5W30 in a 302 '68?

I just talked to Alternative in Michigan, my dyno place. He told me to run 5W oil in my 302. I thought it was strange, but he knows more than I do.

If you have a flat-tappet camshaft, you might want to find out more about the oil that they put in. I don't know for sure, but I suspect that the 5W oils are more likely to lack the levels of that zinc anti-wear / detergent additive that your engine prefers (thanks a lot, EPA...). These new oils are intended for engines with roller lifters or OHC designs. Unless the lighter viscosity causes some ticking lifters or other noises, the oil is probably heavy enough - it's just the additive listing you should be concerned about.

5W30 oil

I agree with Loup-garou about the zinc. A while back the EPA mandated that catalytic converters had to last 100,000 miles. At that time the zinc level in automotive oil was causing the converters to get clogged up too soon, so the oil manufacturers removed most of the zinc. This generally spells death to flat tappet camshafts as they need the zinc to survive, especially high performance camshafts that require higher spring pressures.
I am currently putting a zinc additive in my oil in my 65 at each change to prevent premature camshaft wear.
Rotella T diesel oil used to be the oil to use, but even they are lowering the zinc levels because of the diesel catalitic converters on the newer trucks.
Valvolene racing oil currently has enough zinc, but the lightest weight is 15W50. Amzoil also has enough zinc, but is a bit pricey at $10.00/qt.
I hope this helps

Zinc Additive

I am currently putting a zinc additive in my oil in my 65 at each change to prevent premature camshaft wear.


So what zinc additive are you or anyone else using?