Which oil to run?

[grego37]

I have a Street/strip car with a 10:1 , 408W and A Crower Flat tappet (solid ) cam. I live in California, and it doesnt get cold where I live.

Which oil and weight should I run, and why?

I realize allot of people run synthetics, but I keep reading, Do not use Synthetics when running a flat tappet cam. They lack the Zinc and other minerals that flat tappet cams rely upon. Is this true?

any feedback is greatly appreciated.

 

[rbohm]

if you are really worried about zinc additives, run shell rotella-T oil in 15w-40. it is a diesel rated oil, but will run fine in your motor. that said however, a good synthetic oil like royal purple will do fine also. just avoid cans with the new starburst on them describing the new oil standards.

 

[grego37]

Is the zinc thing true?
on both Crower's and Comp Cams sites they say no synthetic with a flat tappet.

I'd love to run a synthetic, but not if there's any chance of hurting anything.

 

[rbohm]

there are newer oil blends that have reduced zinc content(as much as 90+%) due to fouling of catalytic converters, and due to the lack of need for engines with roller lifters. however there are still oil blends out there, including synthetic oils and synthetic blends, that have the earlier levels of zinc in them. like i say, look for the bottles that do not have the starburst on them that indicate the newer oil standards.

 

[danny clemens]

There is a good discussion going on at the Cougar Website right now. Lots of good info.


http://www.mercurycougar.net/forums/showthread.php?t=23529