Originally Posted By: JoeFromPA
Chunky - I'm fairly familiar with K20s, and I'd recommend running something like AMSOIL SSO 0w30, Redline 5w40, etc.
You are running a built engine, sure, but it's naturally aspirated and it was built for longevity as well. I didn't see you mention tracking the car, and these engines don't build-up alot of heat, nor produce massive shearing action. Our sumps aren't too small either.
M1 15w50 is a great oil for really tough engines or track days, but it's not necessarily the best suited for daily use (I do realize that smart people like FrankN4 has run M1 15w50 in about 10 applications for over 200k miles on many of them, don't get me wrong).
Your engine would most likely benefit from an oil for better cold flow characteristics and a more moderate operating temp viscosity.
Do remember that honda specs 5w30 for k20s with 8200 rpm redlines and 11:1 CRs....dino 5w30. A high quality 0w30, 5w30, or 5w40 would meet all your needs and then some.
Just my .02....no matter what, whether it's M1 15w50 or M1 0w20, this engine is going to last a long time if it was put together properly.
The car will see track time. I would run a 40 weight, but the 15w-50 is just more accessible for me. Plus, here in GA, cold starts are not an issue so I haven't seen any difference in wear when running a 15w-50 on a bone stock motor in the winter time.
One thing to keep in mind is that the K-series motors do not have forced oiling for the cam/roller interface. With stiff valve springs and high revs, the added thickness of the oil should be beneficial. Less likely to shear with the added valve spring load and less likely to sling off the rotating parts at high revs. If you've had a lot of experience with K-series motors, you've probably seen some instances of the cam lobes galling in both stock motors and highly stressed motors.
Anyhow, I'd consider trying the M1 0w-40 or M1 5w-40 for diesel trucks in this motor. However, I'd need to compare the additive package in those two oils to what M1 puts in the 15w-50. From what I've read, the 15w-50 has a different additive package from the other two making it better suited for my sort of application.
If I didn't have to drive all over town to get redline 5w-40, that would probably be my preferred oil.
Chunky - I'm fairly familiar with K20s, and I'd recommend running something like AMSOIL SSO 0w30, Redline 5w40, etc.
You are running a built engine, sure, but it's naturally aspirated and it was built for longevity as well. I didn't see you mention tracking the car, and these engines don't build-up alot of heat, nor produce massive shearing action. Our sumps aren't too small either.
M1 15w50 is a great oil for really tough engines or track days, but it's not necessarily the best suited for daily use (I do realize that smart people like FrankN4 has run M1 15w50 in about 10 applications for over 200k miles on many of them, don't get me wrong).
Your engine would most likely benefit from an oil for better cold flow characteristics and a more moderate operating temp viscosity.
Do remember that honda specs 5w30 for k20s with 8200 rpm redlines and 11:1 CRs....dino 5w30. A high quality 0w30, 5w30, or 5w40 would meet all your needs and then some.
Just my .02....no matter what, whether it's M1 15w50 or M1 0w20, this engine is going to last a long time if it was put together properly.
The car will see track time. I would run a 40 weight, but the 15w-50 is just more accessible for me. Plus, here in GA, cold starts are not an issue so I haven't seen any difference in wear when running a 15w-50 on a bone stock motor in the winter time.
One thing to keep in mind is that the K-series motors do not have forced oiling for the cam/roller interface. With stiff valve springs and high revs, the added thickness of the oil should be beneficial. Less likely to shear with the added valve spring load and less likely to sling off the rotating parts at high revs. If you've had a lot of experience with K-series motors, you've probably seen some instances of the cam lobes galling in both stock motors and highly stressed motors.
Anyhow, I'd consider trying the M1 0w-40 or M1 5w-40 for diesel trucks in this motor. However, I'd need to compare the additive package in those two oils to what M1 puts in the 15w-50. From what I've read, the 15w-50 has a different additive package from the other two making it better suited for my sort of application.
If I didn't have to drive all over town to get redline 5w-40, that would probably be my preferred oil.