Hey EvoM,

I'm sure there's a thread, but it wasn't titled appropriately so I couldn't find it, hence this thread.

I just wanted to see what everyone else was using for their conventional oil during in the break in period of their motor.

I've found that Super Tech from Wal Mart actually has a great ZDDP package and is super cheap. Thus, that is the oil I use!

This was an analysis done after 4800 miles on a Scion TC that had the life beat out of it.



It has a very decent ZDDP package as well:

10W-30

Physical Specifications
Procedure Test Min Max Typical Results
ASTM D4052 Specific Gravity at 60̊F NA NA 0.8714
ASTM D287 API Gravity NA NA 30.88
ASTM D445 Viscosity at 100̊C, cSt 9.3 <12.5 10.44
ASTM D445 Viscosity at 40̊C, cSt NA NA 69.53
ASTM D2270 Viscosity Index NA NA 137
ASTM D1500 ASTM Color NA NA 2.5
ASTM D5293 Cold Cranking Simulator, cP NA 7000 6301
ASTM D5185 Zinc, % mass NA NA 0.085
ASTM D4951 Phosphorus, % mass 0.06 0.08 0.072
ASTM D5185 Calcium, % mass NA NA 0.214
ASTM D5185 Molybdenum, % mass NA NA 0.008
ASTM D5185 Boron, % mass NA NA 0.023
ASTM D4951 Sulfur, % mass NA 0.5 0.357
ASTM D5762 Nitrogen, % mass NA NA 0.102
ASTM D874 Sulfated Ash, % mass NA NA 0.92


So, lets hear what conventional oils are best for break in (not including first start up, as SAE30 break in oil is recommended/used by most).

 

Just based off preference and not really knowing "facts" I used Valvoline 10w30 when breaking in all the Honda motors I've built, always heard good things about their conventional for breaking in and never had any problems with setting rings with it.

 

I used Valvoline 10w40 for brake in!

 

I use 20w50 vr1 racing oil the non synthetic. For first start up/break in. with bottle of zinc break in. I've used it in all my dsm engines and race car engines (350). never had a problem. Than change around 500-750 miles. Northland is nice to.

 

Can i use Shell Rotella T1 for first start up and first tune?

 

I would go to a dollar store and buy a bunch non-detergent 30wt and change it several times in the 1st few hundred miles before switching to synthetic. If you have time to, order a case of Brad Penn or AMSOil 30wt break-in oil.

 

Advanced Auto oil is the same as Valvoline, so that is a great cheap alternative as well!

 

full BR 2.3 build...I run brad penn 20w50
it's relatively cheap compared to amsoil and such

 

I will most likely use Brad Penn once I hit 3K miles.

 

Do whatever MAP tells you since it is there motor, that way they will cover you

 

Oh, I hear yah. I just made this thread to compile a list of high-zinc level conventional oils that are conducive to a healthy break in.

 

Many shops and evos are using this, and i think MAP is one of them:

 

This thread is just dumb now.

This thread is to point out the conventional oils people are using AFTER the first startup, BEFORE they start using a synthetic.

Yes, we all use Amsoil break in for the first start, but it's far too thin to run during the whole break in process.

 

The Amsoil SAE30 oil is NOT a synthetic oil...

 

No sh*t sherlock. You use that oil for the first time you start and idle your car, NOT when you break it in after that idle.