Hi there so anyways was doing a search on the effects of not adding zddp and running the modern conventional oil and realized that all of the info is from way back when the zddp scare first began and there was a bad batch of foreign camshafts etc. so everybody came to the argument with a bad taste in their mouth. So was just curious how it all shakes down in modern times. It seems like everything is all so damn controversial. my father owned an 86 dodge van with a 360, for many years we'd take it on long trips using API SN conventional 10W30, worked absolutely fine with no additives at all. We in many senses abused its towing capabilities so it wasn't like it was being babied. I'm not a huge fan of the idea of using a synthetic oil in my slant six but Ive heard other guys used it with good luck just that it burns a little more oil on the first cycle. Zinc additives are also an option but according to the oil companies its a bad idea because it could cause a chemical reaction with whatever detergents or additives are already in there plus they say pouring the stuff in doesn't have the same desired effects as them mixing it in the oil at the factory. If there was proof that adding the stuff actually works and doesn't drastically change the chemistry of the oil I would probably go that route. For me I don't know enough to really trust synthetic diesel oil but I could be talked into using a synthetic 10W30 If its going to protect the cam. The other thing I find odd is that after so many years and an obvious demand for the stuff companies like Shell and quakerstate still haven't just gone out of their way and started reproducing the older style conventional oil, and its not like they cant because other companies have already done it so maybe it isn't so bad to run the modern oil in older cars. Anyways was just kinda curious what you guys think because nobody really talks about it anymore

The ZDDP thing is largely marketing hype. I run regular oil with no additives in my 76 D100 slant, my 82 318 Ramcharger, and my 89 E150 van (it has a 1984 pre-roller 351W engine). All have old flat tappet motors, the slant is a solid lifter flat tappet. None have had any cam or lifter wear problems despite my poor maintenance and abusive driving. ZDDP is only necessary if you are running very high valve spring pressures or very high RPM.

The oils we have now are exponentially better than the oils of yesteryear, plus modern oils are specifically designed to be backwards compatible in stock applications. Even synthetic oil. I run synthetic oil in my motors when I have the money for it.

Stock slant sixes have a very lightly loaded valve train. Modern oils are just fine. It's when you have big valves, strong valve springs, long rocker ratios and small lifters (I'm looking at you big block Chevy) that you start to consider alternatives to Energy Conserving motor oils.

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Joshua

Use it with confidence.

I have used synthetic oil since the early 80s, but nothing wrong with conventional oil as long as you change it regularly.

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If it was easy, everybody would be doing it.

I have strong springs in mine and turn a lot of rpm. 10-30 conventional here.

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Official Cookie and Mater Tormentor.

Yep................

Hey, I know! Let's count! Wanna? Here goes: Ohhhhhh…One…two…three…

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Around here...synthetic has gotten almost as cheap as regular oil. If you buy your child just one less pack of cigs per week, that will make up the difference.

Now that's funny right there! Mmmm Hmmm.

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“Buy the ticket, take the ride.”
― Hunter S. Thompson

Hey, I'm qualified to have my opinion. I even have the badge to prove it!

Everybody's got one.

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“Buy the ticket, take the ride.”
― Hunter S. Thompson

Where did you get that badge? I could use one myself...

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Matt Cramer
1966 Dodge Dart turbo / EFI project

Awww, & I thought I were specieeall!!!