View Full Version : comp cam zinc additive
egchewy79
10-28-2021, 06:39 AM
I'm getting ready to do my first real oil change on a flat tappet cam and have a quick question that I've not been able to find the answer to.
Background...289 flat tappet rebuilt, broken in with BR30 oil, ran at 2000-2500RPM x20min followed by 10-15min fluctuating RPMS. Immediate oil change with 8qts of fresh BR30 (racing oil pan).
Currently the motor has been driven ~5-600 miles this season and planning on swapping to conventional oil (10w-30) for the winter.
I have some of the comp cam zinc additive (12oz bottles) but can't really find how much to use. Should I use 2 bottles of the additive for the larger oil pan volume? Is there a problem with too much zinc?
thanks in advance.
CraigS
10-28-2021, 07:08 AM
I have no idea about too much zinc. When I built my 408 w/ flat lifters I had a can of zinc additive I ordered along w/ the cam. Soon after the engine was in I ordered 2 more additives along w/ other stuff from Summit. The next 2 oil changes each got a can of additive. I figured the $ of the additive was low enough that a couple of extra might help the engine and didn't hurt the wallet much so why not.
egchewy79
10-28-2021, 08:08 AM
I have no idea about too much zinc. When I built my 408 w/ flat lifters I had a can of zinc additive I ordered along w/ the cam. Soon after the engine was in I ordered 2 more additives along w/ other stuff from Summit. The next 2 oil changes each got a can of additive. I figured the $ of the additive was low enough that a couple of extra might help the engine and didn't hurt the wallet much so why not.
what's your oil pan volume? just wondering if I should use 2 12oz bottles to account for the larger oil volume or if even makes a difference.
Zinc will shorten the life or cat converters and O2 sensors but is beneficial for internal engine components. Instead of being a chemist and mixing your zinc, buy a quality oil with high zinc content (1,100 - 1,400 PPM).
GoDadGo
10-28-2021, 08:28 AM
I'm still running Comp Cams Break-In Oil in my car even though it has a roller cam and roller rockers.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-1590-12
I'll eventually swap over to Rotella T4 or Mobile-1 Extended Performance once I run out of Break-In Oil.
egchewy79
10-28-2021, 09:02 AM
OK. found this (line #7). seems like 2 bottles of comp cam with 7-8qt will get me to ~6-700ppm zinc.
https://www.ctci.org/engine-oil-part-2-engine-oil-and-zddp/
egchewy79
10-28-2021, 09:26 AM
In a related story, Lucas Hot Rod oil has 2400ppm zinc. Do people dilute it with regular conventional oil to get it down to the ideal ~1100-1400ppm level?
1:1 dilution would get you there.
egchewy79
10-28-2021, 03:28 PM
I'm still running Comp Cams Break-In Oil in my car even though it has a roller cam and roller rockers.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cca-1590-12
I'll eventually swap over to Rotella T4 or Mobile-1 Extended Performance once I run out of Break-In Oil.
Rotella T4 10w-30 is $22/gallon. Is this right? That's 40% less than Lucas Hot rod oil and 50% less than other high zinc break in oils!
OVCobra
10-28-2021, 03:39 PM
Gotta agree with NAZ...buy a quality oil with zinc and your cam will be happy. IF you are running catalytic converters the zinc will "poison" them and will have to be replaced at some time in the future. There is no magic number for zinc but the 1,100 - 1,400 ppm would be the safe minimum, there is no maximum within reason. For your application I would use at least 1 1/2 bottles of the additive, both if you plan on switching to a high zinc oil.
Catalytic converters get along with roller cams very well, ditch the converters if you plan on keeping the flat tappet cam.
egchewy79
10-29-2021, 02:11 AM
No cats, but I do have an O2 sensor for my EFI. thanks for all the opinions.
GoDadGo
10-29-2021, 05:28 AM
Rotella T4 10w-30 is $22/gallon. Is this right? That's 40% less than Lucas Hot rod oil and 50% less than other high zinc break in oils!
That's why I bought two cases of Comp Cams Break-In Oil from Summit Racing.
The stuff costs $23.33 per gallon if you buy it by the case.
I don't know if it would hurt to keep using the stuff.
That would be a question for a real mechanic.
CraigS
10-29-2021, 06:35 AM
I only used 1 can of CC stuff in an 8qt pan. Probably should have researched more.
boat737
10-29-2021, 10:11 AM
I use this.
Amsoil Z-Rod. https://www.amsoil.com/p/z-rod-10w-30-synthetic-motor-oil-zrt/
first time builder
10-30-2021, 09:25 AM
EG we cant get Rotella in our area right now due to shipping problems. Also cant get hose clamps and windshield washer fluid.
rich grsc
10-30-2021, 11:33 AM
EG we cant get Rotella in our area right now due to shipping problems. Also cant get hose clamps and windshield washer fluid.
Did you try WallyWorld?