Topic: ZDDP Oil Additive

[redvettemike]

Some of my classic car buddies have put me onto ZDDP an oil additive specifically designed for pre 1990 engines. As you may or may not know the Feds have forced the oil mfgs to get rid of the zinc and phosphorus in their engine motor oils (to promote longer catalytic converter life?). This has led to premature failure of flat tappet engine camshafts. Many people, including me, started using products like Shell's Rotella T but it is now my understanding that even these diesel oil products have the zinc and phosphorus out of them  In any case do a search for ZDDP and you can read about this product on their web site.

[turbota400]

I think there has been several discussions about it on here also.

[Mwieczorek]

I'm switching to Brad Penn racing oil.  It's got even higher levels of ZDDP than Rotella.  It's also made to handle the stress of racing, which never hurts.

Alternatively, you can use normal engine oil and add a bottle of GM break in lube or an equivalent.  Before switching to Brad Penn, I was using Shell Rotalla T 15W40 with half a bottle of Comp Cams break in additive.

Matt