Flat tappet cam life

[Wayne Maybury]

Ron

Thanks for mentioning how you add the STP to your engine. This makes lots of sense. I was worried about the STP just sitting in the bottom of the oil pan. By the way, I bought some STP last night.

One point that many people maybe over looking when talking about "the best oil" is that race oils maybe very good but they are formulated for racing, not daily use which requires different additives. The race oil is made to help the engine withstand severe punishment probably at high revs, etc. Most race cars have the oil changed after every outing. A good oil for a street application has to withstand repeated warming - cooling cycles, humidity, crud (is that a word?) buildup, etc so it probably has a different set of additives.

The problem we are facing is that many of us have flat tappet, push rod engines with strong valve springs and the EPA has mandated the motor oil producers to reduce the amount of ZDDP in their products. The main purpose of the ZDDP is to reduce friction, especially in an area such as lifters running on a cam.

Lets not mix up apples and oranges. The race oil may have very good friction reduction and wear protection characteristics but it may not have the necessary additives that a street engine requires. I don't know about you, but I don't change my oil every single time that I take the Cobra out for a spin. Therefore I have to use a good quality oil that will keep the engine happy on the street, but I also have to make sure that it contains sufficient ZDDP to protect my cam and lifters. At least that is how I understand the situation.

Wayne