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Engine Oil

Houle #382

Houle #382

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What's everyone running for engine oil these days in their 440's, mine is 30 over a nice little cam nothing crazy Edelbrock performer RPM intake and a Edelbrock performer 800 carb, what brand oil and weight. Anyone using a Lucas oil additive ?
 
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I decided to go with Conventional 10W-30 with high ZDDP.
I chosed oil From Rektol Klassik (I live in Germany). But im sure there are similar oils which are easier to find in the US. :)
 
Driven 10w30 or Valvoline VR 10w30

Both have higher zddp for flat tappet cams.
 
I'll cast a vote for Valvoline VR-1 10w-30.
 
I’ve been using Penn Grade (Brad Penn) 10W30 for about 12 years now with no problems.
 
This "Valvoline VR1 10w30" is Conventional oil right?
If so its basically similar to the oil that i use. :)
 
Driven/Gibbs 10-40. It seems to have the best life for my use. Been using the VR-1 but all that's around here is 20-50 and I got sick of the noisy startups with that thick crap. I figure if I have to order my damn oil I'll just get the good stuff. Plus I've noticed when doing hot oil changes, the thick VR-1 feels more watery compared to the Driven after the same amount of drive time so I'm sticking with the more expensive stuff (you have no idea how it pains me to say those words--LOL!)
 
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I have been using Royal Purple 15W40 in my solid tappet 493 since I built it-10 years now.
Mike
 
beanhead said:
Driven/Gibbs 10-40. It seems to have the best life for my use. Been using the VR-1 but all that's around here is 20-50 and I got sick of the noisy startups with that thick crap. I figure if I have to order my damn oil I'll just get the good stuff. Plus I've noticed when doing hot oil changes, the thick VR-1 feels more watery compared to the Driven after the same amount of drive time so I'm sticking with the more expensive stuff (you have no idea how it pains me to say those words--LOL!)
Click to expand...
Agreed.... My local parts store only stocks the VR1 in 20w-50 so I had to get the 10w-30 through Amazon. Decent price and right to your door.
 
Lionized said:
Amsoil Z-Rod 10w-30.
Click to expand...
I like Amsoil. My local NAPA is a big distribution hub and they USED to sell it many moons ago, before my car was on the road. My '04 Hemi sure loved it...can't find it around here anymore. Takes a week to get it:(
turbine68rt said:
Agreed.... My local parts store only stocks the VR1 in 20w-50 so I had to get the 10w-30 through Amazon. Decent price and right to your door.
Click to expand...
That is one great thing about the VR-1.....$25.95 for a 5-qt jug. Can't beat that price with a stick!
 
beanhead said:
I like Amsoil. My local NAPA is a big distribution hub and they USED to sell it many moons ago, before my car was on the road. My '04 Hemi sure loved it...can't find it around here anymore. Takes a week to get it:(

That is one great thing about the VR-1.....$25.95 for a 5-qt jug. Can't beat that price with a stick!
Click to expand...
I signed up with Amsoil for their "preferred customer" program. Bought a case of the Z-Rod and two Wix filters for $150. Basically $75/oil change. Prior to this I was using Royal Purple for essentially the same cost.
 
How many miles on your engine?

With a newly built flat tappet engine you need to use a specified break in oil with zddp already formulated into it. Don't add extra zddp additive to it. Use this for the first 500 miles.

After the first 500 miles then you can go to a more conventional zddp formulated oil. The bearing clearances will mosty dictate what weight to use. I went to a 20w 50w oil after my initial break in and it created too much pressure. Changed to a 10w 30w and it was just right.

I'm not using a full synthetic just yet. I'm sticking with a parcel synthetic for a few thousand miles to make sure everything is seated in as much as it will. I might never change to a full synthetic as long as a parcel is available. IMO a full synthetic too soon won't let things break in like they should.

Penn Grade 10w 30w break in oil.
Penn Grade 10w 30w Parcel Synthetic
 
Im using 15w40 diesel oil with a couple quarts of high zinc racing oil. Solid flat tappet engine, 7+1 oil change. Gonna try costco full synthetic in my old camaro. Two, five quart jugs, $22.50. Passed independant testing standards with flying colors.
 
Are you guys running synthetic the same ones complaining about rear main seals leaking... asking for a friend.....
 
After getting 500 miles on my motor with Comp Cams break in oil, I switched to their synthetic blend 10-30. Got 5,000 miles on the engine and then switched to Mobil 1 full synthetic. I ran it for years in my corvettes and sport bikes. No problems, no leaks. Pull the valve covers and everything looks new. Super clean inside...
 
Houle #382 said:
What's everyone running for engine oil these days in their 440's, mine is 30 over a nice little cam nothing crazy Edelbrock performer RPM intake and a Edelbrock performer 800 carb, what brand oil and weight. Anyone using a Lucas oil additive ?
Click to expand...

Did my cam break in with brad penn 10/30 break in oil plus the comp cam assembly lube.
After that I have went back to 15/40 Rotella with the Lucas zinc additive.
Ran the same mix in my 383 also.
 
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