Are there any readily available motor oils designed specifically for older high performance musclecars? When I say readily available, I mean something that is found at any local auto parts stores. What recommendation does anyone have for products bought at the local auto parts store and through mail order.

As far as I know the only readily available oil with adequate ZDDP is valvoline VR-1. Most stores also carry additives that can be combined with newer oils to raise the ZDDP levels

I use the Lucas break in additive, $15 at Advanced Auto, and any conventional oil.
It's enough for 3 oil changes. I can't justify paying $7-10 a quart for "racing" oil.

All the muscle / racing oils are way over priced

That is why I switched to 15-40 Rotella Diesel Oil in all my flat tappet cars. Still have what is needed to lube up the cam.

Cheap and by the gallon

Brad Penn is what I put in my cars. Any performance/hot rod shop should carry it. Its on the shelf where I live. You don't need to add anything to this oil; just pour it in.

FYI,
Rumor had it a few years back that again due to emissions etc. on Diesels the ZDDP content in Rotella was being reduced. You may want to check into the validity of that claim with Rotella.

Updated in 2016:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shell_Rotella_T

I use it in a motor with the cam already well broken in but I wouldn't use it for break-in without an additive.

Yep I use Brad Penn 20W 50 $7 a quart but does the job without worrying.

Years back I used Rottella but never liked how it looked when doing a change. Isn't as good as it used to be for our car's.
Ron

Any oil with an API rating of 'SJ' or lower is suitable in older engines.

And no additive needed !

no reason brad penn should cost that much

Yes Brake in with EOS, then reg Rotella after that

I look at it this way, how often do you change the oil in your hotrod? Most of us it's once a year so what's $50 for something as important as good oil in a flat tappet cam engine
I use Brad Penn for my engine on the advice of of some knowledgeable engine builders.
Gus

Brad Penn here too.

VR-1 is easy to find, and more than good enough for the muscle car that putts around under 4K RPM for most of its outings.

Good info here. My engine machinist also races a SC dragster. His oil recommendation for street cars is Joe Gibbs or Brad Penn. This is your choice. How soon do you want to repair your engine that is otherwise fine?

Royal Purple oils/filters

Rotello 15/40 with a little ZDDP added

I used to use "standard oils and additives. Now I just use Brad Penn and don't worry about it. It's not like I'm changing the oil every month...

Kendall 10-40 and a little bit of GM EOS. GM EOS is super expensive here. I think I spent almost $45.00 for the last two bottles I bough this spring????

Used to use Valvoline standard oil in the same viscosity, but the Kendall holds pressure a tad better on hot days. Auto parts stores don't stock Kendall so I have to get it at a fleet retailer by the box. Still way cheaper than the $5.00+ per bottle oil at the parts stores. Valvoline is still nice oil and I wouldn't hesitate to use it again.

I don't use synthetic in anything that sits for extended periods as the crank grinder guy I use says it's so slippery it doesn't cling to anything so you can end up with a dry cam and lifters on vehicles that don't get used frequently.