My confusion is why anyone would suggest to a novice that they should use regular oil if the novice isn't sure what cam or valve springs they have. And there are a lot of folks in this hobby that don't know.
The "whumpa - whumpa" theory isn't definitive. Unique, yes, but not definitive. Lots of roller cams out their going whumpa whumpa...
There really is no dis-advantage to running an oil formulated for "flat tappet cam motors" like Valvoline VR-1, as long as the vehicle that doesn't have catalytic converters. So just use VR-1 and have the added confidence that whatever the cam and valve springs are they'll have the added protection.
Seems like this debate almost always becomes overly complicated for no apparent reason.
I see where you're going with this. I won't disagree that if you don't know, better safe that sorry. I don't know about anyone else, but around here, conventional VR-1 is about the same price as regular Valvoline, so the cost isn't too much more. However, my suggestion was based on what OP stating that his engine was freshly rebuilt with a known stock grind cam. In that case, regular oil will be fine.
