Rotella T5 good for "hot rod" break-in?

[Gannet]

My engine builder just finished the new engine for my Corvette. It's a complete aftermarket engine, so OEM standards don't really apply. It's a 427 built on an LSX cast-iron block, with forged pistons, a steel top ring, and a roller cam.

The builder recommended any 10w30 dino oil for break-in. When I went to Wal-Mart they didn't have any decent 10w30 dinos. The closest good option seemed to be Rotella T5, but of course that's a "synthetic blend".

Is the T5 likely to be a good break-in oil, or should I keep looking for a good 10w30 dino oil? This was an expensive engine, so I want to do it right.

 

[cos]

I'm sure Wal-Mart had many excellent dino 10W30s. Modern dino's (e.g. Pennzoil) are engineering marvels.

 

[addyguy]

T5 would be a GREAT oil for break in. Yeah, it's a roller cam, but the extra visc., Zn, and Ph won't hurt anything!

 

[Gene K]

Do what your engine builder suggests. Any 10W30 Dino. With a roller cam you dont need extra zddp during break-in.

Its not that I think the T5 will hurt anything but if you have issues you want to be able to say you followed instructions.

I would likely go with Valvoline 10W30 for the simple reason that many engine builders are used to the brand (Many run VR1 in their race engines) and are less likely to try to blame an issue on the oil. For the same reason I would use an AC Delco Filter.

 

[lipadj46]

I would just use the Rotella. The synthetic portion of it is most likely some sort of a super refined dino oil anyways and like stated about we are not talking flat tappets here.

 

[Audi Junkie]

Hit.

 

[gfh77665]

Maybe this is a DUMB question, but, can Rotellas really be used in a gas car? I thought it was only for diesels. Can someone explain? Thanks.

 

[spasm3]

if you are going to change it out say after 10 minutes , why not use any 10w 30 oil. Any api rated oil should be fine, then run your favorite brand. If you are going to leave the start up oil in for a while then i might spend a bit for the t 5.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: gfh77665
Maybe this is a DUMB question, but, can Rotellas really be used in a gas car? I thought it was only for diesels. Can someone explain? Thanks.


It's dual rated. It has the C spec for diesel engines, and the S spec for gasoline engines.

There are certain Rotella and Delvac varieties that are speced for diesel only. However, you're not going to find them at Walmart and buy them by accident.

 

[spasm3]

Originally Posted By: gfh77665
Maybe this is a DUMB question, but, can Rotellas really be used in a gas car? I thought it was only for diesels. Can someone explain? Thanks.


yes!!

 

[zrxkawboy]

Originally Posted By: Gannet
When I went to Wal-Mart they didn't have any decent 10w30 dinos.


Huh? What exactly were you looking for?

 

[lipadj46]

Originally Posted By: gfh77665
Maybe this is a DUMB question, but, can Rotellas really be used in a gas car? I thought it was only for diesels. Can someone explain? Thanks.


Rotella is not a disel oil, it is dual rated for gas and diesel engines. Rotella T5 is SM so don't listen to the ill informed.

 

[DreamerGT]

Originally Posted By: zrxkawboy
Originally Posted By: Gannet
When I went to Wal-Mart they didn't have any decent 10w30 dinos.


Huh? What exactly were you looking for?


I was thinking the same thing.

 

[steve20]

breaking in a new motor in Florida in the summer--------Joe Gibbs 30W, Rotella 30W or PZL 30W



Steve

 

[dailydriver]

Are you going forced induction and/or BIG shot in the future?

Just wondering why you went with the iron block (or was it just the less $$$$ reason?).

 

[Boss302fan]

Originally Posted By: steve20
breaking in a new motor in Florida in the summer--------Joe Gibbs 30W, Rotella 30W or PZL 30W



Steve


DITTO. I have a collection of classic cars and have rebuilt some performance engines and this is a good way to go. I also like 40 weight oils...

 

[Gannet]

Originally Posted By: dailydriver
Are you going forced induction and/or BIG shot in the future?

Just wondering why you went with the iron block (or was it just the less $$$$ reason?).


Yes, it's ProCharged. Figuring about 10 psi with "street" pulley and tune, and 16+ with "race" pulley and tune. I want to go mile racing, and some shops who have been there and done that told me it couldn't be too strong for that.