Help with first oil change.

[bobcowan]

Originally Posted by Hooch

Thanks... Where were you guys when I was building this thing. I'm embarrassed to say that I do not know the torque spec for my drain plug.... I was looking for info on viscosity, conventional vs synthetic, additives, brand etc...

A lot depends on usage. For general street use, pick a good standard dino oil, and change it every 5K miles or once a year.

If you're going to be racing, you'll develope a lot of heat. For that use, pick a true synthetic, it will handle the heat better. And change it more often.

AFAIK, there are only 4 true synthetics on the marke: Royal Purple, Red Line, Amsoil, and another I can never remember. Notice that Mobile 1 is NOT on the list.

For viscosity, pick the one that miantians your oil pressure. For most engines, 5W-30 is plenty. More viscosity is not better.

For a filter, avoid Fram, one of the worst on the market. I use either motorcraft or Purolater Pro-1.

For additives, I use a break in additive to increase the ZDDP levels. I get the Comp Cams additive from Summit. I use it with every oil change. In theory, it prevents glassification of the cylinder walls. I also use it in my diesel pick up, because it has flat tappets.

Added ZDDP seems to be optional with a roller cam, and required with flat tappet. Brad Pen oil has plenty of ZDDP, but it's not synthetic. Diesel oils have a little more than gas oils, but they've cut their content by 25%.