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Mod | | | Forums66 Topics128,087 Posts1,056,111 Members48,434 | | Most Online14,466
Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
Lots of work on Brad's part ... pure enjoyment (and references) for you!
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| | | | Joined: Feb 2013 Posts: 614 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2013 Posts: 614 | Changed my oil on a stock 53' 216. The engine is fine, but I was curious if anyone added an additive to help keep the Babbitt bearings, cam and lifters protected better. Yes, I know that it operated for 64 years without issue with standard non detergent oil's before. Doing research, BestLine makes a nice product. Any opinions?
Thanks,
Jim | | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,214 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,214 | I use Rotella 15w40 C or diesel rated oil in my 49 216. At one time it had a higher level of ZDDP than std S or gasoline rated oils and still does even though the ZDDP additive has been reduced in all non specialty engine oils as per federal mandate.
ZDDP is necessary for flat tappit cam/lifter break in but not as critical once broken in.
I'm nearly at 19k miles since I got it running and so far it's still singing like an old Singer sewing machine.
I used Brad Penn for my break in oil in a rebuilt 235. It has the ZDDP additive at a level pre-reduction mandate but will change over to Rotella 10w30 or straight 30 once I install it. I can get a gallon of Rotella 15w40 for what a qrt and a half of Brad Penn costs. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 5,215 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2000 Posts: 5,215 | Modern oil is much better then when the truck was new, so you really don't need any additive. But if you want to add some for piece of mind, Lucas has very good products and their oil additive is one of the best ( in my opinion ). | | | | | Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 22 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2011 Posts: 22 | The place in Kansas that built a 235 for me said put 6 ounces of ZDDP additive in the oil for break in. And then 4 ounces at every oil change. The 16 ounce bottle I bought said use it all so that's what I did.
When setting goals in life. Always aim low to avoid disappointment
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,269 | My rebuilder used Brad Penn break-in oill - it has ZDDP.
I'll use Rotella T multigrade 15-40 after that. | | |
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