Any one out there have any experience with such a combo? I have a 350 sbc that I'm considering running some in this winter. I did try some a few years ago when it first came out but was worried and didn't leave it in very long. Also have 351W with a roller cam that is back spec'd to a 5w20. The sbc is farm truck driven once a week or so to get hay, and the 351W is the wife's daily drive with a non stop 3 mile one way drive to work. Any thoughts?
5w20 with a flat tappet?
- Thread starter twigdog
- Start date
- Status
I wouldn't do it. The engines that are spec'd for 5w20 have roller lifters. They are in there to save fuel by being easier for the cam to turn. They put less pressure and therefore less wear on the cam.
I think flat tappett cams should have xxw30 and an older oil formulation like SG, SH, SJ, but not SM. The G,H, and J ratings have more zinc and phosphorous to protect cams better than the SM oils. The rollers can get away with way less.
I would use a 10w30 diesel oil with one of those older ratings.
I don't know about your area, but we can get an oil like that with a SH rating in Canada.
That's no help in Georgia, I know.
I think flat tappett cams should have xxw30 and an older oil formulation like SG, SH, SJ, but not SM. The G,H, and J ratings have more zinc and phosphorous to protect cams better than the SM oils. The rollers can get away with way less.
I would use a 10w30 diesel oil with one of those older ratings.
I don't know about your area, but we can get an oil like that with a SH rating in Canada.
That's no help in Georgia, I know.
- Joined
- Sep 28, 2002
- Messages
- 39,798
I ran the original M1 5w-20 in my sbc 350 75 C20 for about 80k. No issues that I could figure and I flogged the thing mercilessly.
Ignorance is bliss, I guess. At the rate you drive the thing, the elements will destroy the thing first.
Ignorance is bliss, I guess. At the rate you drive the thing, the elements will destroy the thing first.
The fact that it has a flat tappet cam is NOT a deal killer.
There can be problems with high valve spring pressures and rapid rate aftermarket cams, but stock is not often like this.
There can be problems with high valve spring pressures and rapid rate aftermarket cams, but stock is not often like this.
What would be the criteria for a stock type of flat tappet cam, a minimum HTHS?
I am sure if that were the case, Redline 5w20 would work as HTHS like 30 weight.
I am sure if that were the case, Redline 5w20 would work as HTHS like 30 weight.
I have seen several that would fit the bill; Redline and Royal Purple are two that come to mind. For now I'm running VR1
10w-30. Ran Havoline 5w30 and 10w-30 for years in it, so I was more than likly running a xw-20 anyway. Anyway, I was just seeing if anyone had any previous experiance. Thanks guys.
10w-30. Ran Havoline 5w30 and 10w-30 for years in it, so I was more than likly running a xw-20 anyway. Anyway, I was just seeing if anyone had any previous experiance. Thanks guys.
Nice to hear someone is running VR1. It was on sale last year and if I didn't have such a big stash, I'd have stocked up. Wish I had. Lots of zddp. Nice stuff.
- Status
Similar threads
- Question
