20W50 Havoline Racing Oil for Break-in

[Jerry Cowing]

Bill Parham built my engine and recommended I break it in with 20W50 Havoline Racing Oil for at least 2000 miles. He said DO NOT run synthetic during the break-in period. I was burning about a quart every 500 miles until I got about 3500 miles on it and then it stopped burning oil. I changed the oil at 200, 500, 1000, 2000, 3000 and 4000 miles during the break-in and now change it every 2000 miles. I also switched to 15W50 Mobile 1 Synthetic at 4000 miles and it doesn't burn it either. I've been told it takes longer (2000+ miles) for the rings to seat if it was built with chrome rings.

Of course always change the filter when you change the oil. There's a real good thread on which filters are good and bad on this forum somewhere. Its well worth the read.

There's also a good thread on oil additives. It BASICALLY said to stay away from all the additives as I remember. Do a search.

[Bumpster]

Jerry - That's good to know about your break in experience. I will probably be getting my engine from Southern and if I have a similar oil consumption I will know not to panic. I am a firm believer in synthetics after becomming an Amsoil dealer at the lowest level of the multi-level chain. The local distributer has good monthly meetings and I have learned a ton about lubrication in general and synthetics in particular. There are really no reasons not to use synthetics and every reason to do so. I am convinced it saved the engine in my Ranger when the thermostat stuck and I overheated badly on the highway. I thought I blew the head but when I replaced the thermostat and filled it up with coolant, it's been fine ever since. You are right about staying away from additives, and just stick with synthetics. I would use Mobil if Amsoil was not available, but they are the only two worth using. You might look into becoming an Amsoil dealer just to be able to buy at a discount. As often as you change oil, you would save some money.

Bumpster

[Jerry Cowing]

Bumpster,

Good luck in your build. This post was actually a mistake. I was trying to respond to a thread on the Local Clubs Tab, Deep South Cobra Club site entitled "I saw you," but instead made it a "new thread." I tried to delete it, but it wouldn't give me permissions to delete it.

I'm glad to see my mistake benefited someone.

[excelguru]

Jerry,

The next time you need a thread deleted, just email me and let me know. As the moderator, I have ultimate power (insert evil laugh here).

Keith