Mad4slalom
Well-known user
What oils do folk use in their 350’s was told by previous owner synthetic 10/30 with zinc. Any thoughts? Thanks
Oil of choice
- Thread starter Mad4slalom
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Mad4slalom
Well-known user
Do most oils contain zinc ? And what are its benefits, ?
Roscobbc
Moderator
No - fewer and fewer oils (especially synthetic's) have ZDDP suitable for our engines. Valvoline VR1 racing mineral. Kendal GT and a few other have ZDDP. Perhaps try the club supporter Anglo American Oils.
Mad4slalom
Well-known user
Ok thanks , I will get on to their site.
Chris Sale
CCCUK Member
To expand on the benefits of 'zinc', or ZDDP (zinc dialkyldithiophosphate to give it its full name)..... ZDDP is critical to preventing sliding surface wear, in particular when you have flat-faced lifters as in older engines. Lack of sufficient ZDDP can result in rapid wear at the cam/lifter interface. Most modern engines have roller lifters and don't need as much ZDDP. Unfortunately as catalysts became more widely used, it was found that ZDDP levels high enough to protect against sliding surface wear were reducing catalyst life, so most engine oils that are recommended for modern cars do not have sufficient ZDDP for 'flat tappet' engines.
Chris Sale
'64 Coupe
Chris Sale
'64 Coupe
Mad4slalom
Well-known user
Seems a bit of a minefield, is the zinc added to help the oil molecules cling to the bearing surfaces? If so then you would think all engines and all oils would specify it
, is it an older engine rquirement in that modern engines have more advanced oil pump design. We were told that synthetic oils didnt degrade as quickly and so offer more protection for longer . I ran Bmw M cars for several years and the mantra was you had to use only Castrol oil labelled as specified for bmw M engines , which we all did religiously, ( and paid a premium for ) Then Bmw did a deal with Shell and suddenly we Had to use shell oils ?? A technical change or possibly a chat and a handshake on a golf course somewhere , who knows?good info chris . Thanks , Easy to understand as soon as someone explains . I know in my build file the cam and lifters were protected with a product on first start up so want to do the best I can for the motor, only 4k since rebuild ,
Mad4slalom
Well-known user
Will look up vr1 , opie oils have a good choice , very local to us too in cornwall.
kentvette
CCCUK Member
Opie Oils also give a discount to CCCUK members.
Some years ago I came across an on-line "oil academy" site that offered a sort of course. You did all the reading, then completed an exam. It gave a certificate if you passed! I got the cert, but was more interested in the info that the course gave, which covered all the "whys and wherefores" of shear and lubrication and ZDDP etc.
I've noticed that some manufacturers now say that with the more modern additives available and the need to protect "cats" on those cars that run them (later C3s of course originally) they can produce a similar effect to the once optimum amount of ZDDP with other things. Im not entirely convinced, so stick with Millers. I did use Valvoline when I was in Kent as my old firm sold it, but I don't' need it, so Millers works fine and is easier to get here.
Some years ago I came across an on-line "oil academy" site that offered a sort of course. You did all the reading, then completed an exam. It gave a certificate if you passed! I got the cert, but was more interested in the info that the course gave, which covered all the "whys and wherefores" of shear and lubrication and ZDDP etc.
I've noticed that some manufacturers now say that with the more modern additives available and the need to protect "cats" on those cars that run them (later C3s of course originally) they can produce a similar effect to the once optimum amount of ZDDP with other things. Im not entirely convinced, so stick with Millers. I did use Valvoline when I was in Kent as my old firm sold it, but I don't' need it, so Millers works fine and is easier to get here.
Roscobbc
Moderator
Forrest Gump
CCCUK regional rep
Links to previous oil related threads on this forum that may be of interest:
Just wondering why Synthetic was mentioned to you Mad4. If your engine is original it will have flat tappet followers and will need a high zzdp type oil as per suggestions. It’s possible you have a later engine with with roller cam followers and don’t require the high zzdp levels. Synthetic might be an option then.
As an aside, I hadn’t realised until I read it a year or so ago that the lobes of a flat tappet cam are ground with a very slight angle across their width. This is what makes the followers and pushrods rotate fractionally as the engine and camshaft rotate.
How much oil
Just having an oil change done at my local garage the guys have asked if I know how much oil it takes inc filter small block 1975
www.corvetteclub.org.uk
Halfords classic oil
Hi guys just wondering if anyone has used Halfords classic oils ,is it any good or is it a no no . I can’t find any zddp ratings for this oil .Your thoughts cheers
www.corvetteclub.org.uk
Just wondering why Synthetic was mentioned to you Mad4. If your engine is original it will have flat tappet followers and will need a high zzdp type oil as per suggestions. It’s possible you have a later engine with with roller cam followers and don’t require the high zzdp levels. Synthetic might be an option then.
As an aside, I hadn’t realised until I read it a year or so ago that the lobes of a flat tappet cam are ground with a very slight angle across their width. This is what makes the followers and pushrods rotate fractionally as the engine and camshaft rotate.
Chuffer
CCCUK Member
Valvoline VR1 20W 50 has 1400 ppm . I think the engine will outlast me . Like most things in life , everything in moderation !
Roscobbc
Moderator
Also my lubricant of choice.........