Tired of cam lobe failure in a tapped engine? Or, Looking for anti-wear & sludge protection?
Oils containing High Zinc and phosphorus with ZDDP additives would be an ideal solution as these oils prevent premature engine wear and provide maximum protection to extend engine life.
Most cam lobe failure happens on the flat tappet cam engine due to sludge build-up and premature engine wear. To get rid of such issues, engine oil must contain high zinc and phosphorus with ZDDP additives. That’s why we are here with some best oil for flat tappet cam engine which can provide extreme engine protection by shielding wear & sludge!
If you’re still confused, we suggest you go through our flat tappet cam engine oil buying guide for a quick clarification.
Comparison Table:
Image
Brand
It’s Best For
Viscosity
Liquid Volume
Price
Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend Diesel Engine Oil
Best For Old Engines
15W-40
4.8 Quarts
Best Oil For Flat Tappet Cam Engine
Best For Performance: Lucas Oil 10631 High Zinc Engine Break-In Oil
On the top of our list, we have the SAE 30 High Zinc Engine Break-In oil that is manufactured by the well known Lucas Oil family. As the engine oil comes with fewer blow-by equates, it offers more power and ensures optimum engine efficiency for a longer time.
Most of the time, regular engine oils don’t contain ZDDP or other zinc additives. As a result, these oils can’t ensure sufficient guard against any cam lobe failure. But, this Engine Break-In oil contains high levels of zinc and phosphorus with ZDDP additives. Hence, it can prevent premature engine wear and provide maximum protection to engine parts.
On top of that, this Lucas offers a quicker and more efficient ring seal which is ideal for protection and performance. Besides, it contains enough supplements and additives required for the engine. Due to such formulation, you don’t need to add any moly supplement or additional additives while using. So, it is perfect for the initial break-in of both flat tappet and roller camshaft.
Also, the High Zinc engine oil is compatible with methanol and high-octane race fuel, which helps to improve the performance of the vehicle. The only issue with the oil, it can produce a little smoke, but it won’t affect the engine performance.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
Lucas Oil 10631 SAE 30 High Zinc engine oil is an absolute treasure for the initial break-in flat tappet cam engine. Plus, its high levels of zinc and phosphorus content can ensure maximum protection for engine parts.
Best For Overall: Valvoline VR1 Racing SAE High Zinc Motor Oil
We have the Valvoline VR1 Racing High Zinc motor oil on the second spot that comes with an advanced formulation. With such a premium formula, this oil ensures race-level protection for high-performance engines. No matter whether you’re on a race track or the highway, it can provide better protection against engine breakdown.
In addition, this SAE 20W-50 High-Performance engine oil is formulated to maximize horsepower. As a result, it is compatible with all types of racing, including dirt ovals and drag racing. Besides, the excellent on-track performance of the engine oil prior to switching the engine over to racing.
Moreover, the Valvoline VR1 Racing motor oil comes with a high zinc and phosphorus formula. As the formula creates an anti-wear layer by lubricating the engine’s part, this oil can provide extreme anti-wear protection. Also, the compatibility with gas and full or part-alcohol fuels can reduce carbon emissions by up to 20%.
Further, this high Zinc engine oil can reduce the metal friction to boost the engine performance. The only downside, it may increase the oil pressure in old tappet cars. But, all in all, it is the best oil for a flat tappet cam engine.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
It’s pretty hard to maintain the level of wear protection of a flat tappet cam engine. But, the high zinc and phosphorus formula of the Valvoline VR1 Racing High Zinc motor oil ensures extreme anti-wear protection and prolongs engine life.
Best For Old Engines: Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend Diesel Engine Oil
At the 3rd spot, we have a Shell Rotella T5 Synthetic Blend Engine oil that comes with the latest Triple Protection Plus technology. Due to such advanced technology, this oil offers superior protection against wear and deposit. So, while the engine requires low or high-temperature flow, it always stands with the engine and improves the overall performance.
When it comes to fuel consumption, this T5 15W-40 engine oil contains a premium synthetic blend. Now, as the blend reduces the engine component’s energy requirement, it can lower fuel consumption to a minimum level. Also, this engine oil includes a low ash formulation. With such a formulation, it exhausts lower smoke and protects the catalysts and particulate filters.
Along with that, the cold-cranking properties of the engine oil help the engine to work efficiently while dealing with a harsh climate. In fact, the low-temperature pump ability helps to reach the oil in the critical engine parts quickly. Plus, this bottle adopts an ergonomic design that offers quick pouring while refilling.
However, this Shell Rotella T5 engine oil comes with a synthetic formulation that resists sludge and deposit build-up. As a result, it can keep vehicle engines clean and increase their durability. The only drawback, its performance decreases a little bit while driving at extreme high-temperature.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
The synthetic blend of Shell Rotella T5 engine oil can lower fuel consumption and smoke emission to a minimum level. That’s why it can save you a few bucks and protect the engine, catalysts, and particulate filters.
Best For Budget: Castrol 03095 GTX Motor Oil
Next, we have a Castrol 03095 GTX motor oil that comes with a superior base oil formulation. With such advanced formulation, this engine oil helps to extend the engine’s life for over a half-century. In fact, the patented additive technology of the 20W-50 motor oil ensures sufficient to guard against any cam lobe failure.
As usual, traditional engine oil can’t prevent sludge build-up, which causes blocks in the engine’s vital parts and reduces the overall power. But, this Castrol engine oil contains lots of premium custom-made additives. Hence, it can prevent such blocks and enable advanced engine performance.
On top of that, this Castrol GTX motor oil includes a unique TriShield technology. As the technology offers superior deposit protection, it can improve engine power to the optimum level. Besides, the premium formula of the engine oil provides better protection against volatility burn-off even in extreme conditions.
Also, this GTX 20W-50 motor oil comes with ultra-low friction. For such a formula, it can improve the vehicle mileage. The only issue, this engine oil can increase the engine noise in extreme weather conditions. But, overall, it is ideal for any flat tappet cam engine.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
If you’re looking for engine oil that contains premium custom-made additives, the Castrol 03095 GTX motor is the ultimate solution. Its patented additive technology can offer sufficient guard against any cam lobe failure and extend engine life for over a half-century.
Best For Engine Protection: AeroShell Oil W100 Plus
Finally, we have the AeroShell W100 Plus oil that comes with improved anti-wear characteristics while starting the engine. Hence, it won’t require supplemental additives for flat tappet cam engines. In fact, the latest AeroShell ashless dispersant technology of the engine oil helps to deliver extra protection and improve the overall performance of the engine.
Due to its superior rust and corrosion protection, the AeroShell motor oil ensures extra protection for engine parts when the engine is susceptible to extreme rusting or damage. Besides, this W100 Plus oil adopts a non-ash forming with polymeric additives. As a result, it can eliminate harmful combustion and spark plug deposits while you’re on a regular run.
Moreover, this AeroShell W100 Plus maintains a high viscosity index in the places on lubricants. When the engine is on high shear stresses, this motor oil can protect engine components effectively. Also, the premium formulation can prolong the non-use period and offer outstanding resistance to heat build-up.
Further, this engine oil is compatible with other approved piston engine oil, which helps to improve the performance of the vehicle. The only drawback, it may increase the oil pressure while you’re using an old tappet engine.
Pros
Cons
Verdict
The AeroShell Oil W100 Plus oil maintains a high viscosity index that protects engine components effectively even on high shear stresses. Also, the superior rust and corrosion protection ensures extra protection for engine parts. So, overall, it is the best oil for a flat tappet cam engine.
What To Consider When Buying Best Oil For Flat Tappet Cam Engine?
If you’re spending some bucks on oil for a flat tappet cam engine, you should look for multiple factors to get the best one. It is better to look for factors like formulation, additives, protection, and compatibility. Let’s look into these factors in detail.
Formulation
It matters the most as the level of zinc and phosphorus flat can provide protection while dealing with a tappet cam engine. Some engine Break-In oils contain high levels of zinc and phosphorus. Due to such formulation, these oils can prevent premature engine wear and provide maximum protection to engine parts.
On top of that, some premium motor oil comes with a high zinc and phosphorus formula that creates an anti-wear layer by lubricating the engine’s part. As a result, this oil can provide extreme anti-wear protection. Also, the premium formulation can prolong the non-use period and offer outstanding resistance to heat build-up.
Additives
It is also crucial as the additives ensure sufficient to guard against any cam lobe failure and provide maximum protection to engine parts. Some latest engine oil contains lots of premium custom-made additives. As a result, these oils can prevent sludge blocks and enable higher engine performance.
On the other hand, the patented additive technology of the high-viscosity motor oil ensures sufficient to guard against any cam lobe failure. Plus, these oils also contain advanced polymeric additives. While you’re on a regular run, it can eliminate harmful combustion and spark plug deposits.
Engine Protection
To maintain performance and extend engine life, the oil must include an engine protection feature. If any engine oil comes with superior rust and corrosion protection, it can ensure extra protection for engine parts.
But, when it comes to motor oil technology, the Triple Protection Plus technology offers superior protection against wear and sludge deposits. On the other hand, the latest AeroShell ashless dispersant technology helps to deliver extra protection to the engine parts. As a result, it improves the overall performance of the engine.
Compatibility
If an engine oil isn’t compatible with others, it becomes hard to use it. In fact, the performance is entirely compromised due to low compatibility. Some high zinc engine oil is compatible with methanol and high octane race fuel, whereas few are compatible with other approved piston engine oil. Hence, these oils can help to improve the overall performance of the vehicle.
FAQs
Is Shell Rotella good for flat tappet cam?
Yes, Shell Rotella is suitable for flat tappet cam. As this engine oil comes with advanced additives and enough zinc in the formulation, it can ensure sufficient guard against any cam lobe failure.
Is 20w-50 oil better for older engines?
Yeah, 20w-50 engine oil is pretty good for older engines. This oil contains lots of premium custom-made additives that prevent sludge build-up and help to extend the life of your engine.
Do flat tappet cams require zinc?
It is better to pick oil with high zinc and phosphorus formula for flat tappet cams. As the formula creates an anti-wear layer by lubricating the engine’s part, these oils can provide extreme anti-wear protection and extend engine life.
How much ZDDP is enough?
It depends on the engine type. For a flat tappet cam engine, it is a must to pick oil with 1000 to 1200 ppm ZDDP. But, if you’re using a normal one, you can choose a general oil that contains 800 ppm of ZDDP.
Will 20w50 oil harm my engine?
No, it won’t harm as long as the engine is compatible with the viscosity. But, using such a high viscosity in the wrong engine can cause excess friction, increase oil pressure, and decrease engine life.
Warp up
Finally, we have made it to the end. Among these flat-tappet cam engine oils, Valvoline VR1 Racing SAE High Zinc Motor Oil would be the best pick as the motor oil comes with a high zinc and phosphorus formula, which provides extreme anti-wear protection and increases engine life.
As we tried to cover all the necessary information about flat tappet cam engine oil, we hope this article will help you to pick the best one. So, pick your best oil for flat tappet cam engines and get extreme engine protection by shielding wear & sludge!
