Cam Break-In Additive w/Zinc - Case of 12

The Cam Break-In Additive w/Zinc - Case of 12 is an essential engine treatment for any serious builder or performance enthusiast breaking in a new or freshly rebuilt camshaft and lifter set. During the critical first miles of operation, cam lobes and lifter faces undergo accelerated wear as they establish proper surface finish and seating patterns. Without adequate zinc protection, this break-in period can result in premature wear, scuffing, or catastrophic cam and lifter failure—especially in flat-tappet designs or high-lift applications where contact pressures are extreme. COMP Cams formulated this additive specifically to safeguard those vulnerable initial hours when conventional oil protection alone is insufficient.

This break-in additive delivers zinc (zinc dialkyldithiophosphate or ZDDP) and other anti-wear agents directly into your engine oil, forming a protective boundary layer on cam lobe and lifter surfaces. The zinc molecules bond to metal under the extreme heat and pressure of the cam-to-lifter interface, preventing metal-to-metal contact and reducing friction. One quart treats approximately 5–6 quarts of oil, making a case of twelve quarts sufficient for multiple engine builds or complete system protection throughout a full break-in cycle. The additive is compatible with both conventional and synthetic oils, though it is particularly valuable when running modern low-zinc oils that no longer meet the anti-wear demands of performance camshaft designs.

Builders working with flat-tappet cams, high-rpm solid-lifter systems, or stroker engines with extended valve train stress should treat every fresh build with this additive. Street engines using aftermarket performance cams benefit equally, as OEM oils formulated to EPA standards contain minimal zinc that simply cannot provide adequate film strength during cam break-in. Use one quart per 5–6 quarts of motor oil and run for the duration of the recommended break-in period—typically 500–1500 miles depending on cam design and engine load. Once break-in is complete and the cam has seated properly, standard maintenance oil changes resume normal operation. TacticalSurplusUSA carries the full case for builders stocking multiple engines or those committed to long-term preventive engine protection.