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Thought I would start a thread on the issue, since a lot of us still have older vehicles with flat tappet cams, and even our beloved Festivas have basically a flat tappet design. Since we don't have actual "lifters" that rotate, I would think the full sliding motion would be even more susceptible to cam wear.
While oil shopping at Advance Auto today, I noticed Valvoline VR-1 Racing Full Synthetic. One of the benefits it stated was a higher level of zinc/phosphorus as an anti-wear additive for flat tappet engines. I did some research tonight and the results were interesting......
Beginning in 2007, Federal mandates reduced the amount of zinc/phosphorus additives in off-the-shelf motor oils. The additives are not as important in modern roller cam engines, but are critical in older flat tappet engines to prevent cam wear. They become more important for the more aggressive profiles of performance cams, especially during new cam break-in. There is a lot of discussion on the web about this topic, and I found a very good thread on a Chevelle enthusiast website. One of the members did multiple oil analysis on different brands to determine the actual ppm of zinc/phosphorus and compared it to the minimum recommended amounts by the aftermarket camshaft manufacturers. Below is the link.
The Valvoline VR-1 Synthetic was around $7.49/Qt., which is right in line with Royal Purple, but the VR-1 Conventional should be more cost effective. The VR-1 is touted to also contain an excellent detergent package. The "NSL" has higher levels of zinc but contains low levels of detergents (good for break-in but not good for everyday use) Chevron Delo (diesel oil) is an alternative, but I'm not sure of the effects on O2 sensors and catalytic converters. The combustion of the additives produces ash, which could cause problems. It may be best suited for break-in use as well. The Roush oil says it's formulated for extended protection for passenger vehicles. It seems I read somewhere that proper blending of the additives will reduce the ash production, making it safer for modern sensors and cats and maintain the zinc levels in the oil for extended protection. I think I'll "fill 'er up" with VR-1 Synthetic when I next change my oil. It may be expensive, but when you only need 3-1/2 quarts you may as well go for the best.
While oil shopping at Advance Auto today, I noticed Valvoline VR-1 Racing Full Synthetic. One of the benefits it stated was a higher level of zinc/phosphorus as an anti-wear additive for flat tappet engines. I did some research tonight and the results were interesting......
Beginning in 2007, Federal mandates reduced the amount of zinc/phosphorus additives in off-the-shelf motor oils. The additives are not as important in modern roller cam engines, but are critical in older flat tappet engines to prevent cam wear. They become more important for the more aggressive profiles of performance cams, especially during new cam break-in. There is a lot of discussion on the web about this topic, and I found a very good thread on a Chevelle enthusiast website. One of the members did multiple oil analysis on different brands to determine the actual ppm of zinc/phosphorus and compared it to the minimum recommended amounts by the aftermarket camshaft manufacturers. Below is the link.
The Valvoline VR-1 Synthetic was around $7.49/Qt., which is right in line with Royal Purple, but the VR-1 Conventional should be more cost effective. The VR-1 is touted to also contain an excellent detergent package. The "NSL" has higher levels of zinc but contains low levels of detergents (good for break-in but not good for everyday use) Chevron Delo (diesel oil) is an alternative, but I'm not sure of the effects on O2 sensors and catalytic converters. The combustion of the additives produces ash, which could cause problems. It may be best suited for break-in use as well. The Roush oil says it's formulated for extended protection for passenger vehicles. It seems I read somewhere that proper blending of the additives will reduce the ash production, making it safer for modern sensors and cats and maintain the zinc levels in the oil for extended protection. I think I'll "fill 'er up" with VR-1 Synthetic when I next change my oil. It may be expensive, but when you only need 3-1/2 quarts you may as well go for the best.
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