Ok, so I know I'm gonna sound like the biggest idiot in the world, but I need to know what fluids to run in my 292/ 3 speed combo. The guy I bought the engine from said to use 20/50 oil in it. So I figured I would give that a try. Not sure what to put in the trans though. Please bear with me, this is my first build. Thanks for all the help.
Valvoline Racing 20-50 is what I use. It's got lots of ZDDP - in fact the new lables say so in big, bold letters. This is a necessary additive to protect flat tappet cam lifters and lobes. It has been removed from all DOT-approved motor oils as it is thought to damage catalytic converters over time. Since Valvoline Racing is an off-road oil, it's not regulated in the same way and still includes this additive. It's also fairly low detergent, so you'll need to change it more often. I run it in my flathead '51 Ford in hopes that it will increase engine life while also not disturbing the internal deposits too quickly. Hope this helps.
I use regular Valvoline 20-50 in my engine, its lasted okay so far. I might switch to valvoline racing, or even put a zddp additive in my oil when I change it before the pile-up.
Not all the ZDDP has been removed from a lot of the oils, but has been reduced. Any oil that has 40 weight or more in its fomula has anough ZDDP for our engines. Diesel oil is the same, reduced formula but it was heavy to begin with and still has enough.
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