Alright, I already know NO synthetic for like 2000 miles. But, Im gonna change oil at 20 minutes, 50 miles, 500 miles, and 2000 miles, at which time synthetic is going in. So, what brand of oil should I use? The GM is expensive, even with my dicount. I was thinkin like goin to walmart or something and buying valvoline in a case, much cheaper and then I have enough for a couple changes. I know Halvoline sucks, as I tried that with the last motor and the oil pressure was way down when using it. So, any horror stories of what to NOT get, or any recomendations? Its gonna be changed so quickly at first I cant see spending lots of money on the conventional oil, but I could be wrong! HELP. The motor should start up by mid day friday.

THANKS
Cody
(385 Stroked LT1, 11.21:1 comp, hopin for 450RWHP if it matters)

 

I'd go with Castrol GTX or Valvoline for dino oils.... that's what we've always used after cam swaps, etc. Going to use it for startup this weekend on my fresh 355.

 

you big stud.

 

stop following me

 

dont stop eating me

 

yeah I was leaning towards valvoline, its cheap, but still maintains high oil pressure, unlike halvoline. I dont want to use wax based oil like penzoil though. That sh*t sucks!

 

You can break-in a motor with synthetic. I've done it alot of times and GM does it everyday. But it is more expensive and won't be in the motor long anyways...but it's not a problem to use.

 

Put in a bottle of GM oil additive as well. It helps break your motor in.

 

No kidding, I was thinking the same thing. I know at least the Corvette comes off the assembly line with Mobil 1 Synthetic...

 

I am going to break my new 355 LT1 in with Shell Rotella-T 15w40 Oil, yep its the stuff Diesel guys use....Virtually all of the cam manufacturers reccommend it as well as several engine builders.
Why? It has high Zinc and Moly content that has been done away with in gasoline oils to lower emissions. Moly is GREAT for break in !
Flat tappet cam manufacturers reccommend running it all the time.
Once fully broken in (1st oil change at 20min run time, 2nd at 500 miles, 3rd at 1000 miles) I will switch over to what I consider the absolute best motor oil made, Red Line 20W50 Synthetic all-polyol ester base stock oil.

 

how much is that? I guess you just buy it from the dealer.....Does it speed up the precess?
-Jon

 

FWIW, I just used 5W30 Castrol....on sale.

I think any quality non-syn will work just fine, its not gonna be in there long anyway.

 

You are correct, but not needed for roller cams....

 

The only reason a Corvette (or any other car at that) runs off the assembly line with synthetic is because the engine was broken in with dino oil at the plant where the engine was assembled. All engines are test run before they get put into cars and these tests consist of using dino oil. After which synthetic may be put in.

 

I have built over 20 motors and the only oil I will use is Valvoline. I have never had any problems with this oil. I am kind of biased because I cant say as I have really used any other oil to break in an engine. For me it is valvoline all the way with a ac delco filter.