It's a good read. It's written by an Opel owner but it serves the same purpose. Explains a lot about ZDDP in layman's terms.

http://www.opelclub.com/ZDDP2.pdf

[gogtogo]

The Brad Penn performance oil's have proven to be great oil for the muscle car's. $4.00 a qt. for 20w50 and is known as the green oil and has all the zink you need.

[murph3204]

Originally Posted by tekheavy

Just found this. It's a good read. It's written by an Opel owner but it serves the same purpose. Explains a lot about ZDDP in layman's terms.

http://www.opelclub.com/ZDDP2.pdf

excellent read tek.

[Brent Flynn]

Originally Posted by gogtogo

The Brad Penn performance oil's have proven to be great oil for the muscle car's. $4.00 a qt. for 20w50 and is known as the green oil and has all the zink you need.

Who sells it? or do you have to order?

[77 TRASHCAN]

Originally Posted by ELKHORNAOG7

What would the zinc additive be called and who makes it when I ask the people at the auto store they look at me like I have two heads-----BOB

Most auto part store employees, these days, are button pushers. Don't know a connecting rod from a push rod. Most were making slurpees at the 7-11 weeks before the parts store hird them at a dollar an hour more...

Tryng not to be hateful, just the facts.

I sold auto parts for 13 years, it sucks when I walk in a parts store and know about THEIR job, than THEY do...

[GRX]

Problem with STP is they reduced the ZDDP content as well. Only about 5% now. Additives like Lucas are still around 30%. As per the MSDS sheets.

[68 Firebird]

The opel paper was a very good read and thanks for posting.

I did a cam swap 2 years ago, and have been using Rotella T 15w40 and zddp plus.

So far so good with about 1000 miles on this cam and lifter set.

Only issue is if motor is cold(20 degrees) I have the occassional lifter tap for 20
-30 seconds until oil gets thru pushrods. Car sits most of the winter and rarely gets
started when it's that cold. Good pressure in hot of summer!!!!

Rotella is everywhere here and price is very fair. Got the gallon container last weekend
for twelve bucks at Tractor Supply.(was sale item)

Gerry C

[Old Tin Indian]

where do you get brad penn oil for $4.00 a qt?

[Ben M.]

Eh, I've been using Delo 15W40 in my cars for almost 8 years now and never lost a cam (5 engines). Just my experience.

[Tim Corcoran]

Call Brad Penn and they will give you their nearest distributor in your area. Google Brad Penn and get the number from their website. It's good oil and worth the trouble to locate.