1965 Engine oil type with zink (ZDDP)

[Tbird 65]

Dear members, I'm looking for 10W-30 mineral oil to my 390 CUI. I would need engine oil with zink additive but how do you determine the oil is having the correct additives to a 390 rebuilt 30 years ago engine? Neither the American nor the European classification system tells about the additive zinc content - API S/L or ACEA A3/B4.
Any rekommendations of a mineral engine oil 10W-30 with zink additives?
Have a good day,
G

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[highwaymanrte66]

I've read in other clubs that the motor oil semi trucks use, Rotela & Chevron diesel oil have more zinc than other diesel oils and that oils made for cars these days are lacking it. Since those freight carrying trucks usually go a million or more miles before they need an in frame rebuild that's what I use in my 64 390 Tbird and have had no problems.

 

[59tbirddavid]

Yes Rotela T3 and T4 are good choices. Valvoline VR 1 20W-50 is as good but expensive .

 

[sfalco1957]

I use this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008RWAFXU/?tag=thunderbirdforum-20

 

[fordomanic]

I use Castrol Syntec pure synthetic oil in 5W50 weight for all my collector cars unless the engine has been recently rebuilt, in which case I suggest driving for 10-15 thousand miles with crude based oil before switching to synthetic (synthetic oil in a freshly rebuilt engine will prevent moving parts from properly mating, resulting in oil consumption). I use a thinner 5W20 synthetic in my late model cars due to tighter tolerances and roller valve trains. The fact that synthetic oil won't let parts wear-in is evidence of its superior film strength. It also tolerates heat better than conventional oil and traps contaminants so that they may be removed from the engine during oil changes (rather than allow them to settle out and create sludge). The 5W50 weight is relatively thin when cold (startup) and thick when hot, which is ideal for old cars. It has a decent ZDDP content but I add a 4 oz bottle of ZDDPlus additive at each oil change - it restores ZDDP content to acceptable levels for flat tappet engines. The product can be used with conventional oil as well. In Canada, I can buy these in lots of ten for $10.00 each at swap meets and that is by far the best money you will spend on your old car. I have attached pics of the ZDDPlus container - made in the USA!

 

[minicheckmate]

I use joe gibbs driven 15-50 hot rod oil. Has all the additives to keep the engine happy and clean. The zddp is specifically for the cam and lifters wear points, without it your chances of stopping your cam significantly increase. Also, it has storage additives to protect against corrosion and rust. Not cheap, but being full synthetic it doesn't breakdown so you can get 5000 miles on an oil change, which in my case is a few years. Here's their web site.

Hot Rod Oils - Driven Racing Oil

Driven's hot rod oils contain a unique formula that will ensure your classic engine is well protected and performs at its best. Shop hot rod oil here.

drivenracingoil.com

 

[dustymtn]

Dear members, I'm looking for 10W-30 mineral oil to my 390 CUI. I would need engine oil with zink additive but how do you determine the oil is having the correct additives to a 390 rebuilt 30 years ago engine? Neither the American nor the European classification system tells about the additive zinc content - API S/L or ACEA A3/B4.
Any rekommendations of a mineral engine oil 10W-30 with zink additives?
Have a good day,
G

Lucas makes a 10W-30 Hot Rod & Classic high zinc motor oil. Royal Purple HPS is a high zinc synthetic. Driven Racing (formerly Joe Gibbs Racing) makes a variety of non- synthetic, & synthetic high zinc rod oils, including GP-1, a synthetic blend. I personally use Driven products, & I use synthetic for its better protection & thermal stability. I think Amsoil & RedLine make them too, but they are pricier.