Re: Small Block Crate Engine Advice
 

Ok one last question, I am past the break-in period for the engine and need to do its first oil change.

I was planning on using 15/40 T4 Rotella. Engine is a roller cam (not flat tappet), so I think a good quality oil with no additives would be fine. But should I use a 10/30 instead?

I asked Blueprint this question last week, but - you guessed it - no response from them, just crickets.

Re: Small Block Crate Engine Advice
 

Considering your climate, 5w30

Re: Small Block Crate Engine Advice
 

Why desil engine oil?

Re: Small Block Crate Engine Advice
 

Blueprint recommends T4 for their flat tappet engines - not sure why, probably it has some sort of ingredient that usually appears only in additives - just not sure if it the correct application for a roller or not. Just generally speaking, I am wondering if a 400 hp 355 with a roller should get 10/30. And if answer is yes, what is the best brand of oil. I have never had an engine that didn't burn or leak so my preferred oil in the past has always just been whatever was on sale.

As to the climate here, that is relevant of course, but I will be parking it for the winter soon, this is a summer ride only.

Re: Small Block Crate Engine Advice
 

VR1 10W-30 I believe would be best. We have to order it online here because the local shop only carries the 20W-50 in stock.

https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publi...2-ac162d889bd1

Re: Small Block Crate Engine Advice
 

Since you are willing to run diesel oil why not just pick up a lighter wieght. Both Walmart and the farm supply stores stock it down here. I personally run diesel oil in my flat tappet motors without issue. I maintain way more diesels so I have it by the bucket. Its light years better than standard gas oil but probably not as good as the high doller race oils. Been keeping my 400sb with a solid cam going for 6 years now and I am far from nice to it.

Re: Small Block Crate Engine Advice
 

When I got my engine from BP they gave me a large envelope with all info needed including types of oils recomended.

Re: Small Block Crate Engine Advice
 

Thanks Rocknrod, I was on their website and couldn't find what I was looking for, but it was indeed in the package.

It simply says that Roller cams engines can use any conventional 10w30 oil, so I guess that they are not picky. I was going to use the T4 Rotella but I guess I will just look for a high quality 10w30.

Since it is going to get one oil change a year I might as well use the best. Should I go with the zinc additive oils, even though the specs don't call for it, or is that an incorrect assumption/a waste of money.

Re: Small Block Crate Engine Advice
 

I used the Blueprint Break In Oil and will change it pretty soon (after 500 miles) to a quality 10-W30.

Re: Small Block Crate Engine Advice
 

What 10w30 do you plan to use?

Re: Small Block Crate Engine Advice
 

Dont know, havnt gotten there yet. :)

Re: Small Block Crate Engine Advice
 

I went with regular old Shell 10w30 for my first change. I expected my oil pressure to drop a bit with the straight 30 weight out of it, but its at 80 all the time. That high volume oil pump is sure doing its job.

Re: Small Block Crate Engine Advice
 

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Re: Small Block Crate Engine Advice
 

If you are using it in the winter I'd go synthetic 5-30. Apparently it flows a lot better in the cold than conventional.

But since you've already changed it maybe plug it in first before starting in the cold. I am using the Boss Oil cam oil in the truck now which is a conventional oil with more zinc or whatever in it. I try plugging it in first for an hour or two before starting in the cold. It makes quite a difference. Once all my conventional oil is used up I think I'll go synthetic in everything, truck and Rambler included.

Re: Small Block Crate Engine Advice
 

in my new GM roller crate engine I run synthetic 10-30w mobil one as recommended.

Re: Small Block Crate Engine Advice
 

If you own a Blueprint engine follow their instruction on oil. Syn cant be used until so many miles.