Do i need zinc additive?

[Trottiert]

So perusing some posts this morning and I see some comments about zinc additives and flat tappet cams vs rollers.
I recently did an oil change with Castrol GTX.
I'm wondering on my 88MCSS
It appears to be a re-man engine. (Found a sticker on the oil pan)
At this point I don't know what the valvetrain is comprised of.
I guess my questions:
Is there an easy way to determine flat vs roller without disassembly.
Should I be be adding zinc or using a specific oil
Any other insight or things I may be missing.
Hoping you guys can point me in the right direction.
Thanks

 

[pontiacgp]

only way I know is to remove the intake and take a look at the lifters

 

[fleming442]

Get that Castrol out of there if it's a flat tappet.

Center bolt valve covers mean anything?

 

[565bbchevy]

Since it does have centerbolt valve covers It is possible that it is a later 1 piece rear main block and has factory roller lifters

 

[oldsmobile joe]

only way I know is to remove the intake and take a look at the lifters

pull a valve cover and one push rod and take a peek. might have to use one of those endoscope camera things and look for the lifter link bar and retaining plate.

 

[oldsmobile joe]

Since it does have centerbolt valve covers It is possible that it is a later 1 piece rear main block and has factory roller lifters

not all roller lifter blocks came with roller lifters. since this block was a replacement it infers roller lifter but doesn't guarantee it.

 

[Trottiert]

pull a valve cover and one push rod and take a peek. might have to use one of those endoscope camera things and look for the lifter link bar and retaining plate.
View attachment 144745

I'll pull the valve cover one day this week and update. I'll have to see about getting my hands on one of those cameras to inspect. It appears to be seeping anyways.

 

[Clone TIE Pilot]

87 and up SBCs have center bolt valve covers regardless if they have flst tappet or roller cams. Being a reman, it could be a mix of different years.

 

[Ribbedroof]

Since it does have centerbolt valve covers It is possible that it is a later 1 piece rear main block and has factory roller lifters

Could also be an early block with late/Vortec heads.

Like said, only way to know for sure is have a look

 

[565bbchevy]

not all roller lifter blocks came with roller lifters. since this block was a replacement it infers roller lifter but doesn't guarantee it.

Since it is a crate engine with centerbolts is why I said it is possible, if it had perimeter bolt valve covers than I would say highly unlikely but obviously verification is still required.
I once had a 87' block with 1 piece rear and it was cast as a roller block but was never drilled and finished, had mounting for a mechanical fuel pump but the hole for the pushrod was only about 1/4". It had the spider tray stands but not drilled etc.