Originally Posted by pfarber
There is no direct pressurized source of lube for the cam lobes. The LIFTERS... YES. But oil will follow the path of least resistance (around the lifter grove and up to the valve train) and you get basically a weeping action around the tappet bore.

Splash lube is any method of providing oil sans a gallery or dedicated feed path.

Cam manufactures sell additives.. OF COURSE THEY RECOMMEND $15/qt mystery goo. Saying that they recommend it is the biggest issue in a rational discussion... no one READS or RESEARCHES they simply buy something.

Here's the GM Crate motor break in procedure.. these are $3-5k motors:

http://paceperformance.com/p-3978-engine-start-up-procedure.html

Here's the money shot:

Quality 10W-30 or 10W-40 Oil is recommended for GM's Performance Crate Engines. Most Stock Factory replacement engines use either 5W-30 or 10W-30 oil.

NO MYSTERY GOO!!!!!!!! Use off the shelf oil for GM FACTORY CRATE ENGINES!

Why not demand GM EOS? Because you don't need it.

So, I have shown that GM crate engines do NOT REQUIRE ZDDP additives.

If you like, I'm sure I can find something on GM letterhead... but we both know that's not requires for stock/warmed over motors.

Newer factory crate engines are mostly roller type tappets, like mentioned by someone else here. There is no cam break in with rollers, so you are correct there is no special
lube needs for a newer factory crate engine for the cam. But with the old style flat tappets, any lube that has good EP qualities will be very helpful. Why? because of the high contact pressure at the cam lobe and lifter interface. There are some motor oils that are not too bad as far a EP and some not real good. I don't think cam companys have the time to test all the various oils and besides they may get in trouble some how, if they recomend a brand of oil over another. If they supply or recomend their own brand then they know that for sure their cam will be okay with it. I would think if you don't use what they recomend then they shouldn't have to honor a warranty.

That link isn't to anything from GM


Last edited by Truckrolet; 07/27/2013 5:21 AM.
Kicking self for selling off my Taskforce trucks.
Still looking for an LCF or conventional big bolt in decent shape.


As of 10-26-2022, A 55.2 Taskforce long bed now the work begins