Small Block Crate Engine Advice

[dagnabbitt]

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.

[Rickysnickers]

Considering your climate, 5w30

[AcampoDave]

Why desil engine oil?

[dagnabbitt]

Originally Posted by AcampoDave

Why desil engine oil?

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.

[MySons68C20]

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

[burnin oil]

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.

[The Rocknrod]

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

[dagnabbitt]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

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

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.

[The Rocknrod]

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

[dagnabbitt]

What 10w30 do you plan to use?

[The Rocknrod]

Originally Posted by dagnabbitt

What 10w30 do you plan to use?

Dont know, havnt gotten there yet.

[dagnabbitt]

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.

[garyd1961]

Deleted

[vince1]

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.

[tdangle]

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

[The Rocknrod]

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