Engine Oil

[jtubbs]

You guys have probably talked this to death.

I have a 302, makes about 400hp. Extra size sump, dual oil filters, and oil cooler make the capacity over 9 quarts. I would like synthetic, but am concerned about viscosity for the engine and the propensity for leaks by not getting used much.

Any suggestions appreciated.

[lippy]

Most folks here use conventional oil (not synthetic), high zinc. Either Joe Gibbs, Brad Penn, or Valvoline VR-1. I use VR-1 10-30.

[bobcowan]

Here's some quick reading for ya.

Engine Oil – Viscosity – Racing the Exocet

Engine Oil – Synthetic? Dino? So Confusing. – Racing the Exocet

[Cobra #3170]

Engine Oil
For what it is worth:
I used plain old Castrol GTX 20-50 in my engine from 2013-2016 and according to the builder it was perfect on disassembly, the bearings could have been reused, valve guides were tight and bores were perfect. This engine was autoxed and regularly turned 8200 rpm. with very high oil temps in the summer with two drivers. When we dynoed it on synthetic we had some oil get by the rings (we think) and it detonated and blew a head gasket. I never tried synthetic again. I was very happy with the results considering how cheap and available Castrol GTX is. We used Joe Gibbs break-in oil and Joe Gibbs synthetic racing oil when the detonation occurred. Engine is 498 CID and 15 to 1 compression with a solid roller cam .800 lift. Valve springs were also unchanged as far as pressures go I would use Castrol again.

[Bartruff1]

I am old....I don't do track days....I roll into every shift, brake, ect... I seldom exceed 5000 rpms....I change the oil and filter every 3000 miles or driving season ....oil is oil to me...I use what ever is on sale at WalMart...

[map]

Dzzp.

[PHM]

Run Klotz oil! You will not be disappointed.

[fordracing65]

Originally Posted by Cobra #3170

Engine Oil
For what it is worth:
I used plain old Castrol GTX 20-50 in my engine from 2013-2016 and according to the builder it was perfect on disassembly, the bearings could have been reused, valve guides were tight and bores were perfect. This engine was autoxed and regularly turned 8200 rpm. with very high oil temps in the summer with two drivers. When we dynoed it on synthetic we had some oil get by the rings (we think) and it detonated and blew a head gasket. I never tried synthetic again. I was very happy with the results considering how cheap and available Castrol GTX is. We used Joe Gibbs break-in oil and Joe Gibbs synthetic racing oil when the detonation occurred. Engine is 498 CID and 15 to 1 compression with a solid roller cam .800 lift. Valve springs were also unchanged as far as pressures go I would use Castrol again.

Very interesting. I think the top 3 used not in any order is joe Gibbs Brad penn valvoline vr1. Does the castrol have the zinc in it???

[fordracing65]

For sale on Amazon now. The prices for a case of 12 1 quart bottles. Joe Gibbs was $104. Brad penn was $80. Valvoline vr1 was $78. I think we have an oil poll on the forum where we voted.

[KevinW]

Originally Posted by lippy

Most folks here use conventional oil (not synthetic), high zinc. Either Joe Gibbs, Brad Penn, or Valvoline VR-1. I use VR-1 10-30.

So I'm confused.
This add says VR-1 10W30 is synthetic:
[ame]https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006NT84P0/ref=psdc_15719391_t2_B00DJ4FMK2[/ame]

Other places say its standard oil. Other advertisers don't say.

It also come in 2 different containers.

So, mineral oil, semi-synthetic, or synthetic?

[1795]

Valvoline makes both a synthetic and a standard VR1 Racing oil.