ANOTHER zinc question
 

I've got some ZDDPlus from a local auto parts store. They all sell it. It says that it will "restore ZDDP specs to SF levels". It also says it will only "treat" 4-5 quarts, and most of our engines hold 6 qts. or more. So is there enough zinc in the SF level to protect our flat tappet cam/lifters? The Valvoline oil I have is rated at SN/SM, ilsac gf-5. So that exceeds the SF level with the SN/SM oil. Or does it? (as far as the zinc goes?)
Don't mean to start this very long and contentious debate all over again, I just can't find a good, high level zinc oil locally. The best one I've found around here is Valvoline racing oil and it's 50 wt. I realize that I can always order it somewhere and get whatever I want. What do you think?

You can't find Mobil 1 locally?

Mob1 15W50 and 0W40 both have sufficient ZDDP for flat tappet cams and are recommended by Mobil for their customers that are running flat tappet cams.

I can easily find both of these oils at big box stores in my area.

I have run Brad Penn oil in the past, but switched to Mob1 for the same reason you give above - I didn't like having to mail order my oil.

I've been using Mob1 for about the last 10 years. Initial break in on my 462 was done with conventional Valvoline 20W50 back in 2013. Mob1 went in after the second oil change at 2,000 miles on the engine.

I didn't realize that about Mobil 1. Thanks for the info. My bust!!!

Now hang on a second. That's full synthetic right? Different animal all together if it is. ( Here we go again!!) I'm just interested in conventional oil. Just my preference.

I'm interested in the answer to this question too. I prefer to run off the shelf conventional oil and just add the zinc additive. I have been adding one bottle of the ZDDP additive to my 6 qt oil change and haven't had any probs but then again I don't drive much.

Mobil 1 for high mileage vehicles also has more ZDDP. Don't remember if it is as high as the 15W50 or 0W40 but iti s higher in the 10W30 and 10W40 than Mobil 1 for new vehicles. But then again it is synthetic.

I use 1/2 oz of Cam Shield additive in each quart of Valvoline 10W-40 that I put in my 469. It was recommended to me by my engine builder to keep my solid flat tappet cam happy. So far, so good. The only downside is that I have to order it online.


http://www.cam-shield.com/

A bottle of STP with every oil change is all that I have ever needed. Compatible with both dyno & synthetic.

http://www.stp.com/products/oil-additives/oil-treatment

The Shell Rotella T diesel is the only one I found that has the 1200 ppm of zinc with no additives, easy to get and most budget friendly.

See my post #25
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...=787704&page=2

That's all I run too, the Rotella T, even though I'm all roller now. I used to run Valvoline, but they reformulated some of the 'standard' line oils.

.

Quaker State High Mileage 'DEFY' in 10w40 has a high content of zinc as well.

I have had customers use the additive years ago, 2 bottles to the 6 or 7 quarts they would normally run. No issues, but I don't feel it's the same as running the right oil with all the Zinc to begin with. We were using Bradd Penn as well, but a very good alternative has been the 20/50 Valvoline VR1 Race oil. I have many guys running that since it is sold in local stores. We use Lucas 30 wt "Break In" specific for the first few initial easy pulls on the dyno, then switch over to the VR1 or Lucas 20/50 Race oil. For the milder stuff, Lucas makes a nice "Hot Rod" oil for the 10/30-10/40 weights. ALL Conventional. Just a personal preference, but I don't use Synthetic in anything.
My thoughts on the subject, back when they removed the Zinc from the standard oil most guys ran, they replaced it with a ton of Moly. It is my understanding that the Moly breaks down too quickly in these oils, which is the Black sh!t that you see in the bottom of the oil pan after it is removed from the engine, that doesn't drain with the oil. Also, ESPECIALLY with any roller parts using needle bearings, like lifters and rockers etc.. were starting to wear out faster after they removed the Zinc. The Moly gets in these needle bearings, causing them to slide rather than roll, when they slide, they flatten, when they flatten, bad things happen. It's just the way I see and understand it, then again I tend to look at things A LOT different then most...:doh:

This was reformulated years ago and reduced the zinc levels.

Valvoline VR Race 20/50 is my preference and is available both on the shelf at S-K (local speed shop) or mail order for a fair price and free shipping with Prime.

Not according to recent request to shell's tech department that I have seen.

If you want less viscosity than 20w50, the VR-1 also comes in 10w30. Most parts stores seem to keep 20w50 only on the shelf, but my local NAPA also keeps some 10w30 in stock, but I have to ask for it.

I have heard this as well, and only really had 1 or 2 guys using it back then. I didn't care for it too much to be honest so I haven't really looked into whether or not they changed it.

Unfortunately the VR1 isn't offered in 10/40 that I know of, but our builds predominantly use the 20/50 stuff anyway and like Adam mentioned, it's real reasonable price wise.

VR1/20/50
 

I have been using this 20/50 for a couple years now no issues what so ever and the local parts store had it on sale last month for cheap money, I cleaned them out:D

I just checked my past Amazon order history. I paid $5.31 per qt when I bought a case of 6. I have Prime so shipping is free to me and FAST. It's actually cheaper for me to have it delivered than to take a special trip to the store for it. I ran it all winter and cold starts didn't seem to be a bother at all. (Car is in the garage of course.) I let it crank for a good 10 seconds to circulate the oil, during which time the empty Qjet bowl is filling up, then when it fires up, I immediately have 65psi.

I see less oil drips on the garage floor too. Almost none at all. Always a plus.

here is some info on zinc for current diesel oils.... according to this test the old rotella diesel oil had LESS zinc than the current product offered.

http://bestmotoroil.weebly.com/diese...l#.Vx9p78b2ano

And again, as far as load carrying abilities, Pennzoil Ultra 5W30 synthetic gasoline oil is a better choice than all the aforementioned diesel/performance oils. It's in black and white that in testing it surpasses most all other oils, many by a large margin.