Need a high zinc oil

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Originally Posted by tutermoe
Mostly stock, a little bump in the cam


Then it doesn't need a high ZDDP oil. Something like a Euro 5w-40/0w-40 would be more than adequate.
 
I use Rotella T 15w40 in my classics.
There are also speciality oils out there which are top notch.

I understand the Euro blends are a good choice as well.
Unless you have really high valve spring pressure, you should be fine.
 
Originally Posted by kschachn
is there any technical evidence that a flat tappet engine requires elevated ZDDP after break-in?


Some engines have high valve spring pressures even stock and will need a good dose of Zddp even after break in.

For example the engine in my Ford Escort, it's a SOHC flat tappet Hemi engine, the stock valve springs are 235lbs at peak lift, i therefore refuse to run anythign with less than 1000ppm of Zinc in it, preferably 1100-1300.
 
An SB Chevy (unless radically built) shouldn't need super high levels of zinc-a decent HDEO, combined with some Comp Cams break-in additive, or even Rislone zinc additive, should be plenty high enough. Hopefully you have a good aftermarket cam & lifters!
 
In 1977, I believe the most common oil rating was SE which had about 1400 ppm Zinc. You can check this website to find-out for sure but, I don't believe any oil after the 1950's had more zinc than that. https://www.oilspecifications.org/api_eolcs.php

So, get yourself a bottle of ZDDP Max https://www.zddpmaxx.com/ or ZDDP Plus https://zddplus.com/ for about $7 on ebay or Amazon and mix with Modern SN oil. Most modern SN oils will have about 650 to 700ppm Zinc. Adding 1 oz of ZDDP Maxx or 2 oz of ZDDP Plus will bring SN oil up to about 1400ppm (ballpark).

I do this to my modern SN-rated engines but bring the Zinc/Phosphorus up from 650 to about 900 which is still safe for modern O2 sensors provided the engine does not burn oil.

BTW: ZDDP is a combined Zinc and Phosphorus mixture. You can't change one without changing the other. The two are chemically "inter-twined" for the purposes of this discussion.

Have fun

Ray.
 
Originally Posted by RayCJ

In 1977, I believe the most common oil rating was SE which had about 1400 ppm Zinc. You can check this website to find-out for sure but, I don't believe any oil after the 1950's had more zinc than that. https://www.oilspecifications.org/api_eolcs.php

So, get yourself a bottle of ZDDP Max https://www.zddpmaxx.com/ or ZDDP Plus https://zddplus.com/ for about $7 on ebay or Amazon and mix with Modern SN oil. Most modern SN oils will have about 650 to 700ppm Zinc. Adding 1 oz of ZDDP Maxx or 2 oz of ZDDP Plus will bring SN oil up to about 1400ppm (ballpark).

I do this to my modern SN-rated engines but bring the Zinc/Phosphorus up from 650 to about 900 which is still safe for modern O2 sensors provided the engine does not burn oil.

BTW: ZDDP is a combined Zinc and Phosphorus mixture. You can't change one without changing the other. The two are chemically "inter-twined" for the purposes of this discussion.

Have fun

Ray.



IIRC, we've had several VOA's on here from "back in the day" oils and the ZDDP levels weren't anywhere near that high. Those may have been the upper limits, but it was typically only (until quite recently) HDEO's that actually had those levels. A modern high-SAPS Euro lube has significantly higher levels of ZDDP than most of those oils, a more modern/advanced additive package and far better base oils.
 
I vote for the Valvoline VR1 10w30. If your local NAPA doesn't have it, they can easily get it. Most stores that carry it only have the 20w50, but that is not necessary for your SBC.
 
Originally Posted by RayCJ

In 1977, I believe the most common oil rating was SE which had about 1400 ppm Zinc. You can check this website to find-out for sure but, I don't believe any oil after the 1950's had more zinc than that. https://www.oilspecifications.org/api_eolcs.php

So, get yourself a bottle of ZDDP Max https://www.zddpmaxx.com/ or ZDDP Plus https://zddplus.com/ for about $7 on ebay or Amazon and mix with Modern SN oil. Most modern SN oils will have about 650 to 700ppm Zinc. Adding 1 oz of ZDDP Maxx or 2 oz of ZDDP Plus will bring SN oil up to about 1400ppm (ballpark).

I do this to my modern SN-rated engines but bring the Zinc/Phosphorus up from 650 to about 900 which is still safe for modern O2 sensors provided the engine does not burn oil.

BTW: ZDDP is a combined Zinc and Phosphorus mixture. You can't change one without changing the other. The two are chemically "inter-twined" for the purposes of this discussion.

Have fun

Ray.




It's funny with the zink crowd API specs do not allow for increased cam wear with each successive specification and actually allow less.
 
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