I've read quite a bit on different motor oils and it really has my head spinning. I am rebuilding the top end of my engine and installing an Isky hydraulic flat tappet cam and lifter kit. Not sure if I should run a good break in oil (like Brad Penn 30w) or just skip the break in oil since a didn't touch the bottom end of the engine. I'm also on the fence on what to run after the cam break in. Is the Brad Penn semi-synthetic 10w-30 a good choice or should I stick with a conventional oil. I know the ZDDP content is important. I would like to run a good racing oil so I don't have to worry about ZDDP additives. Thanks everyone for your thoughts on this.

 

If you are installing a new cam, that is "touching the bottom end" (and no, I'm not going to say anything else about that...)

The whole point of break in oil is to break in the new cam. You definitely need it.