Shell Rotella T?
Senior User
Joined: May 2014
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From: auburn, ca
I personally use Joe Gibbs BR30 oil for break in(1000 miles) and switch to Joe Gibbs Hot Rod oil in a 10w30. Both have high zinc content for flat tappet cams. I run this in my '56 F-100 with a dual quad 351W running a pretty rowdy Crower cam and high spring pressures. cant say enough good about this oil IMO. BR30 has a 2800ppm of zinc or zddp.
Last edited by Chris Popanz; Jul 10, 2014 at 03:55 PM. Reason: more info
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
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Part of answering that is calculating the resulting zinc value. Regular STP does not have enough zinc to bring a standard car oil up to the 12-1400 range that moderate flat tappet's seem to like. If there is a different STP with higher zinc, may be enough but it needs calculated.
In general, car oil + additive can be a good solution depending on resulting zinc level. Its not my solution because it is inconvenient, a bit expensive and there is some chance the additive formulation may not mix well with the particular car oil formula.
In general, car oil + additive can be a good solution depending on resulting zinc level. Its not my solution because it is inconvenient, a bit expensive and there is some chance the additive formulation may not mix well with the particular car oil formula.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2013
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Other people have mentioned it before, but ill comment you shouldn't look at just the zinc levels. The zinc doesn't lubricate properly without phosphorus.
I have been running Valvoline VR1 20w50 in my motor with no issues. I can get it for $4.59 a quart at Napa.
I have been running Valvoline VR1 20w50 in my motor with no issues. I can get it for $4.59 a quart at Napa.
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Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Terre Haute
I'd always heard and adhere to the notion that you should use standard oil (with proper zinc levels) in a just-built engine for a few thousand miles before switching to synthetic to let it establish necessary wear in the right places and allow the rings to seat properly.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,997
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From: NE Ohio
I'd always heard and adhere to the notion that you should use standard oil (with proper zinc levels) in a just-built engine for a few thousand miles before switching to synthetic to let it establish necessary wear in the right places and allow the rings to seat properly.
I mean really if someone is stupid enough to not follow the recommendations of breaking in a new engine I can't help nor can any forum.
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