Over the past several weeks/months I have been watching a fellow I know build his 550HP 350 engine for his Camaro. Wednesday I went by the shop and he showed me the camshaft with a lobe worn almost round. He was using flat soild lifters and a lifter was dished out REAL bad. He, and some others, are saying its because the oil he used (Pennzoil) has no Zinc, (and magnesium I think was the other additive) and that is what caused the failure. Supposedly this has been the case since 2005. The guy who owns the shop then showed me a bulletin that says due to this that a camshaft/lifter can be ruined within minutes of actual start up. This guy then tells me he has called Summit Racing and Summit says they are getting 10-15 calls per day about the same situation. I looked at all the cam lobes and lifters and somthing just seems fishy to me? Nevertheless the bulletin says that because of this the engine should have been started up and ran some using Rotella "T" oil. I know we have some "chemical" guys who visit here and I'm wondering what the REAL scoop is? I will ask to see the bulletin again and let you guys know where it came from. I know oil has been changed but I have heard any claims as this. Have any of you guys?
