Oil choice for flat tappet cam ?

Quote:

---

Joe Gibbs-they did all there research and it is the best oil out there.

---

I agree,I use the Gibbs assembly lube and break in oil.
As far as oil to use after the break in,I have been using the Gibbs Racing mineral oil,and have had absolutely no wear issues with flat tappet cam and lifter set ups.
If you go exactly by what Gibbs tells you,you don't want to add any additives to his stuff.
As far as adding a bottle of break in additive to other oils,a lot of guys have luck with it but I am getting away from that myself after a little research on how the zddp additives are blended.
I think it is better to have something designed for what you need than to mix your own.
Too much money invested in a good engine to comprimise with oils and additives anymore.
Keith

Quote:

---

Hi All

I wanted some input as to who uses what oil with their flat tappet cam.I have a Hughes Racing flat tappet cam and engaged them and they recommend running either Joe Gibbs Hot Rod conventional or synthetic. I have been using Hughes Extreme Pressure additive and conv Pennzoil 20W/50 but from what I am told that I should start using an oil with high zinc content designed in the oil..I am just curious what you all use. I want to protect my engine/investment as much as possible....and not end up with a flat cam......Any input would be appreciated....Thanks ......btw The guys at Hughes are very professional and have always answered my questions and concerns

---

Okay, since you specifically asked for "any input", here is mine.

There's a lot of marketing hype, personal opinion, and overall bias out there regarding motor oils.

If you like, you can look to an ASTM approved bench test for a preliminary evaluation of the overall anti-wear package of a few of the most popular high performance motor oils on the market.



Click here for LARGER IMAGE

American Society of Testing and Materials(ASTM)

ASTM D4172 - 94(2010) Standard Test Method for Wear Preventive Characteristics of Lubricating Fluid (Four-Ball Method)

Significance and Use:

This test method can be used to determine the relative wear preventive properties of lubricating fluids in sliding contact under the prescribed test conditions. No attempt has been made to correlate this test with balls in rolling contact. The user of this test method should determine to his own satisfaction whether results of this test procedure correlate with field performance or other bench test machines..

1. Scope

1.1 This test method covers a procedure for making a preliminary evaluation of the anti-wear properties of fluid lubricants in sliding contact by means of the Four-Ball Wear Test Machine.

2. Test Conditions

132 pounds of applied pressure - 302 degrees Fahrenheit operating temperature - 1800 rpm - 1 hour duration.

Quote:

---

One more question if I may......Will switching from Pennzoil 20W50 conventional + additive to Joe Gibbs Full synthetic HR-4 10W30 after 20 or so passes harm the cam or motor....We broke it in on Pennzoil 30W + additive.....Thanks again everyone for all the info,I really appreciate it

---