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Old 01-04-2022, 12:51 PM   #12
MikeB
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Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: North Texas
Posts: 3,666
Re: What oil are you using in an older flat tappet motor?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bandit130 View Post
Did some research and found recommendations to use oil that has zinc and phosphorus. Started using Valvoline VR1. Haven't noticed a difference but hopefully it is good for flat tappet cams.
It's more than adequate, especially after the engine is broken in. I suspect stock engines with low pressure valve springs rarely experience wiped lobes with any kind of oil that's changed regularly. Breaking-in a new cam & lifters is a different story. I used Driven BR-30 for my last flat tappet engine break-in, then changed to VR1 after a few hundred miles.

Info on Driven BR-30:
The same high Zinc and Phosphorus formula as our original break-in oil, now in an SAE 5W-30 viscosity for modern OEM rebuilds and hydraulic lifter engines. Provides excellent ring sealing. Does not require additional ZDDP additives. Good for full power pulls on the dyno, one night of racing or up to 400 miles on the street. Viscosity typical of 5W-30.
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Mike
1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 36 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, recent AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes.
1982 C10 SWB -- converted from 250-six to roller cam 350, Vortec heads -- sold
1981 C10 Silverado LWB, 305, TH350C -- sold, but wish I still had it!
1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming.
Retired as a factory automation products salesman.
Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop.
Member here for 24 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!
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