Best Engine Oil with enough Zinc

[John M.]

I was recently warned that most modern engine oils do not have any or enough zinc required by most older engines to keep the cam lobes properly lubricated. Is this true?? I have always used 10W-30 weight engine oil. Is there a specific brand anyone could suggest that contains the proper amount of Zinc?

I just recently had my 1970 LT1 engine completely rebuilt and want to make sure I run the correct oil. I also have a 1967 L79 that I just purchased. The prior owner said the engine was rebuilt with only 6k miles since rebuild.

Thanks John.

[Leif A.]

Re: Best Engine Oil with enough Zinc

John,
I'm a fan of Shell Rotella Diesel oil 15w40, but any oil with a high ZDDP content should get the job done for you. If you want some in depth reading, the following is for you, written by some extremely knowledgeable folks (well known to many here).

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/attachments/c1-and-c2-corvettes/48085305d1492617496-new-api-engine-oil-service-categories-engine-oil-for-vintage-corvettes.pdf

[Jim S.]

Re: Best Engine Oil with enough Zinc

I was recently warned that most modern engine oils do not have any or enough zinc required by most older engines to keep the cam lobes properly lubricated. Is this true?? I have always used 10W-30 weight engine oil. Is there a specific brand anyone could suggest that contains the proper amount of Zinc?

I just recently had my 1970 LT1 engine completely rebuilt and want to make sure I run the correct oil. I also have a 1967 L79 that I just purchased. The prior owner said the engine was rebuilt with only 6k miles since rebuild.

Thanks John.

Buy and add a bottle of ZDDPlus to any good oil.

https://www.amazon.com/Engine-Oil-ZDDPlus-Additives/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=n%3A15718821%2Cp_4%3AZDDPlus

[Gene M.]

Re: Best Engine Oil with enough Zinc

Brad Penn has a blend specific w/ZDDP. It’s for our older engines.

[David P.]

Re: Best Engine Oil with enough Zinc

Driven Racing Oils - http://www.drivenracingoil.com/

[Phillip M.]

Re: Best Engine Oil with enough Zinc

I concur with Gene. I've been using Penn Grade SAE 15W-40 (partial synthetic), for 5 years in my '67 300 HP engine with good results.

[Duke W.]

Re: Best Engine Oil with enough Zinc

I was recently warned that most modern engine oils do not have any or enough zinc required by most older engines to keep the cam lobes properly lubricated. Is this true?? I have always used 10W-30 weight engine oil. Is there a specific brand anyone could suggest that contains the proper amount of Zinc? I just recently had my 1970 LT1 engine completely rebuilt and want to make sure I run the correct oil. I also have a 1967 L79 that I just purchased. The prior owner said the engine was rebuilt with only 6k miles since rebuild.Thanks John.

What you were told is a myth, but you are using the wrong oil.

Easy web search - duke williams engine oil for vintage corvettes. It will answer all your questions including the ones you haven't asked yet. Enjoy the read.

Duke

[Mark E.]

Re: Best Engine Oil with enough Zinc

Ok, we did our quarterly oil thread.

Is it time for another brake fluid thread yet?

[Darryl D.]

Re: Best Engine Oil with enough Zinc

Ok, we did our quarterly oil thread.

Is it time for another brake fluid thread yet?

Why no FAQs like most sites have?

[Edward B.]

Re: Best Engine Oil with enough Zinc

At least we could make Duke's article a "sticky."

[Ron G.]

Re: Best Engine Oil with enough Zinc

John, Although the prior suggestions are more than adequate, I agree with Gene. I use Brad Penn SAE 10W partial synthetic. Last spring I had Mike McCale from G.H. Berlin located in Ease Hartford, CT do a technical seminar on zinc oil. You can reach Mike at (800) 426 - 7754 and can tell him that I suggested you call him if you take this route.

[Joe R.]

Re: Best Engine Oil with enough Zinc

Hi John,

I would recommend going with what Duke recommends. He has the background and has studied the problem. There is a copy of his engine oil article in this newsletter starting on page 3.

https://stlouisncrs.org/news_files/St_Louis_NCRS_Chapter_July_2011.pdf

Good luck!
Joe

[Michael W.]

Re: Best Engine Oil with enough Zinc

is there any evidence that the oils recommended by Duke are inadequate?

[Guest]

Re: Best Engine Oil with enough Zinc

I use to use the Sunoco Cam2 -20w30 , can,t find it anymore , I now use the Shell Rotella 15w40 it made for the older engine non Cat's system

[Duke W.]

Re: Best Engine Oil with enough Zinc

I just don't understand the internet obsession with Rotella. I find that Walmart usually has the best prices on C-category oil, and they usually stock the three major national brands and their own SuperTech house blend. Usually their Supertech 15W-40 is cheaper than the national brands, but sometimes a national brand is on sale and cheaper.

So I buy the least expensive one during my once a year purchase of two to three gallons.

Duke