Zinc Oil Additive
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 98
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From: Oglesby Illinois
Zinc Oil Additive
So I have only recently heard about zinc additive use in older vehicles even though I have had my 70 Vette for a long time. I am trying to figure out if this is something that is needed or just hyped up. I have a 70 LS5, sounds like the zinc is for flat tappet cams not roller cams, not sure what type of cam my engine has. So I wanted to know first what type of cam the LS5 has and second your thoughts on using oil with zinc or zinc additives? Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 11,183
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From: North of Toronto - Ontario
Unless someone updated it, you have a normal hydraulic flat tappet cam
Zinc is one of those things that people are either all for or all against so be prepared for a lot of opinions on the subject
M
bobistheoilguy.com
Zinc is one of those things that people are either all for or all against so be prepared for a lot of opinions on the subject
M
bobistheoilguy.com
Last edited by Mooser; Dec 23, 2020 at 09:05 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Midlothian VA
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
Its saidyou dont have to...or doing so can mess with the formulation who knows.
If I did Id use Lucas zinc...Napa sells it. I may just add a little to mine next time "just cause" even though its a roller. Wear is wear lots of metal parts
If I did Id use Lucas zinc...Napa sells it. I may just add a little to mine next time "just cause" even though its a roller. Wear is wear lots of metal parts
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Was New Orleans but swam to Baton Rouge LA
Cruise-In IX Veteran
I wouldn't bother with additive and just run a good oil like VR1 gray bottle that has good zinc amounts. As for finding out if you have a roller cam, you woulf need to pull the intake or find a way under it with a camera to see if you have link bar roller lifters.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 788
Likes: 100
From: Indianapolis IN
This additive works better than zinc and will not foul the existing oil make-up chemistry. It doesn't take very much either, you can halve their dosage recommendation
if you aren't running a fast ramp cam. It is NOT snake oil !!
if you aren't running a fast ramp cam. It is NOT snake oil !!
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if your breaking in a new flat tappet cam. a good zinc additive is a good thing. if your cam is well and truly broken in. run a good high zinc oil. my 2 cents.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 5,028
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From: North tonawanda NY
My understanding is most modern oils found at the auto store do not contain much zinc like they used to, because it fouls out O2 sensors and cat converters. Maybe thats incorrect but I've read it numerous times. When I bought my 74 I got it for $2700 because the previous owner had no idea and I assumed that's how he wiped a couple cam lobes by using regular engine oil. When I pulled the valve covers there were 3 rockers just flopping around loose.
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Long Island
I run in my 67,71,72, 80(truck) and 85.
4 Oz. ZDDPlus Oil Additive
When Catalytic converters came out they started to remove the Zedd due to it shortening the life of the converter.
When I purchased my 71 it had signs of oil induced wear. The PO used regular oil and you could see the damage.
A few of my friends run it also, so I buy it on Amazon in a large quantity and we split it. You can get the price down to $7 per bottle. One does the trick. The engine builder I use has it in his shop and uses it for all his work. I'm working on another project and the other engine builder I an talking to also recommends it, but doesn't carry it. Said get it from a local speed shop.
- ZDDPlus Oil Additive
- Restores ZDDP (ZINC) To Optimum Level
- Significantly Reduces Camshaft Wear
- Compatible With All Modern Oils
- Extends Engine Life
- Add 4 oz Bottle Every Oil Change
- A Must For Early Flat Tappet Engines
4 Oz. ZDDPlus Oil Additive
When Catalytic converters came out they started to remove the Zedd due to it shortening the life of the converter.
When I purchased my 71 it had signs of oil induced wear. The PO used regular oil and you could see the damage.
A few of my friends run it also, so I buy it on Amazon in a large quantity and we split it. You can get the price down to $7 per bottle. One does the trick. The engine builder I use has it in his shop and uses it for all his work. I'm working on another project and the other engine builder I an talking to also recommends it, but doesn't carry it. Said get it from a local speed shop.