Zinc & solid Lifters

[Salvatore]

10W40 or 20W50 or 15W40 any of them Sully.

[camarojoe]

Has anyone here actually worn out or know of anyone who has worn out a cam on an engine by using "regular" oil off the shelf? I'm not talking about a fresh built engine, but rather one that's been going strong for 1000's of miles, for years. I understand the importance of zinc for break in, which is why people have used break-in lube for years...but what about an engine that's already got thousands of miles on it? Do they still "really" need something more than oil off the shelf? The reason i ask is I know many local guys who have been using regular 10w30 oil off the shelf and none of them have had any problems whatsoever. Are their engines doomed, or is there possibly some hype associated with all this "old engines are in trouble due to loss of zinc" stuff I read on the internet?

[Mr70]

Any of those weights are good like Sam said.
In my L-78/TH400/4:10 I've been using Valvolines' VR-1 20W-50 Racing Oil that carries a minimum .116 zinc level.I'm pretty sure all three of those weights do as well.
Their "Not Street Legal" Drag Racing oils carry .112 of zinc.

[JRSully]

Been using Rotella, but what the hell, the CAM II race gas is $8.50 a gallon why not pay more for the oil as well. i'll give it a shot at theh next oil change