ZDDP additive

[comicaltatertot]

So I have a 1955 3100 with a 235. Recently I have been reading about ZDDP additive and its use with flat tappet lifters/cam. My question is since the 235 had solid lifters with a manual transmission (which is what I have) would the ZDDP additive be useful for this engine? The one I found is the Valvoline vr1 racing oil sae 30. Or does it not really even matter what oil I use. Thanks
Tate

[NEWFISHER]

I use 1/2 bottle of gm assembly lube with every oil change and have had no issues on solid lifter engines.
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results.cfm?partnumber=EOS

[magicoolbus]

I am sure more experts will weigh in or at least tell us to do a search of previous threads on this issue, but I use additive on my SBC engine. But on my 235 and my air cooled beetle, I use multi grade aviation oil (Phillips 20w50). Still has the proper zinc and isn't all that much more expensive. I live in AZ, so I can get away with a higher viscosity, especially in the beetle. One of the nice side benefits of aviation oil is that there are more anti corrosion additives, that really helps as my truck is a weekend at best driver.

[enaberif]

Originally Posted by comicaltatertot

So I have a 1955 3100 with a 235. Recently I have been reading about ZDDP additive and its use with flat tappet lifters/cam. My question is since the 235 had solid lifters with a manual transmission (which is what I have) would the ZDDP additive be useful for this engine? The one I found is the Valvoline vr1 racing oil sae 30. Or does it not really even matter what oil I use. Thanks
Tate

Unless you started using this from day one.. the additive doesn't do much anymore. The wear and tear on the engine already exists.

ZDDP is good to use on a brand new engine or a rebuild with new parts.

[solidaxel]

My thoughts just change the oil often 3K, like we always did, and it may mean the difference between 150K miles and 250K between rebuilds, and how many miles are you driving in 10 years!
I have vehicles that I have put more than 200K on them and they only smoked on start up, and the oil consumption was going up (down on the ground), but I changed the oil on schedule

[solidaxel]

I do like the Phillips 20w-50 idea !

[Joe Pass]

ZDDP should be used on automotive engines that have non roller cam and lifters...It forms a barrier to prevent wear on startup and during all engine operation, not just breakin. This means all automotive engines with out roller lifter/cams ...unlike in all more modern engines...and automobiles that have a catalytic converter should not use a ZDDP additive or oil....A good placed to do research on this like I did is the forum "Bob the oil guy" this is a vast site full of information about viscosity's and explains other miss understood oil data out there...www.bobistheoilguy.com
Also I found on EBay the best price on ZDDP additive so far...Check this seller out
eBay Store:ellispreformancedistribution
I have been interested in the synthetics and crude oils pro's and con's. Its not simple reading but it covers oil related topics by oil engineers, not manufacturers that want you to believe to hype....

[comicaltatertot]

Thanks everyone for the info and pointing me in the right direction I really appreciate it.