Whats a good oil to use for flat tappet cam engines?
06-11-2009, 02:34 PM
#1
Whats a good oil to use for flat tappet cam engines? I recently installed a 350 engine in a 76 vette. Had it rebuilt locally. They gave me some Brad Penn break in oil to prevent premature cam wear, it has a non roller cam. On the 1st oil change, we went with Royal Purple. Its due for another LOF & I am gonna go with a different brand. I am just worried if I dont use a good enough oil, the cam will wear. Should I not be so concerned about which oil to use now since I already ran it first with the break in oil?
06-13-2009, 02:30 PM
#4
Amsoil Dominator® Synthetic 10W-30 Racing Oil (RD30)
AMSOIL Dominator Synthetic Racing Oil features an additive package heavily fortified with zinc and phosphorus for superior long-term wear protection. Designed for maximum durability, it ensures critical engine components are protected for the duration of the race. Dominator Synthetic Racing Oil’s superior additive technology provides unmatched durability in extreme conditions. In addition, its high levels of zinc and phosphorus additives make it ideal for street rods, muscle cars and other vehicles with flat-tappet cams.
AMSOIL Dominator Synthetic Racing Oil features an additive package heavily fortified with zinc and phosphorus for superior long-term wear protection. Designed for maximum durability, it ensures critical engine components are protected for the duration of the race. Dominator Synthetic Racing Oil’s superior additive technology provides unmatched durability in extreme conditions. In addition, its high levels of zinc and phosphorus additives make it ideal for street rods, muscle cars and other vehicles with flat-tappet cams.
06-13-2009, 02:34 PM
#5
Also their AMO line. 10W40
SAE 10W-40 Synthetic Premium Protection Motor Oil (AMO)
Formulated for use in both gasoline and diesel engines. Offers multi-functionality and excellent wear protection. Ideal for applications where the extra protection of a higher viscosity oil is desired. Excellent for motor homes and older vehicles, as well as most types of modern equipment. Also compatible for use in motorcycles.
Performance specifications include: API SL/CF, CI-4 Plus
SAE 10W-40 Synthetic Premium Protection Motor Oil (AMO)
Formulated for use in both gasoline and diesel engines. Offers multi-functionality and excellent wear protection. Ideal for applications where the extra protection of a higher viscosity oil is desired. Excellent for motor homes and older vehicles, as well as most types of modern equipment. Also compatible for use in motorcycles.
Performance specifications include: API SL/CF, CI-4 Plus
06-13-2009, 08:21 PM
#7
x901, but you want to run a break in oil formula when breaking in the motor, don't let it idle and keep the rpm's above 2k rpm's for the first 10 mins. Other than that, you're good to go. I would recommend rotella after the first 10 mins of break in. It's cheap and still have a good quantity of zinc for flat tappets!
Trending Topics
06-14-2009, 05:32 PM
#8
TECH Fanatic
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Lexington, KY
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just use any good oil and change it at regular intervals and it won't be an issue. Flat tappet cams have been used for many many years and it's not uncommon to get 200 - 300K miles out of them. And oil is better now than it used to be. The only thing different as far as taking care of them vs. a roller is the first start up and 5 minutes of run time after install. It is critical to do this right to establish proper wear patterns on the lifters/lobes.
06-14-2009, 05:55 PM
#9
Just use any good oil and change it at regular intervals and it won't be an issue. Flat tappet cams have been used for many many years and it's not uncommon to get 200 - 300K miles out of them. And oil is better now than it used to be. The only thing different as far as taking care of them vs. a roller is the first start up and 5 minutes of run time after install. It is critical to do this right to establish proper wear patterns on the lifters/lobes.
You must use a zinc oil additive or an oil with a high zinc/phosophorous content in a flat tappet motor in order to prevent premature cam/lifter failure, period.
06-14-2009, 05:59 PM
#10
Just use any good oil and change it at regular intervals and it won't be an issue. Flat tappet cams have been used for many many years and it's not uncommon to get 200 - 300K miles out of them. And oil is better now than it used to be. The only thing different as far as taking care of them vs. a roller is the first start up and 5 minutes of run time after install. It is critical to do this right to establish proper wear patterns on the lifters/lobes.
06-14-2009, 07:13 PM
#13
Amsoil Dominator® Synthetic 10W-30 Racing Oil (RD30)
AMSOIL Dominator Synthetic Racing Oil features an additive package heavily fortified with zinc and phosphorus for superior long-term wear protection. Designed for maximum durability, it ensures critical engine components are protected for the duration of the race. Dominator Synthetic Racing Oil’s superior additive technology provides unmatched durability in extreme conditions. In addition, its high levels of zinc and phosphorus additives make it ideal for street rods, muscle cars and other vehicles with flat-tappet cams.
AMSOIL Dominator Synthetic Racing Oil features an additive package heavily fortified with zinc and phosphorus for superior long-term wear protection. Designed for maximum durability, it ensures critical engine components are protected for the duration of the race. Dominator Synthetic Racing Oil’s superior additive technology provides unmatched durability in extreme conditions. In addition, its high levels of zinc and phosphorus additives make it ideal for street rods, muscle cars and other vehicles with flat-tappet cams.
