As some may well know, flat tappet cams have both literally and figuratively been taking a beating in the past couple years. Between supplier shortages, cheap Chinese junk and reformulation of motor oils, it's about a one-two punch for this style of valvetrain.
My 1969 Firebird has a relatively fresh 455 in it that utilizes such a cam. Fortunately to date I haven't had any issues, but then the engine doesn't get run much either. I'll be plating and insuring the car next month and hope to put about 3000-5000 miles on it over the rest of the year.
With that being the case, I want to protect the flat tappets as much as possible. Do the oil experts here recommend trying to locate motor oils with higher zink and anti-wear content, or do you instead prefer a ZDDP additive?
What are the guru's selections here?
My 1969 Firebird has a relatively fresh 455 in it that utilizes such a cam. Fortunately to date I haven't had any issues, but then the engine doesn't get run much either. I'll be plating and insuring the car next month and hope to put about 3000-5000 miles on it over the rest of the year.
With that being the case, I want to protect the flat tappets as much as possible. Do the oil experts here recommend trying to locate motor oils with higher zink and anti-wear content, or do you instead prefer a ZDDP additive?
What are the guru's selections here?