Great article, although it's a bit dated.
I don't buy the bullcrap statement that GM (or Ford for that matter) doesn't know how to build cars or engines that a lot of people have the opinion of on here.
I am also surprised that with today's modern technology, that a flat tappet cam should need to be broken in. (Even though i know it does).
What would be cool is if you could buy a matched cam and lifter set that was already broken in from the manufacturer.
Another point to make here is that with modern machining practices, the finish on the cylinders is much more refined as well as piston ring technology has come a long way to allow modern synthetic oils to be used in engines from first start up without ''break in issues'' for the cylinders.
Try that with a rough finish and cast iron rings, and the engine would never break in properly.
That's one of the reasons that a lot of people are against using synthetic oils in older engines.
Kinda makes you wonder about how good synthetic oils really are if they are ''too slippery'' to allow an engine to break in using old machining practices.........
I use a zinc additive when using dino oil in my older cars too, it's not worth it to me to take a chance.