Thread: Need advice on oil

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I also recommend 30 weight for break in. I truely believe that the new break in oils help the engine survice that critical first fire up. The new oils just do not keep the cam protected during fire up and cam lobe failure can result (Especially with higher than stock valve spring pressures) Some engine builders are actually using "break in springs" for the valve springs to break the engine in and then switch to the final valve springs once the break in is completed. Keep in mind this is only the case in flat tapped engines. Roller engines do not require that protection generally.
Don Jr.

I like Shell Rotella T as it still has some of the old zinc in it. But it is very important to put in a bottle of zinc additive too. Do not idle the engine at all, set everthing so it fires up as quickly as possible, then immediately bring the rpms to 2000-2500 and KEEP it there for at least 20 minutes total running time. You might have to do that in 10 minute bursts if the car starts heating up, and the previously mentioned box fan helps a lot.

It might be overkill, but we always change the oil right after that initial breakin, although some people wait a while to drive it first. I figure oil is the cheapest thing you will ever put in a motor, so it can't hurt to change it right away. If you have a flat tappet cam, keep putting in zinc additive EVERY oil change. If you have a roller cam motor, no need to break it in, but I still like zinc additives.

Don