OIl Question
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 12,331
Likes: 139
OIl Question
I have a new build and my mechanic suggested that I run the Valvoline 10 W 30 racing oil (not street legal). This has a higher Zinc concentration and I know that most guys who use it, use it because they have flat tapped cams not so in my case. Now I am not running cats and he said that this would eventually save my engine and give it longer life. I have been using RP 10-30 5.5 quarts and 1` quart of Lucas Synthetic oil stabilizer for about 2 years now. Should I change over or stay as I am. Just looking to treat my engine right.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,843
Likes: 16
From: Howell Michigan
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
Your question will spark as many varied responses as asking which color is best suited for a Corvette. That said, is there a warranty involved? If there is, does it require a certain type of oil to maintain the warranty? If not, then use what you feel is best. If you need a certain type to maintain the warranty, then use that.
Good luck with the new engine...
Good luck with the new engine...
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 12,331
Likes: 139
Your question will spark as many varied responses as asking which color is best suited for a Corvette. That said, is there a warranty involved? If there is, does it require a certain type of oil to maintain the warranty? If not, then use what you feel is best. If you need a certain type to maintain the warranty, then use that.
Good luck with the new engine...
Good luck with the new engine...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 0
From: naugatuck ct
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 138
From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '09
I would change to Valvoline Synpower 10W30 that meets the Corvette 4718M spec. It has better wear protection than Mobil 1 and is guaranteed against engine failure for 300,000 miles.
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 263
Likes: 1
From: Andover KS
I'd just go with a good name brand of oil like the Valvoline, Castrol, Mobil 1 in the 5w-30 or 10w-30 and leave out the additives for the first 80k miles. The Valvoline with Zinc will give your valves extra protection if you have a big lumpy cam, but it may also gum up your O2 sensors, so I'd not use it. Put synthetic in there after 500-750 miles or so and live a long happy life with the new engine.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
Personally, I'd use Amsoil 0w30 Full Sythetic and no additives, or use German Castrol 0w30. The valvoline 10w30 is a good oil too... I would NEVER go with Mobile1. Your mechanic is right with his suggestion, but you can't go wrong with Amsoil either.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 653
Likes: 0
If you want a lot of zinc, Mobil-1 High Mileage 10W-40 is a good option. The data sheet shows it having ~1100ppm, more than the standard 800ppm their regular stuff contains.
I just put a hard ~2 hours of road course time on my fill of this oil, and should be pulling a sample to send off to Blackstone for analysis.
Observations thus far are that the engine is quiet when cold and at running temp, and oil consumption was less than 1/2 quart for the whole track event.
For cold weather use I'd want a 5W or 0W viscosity prefix, but my car is in hybernation during the Winter so it's a non-issue.
I just put a hard ~2 hours of road course time on my fill of this oil, and should be pulling a sample to send off to Blackstone for analysis.
Observations thus far are that the engine is quiet when cold and at running temp, and oil consumption was less than 1/2 quart for the whole track event.
For cold weather use I'd want a 5W or 0W viscosity prefix, but my car is in hybernation during the Winter so it's a non-issue.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,130
Likes: 3
From: Winter Park FL
For what its worth, I'm breaking in my new engine with conventional oil. Changing it out at 500 miles and again at 2000. After that my engine builder said as long as I'm not road racing then conventional/synthetic doesn't matter.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 4,812
Likes: 46
From: Taylorsville North Carolina
My 402 from Texas Speed recommended VR1 20-50 or Shell Rotella 20-40(?) for break in. I also put in a quart of the STP additive for the extra Zddp and the Rotella for the first 500 mi and then switched to the VR1 for the the next 5000. I am switching the the AMSOIL Premium 20-50 as soon as it arrives at my door. I do road race mine and it does get HOT. I would think you would have to go with the builders recommendations as he knows his motors and warranties. Just don't see how you can go wrong either of the major brands though as long as the weight matches your use. I am starting the Blackstone analysis for mine to help keep track of my expensive motor. Good Luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
Back in 97, Mobile1 was pretty good... Their base-stock has changed a lot. Honestly, I don't want to get into that discussion. If you like Mobile1, use it. It's your car. I will not use it because there is better oil. Period.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,722
Likes: 138
From: Florida
St. Jude Donor '09
Back in 97, Mobile1 was pretty good... Their base-stock has changed a lot. Honestly, I don't want to get into that discussion. If you like Mobile1, use it. It's your car. I will not use it because there is better oil. Period.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
Guess you didn't read the "Honestly, I don't want to get into that discussion" part... Few do, though. So rather than starting this all over, you can do some catch up: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1570680062-post35.html
I don't feel like arguing the same argument that's been argued since electric cars went out of style. I was mearly suggesting to use a better oil than Mobile1, which you can't deny there are better oils than Mobile1.
I don't feel like arguing the same argument that's been argued since electric cars went out of style. I was mearly suggesting to use a better oil than Mobile1, which you can't deny there are better oils than Mobile1.