It looks like Mobil 1 is a better choice than the RL product you were using.
Corvette UA0 with Redline 5w30: High Lead
- Thread starter Dirty_Howie
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If this LS7 is still under warranty I'd be using whatever junk GM suggests and when it pops just have it replaced! This certainly isn't the first LSx motor that we've heard of having issues so I wouldn't be surprised.
Once you get your new engine, which hopefully has all of the "updates" done to it, stick with a good, "non-botique" oil and if you are going to track it, always go at least 1 grade thicker on oil. CAFE owns american car companies, especially GM so using "water" in a 500+hp big block isn't exactly what I'd call correct...
Once you get your new engine, which hopefully has all of the "updates" done to it, stick with a good, "non-botique" oil and if you are going to track it, always go at least 1 grade thicker on oil. CAFE owns american car companies, especially GM so using "water" in a 500+hp big block isn't exactly what I'd call correct...
Originally Posted By: HKPolice
I'd crack open the valve covers and take a look. If the cams look fine then main bearings = huge PITA.
Ummm.... the cam isn't under the valve covers on an LS-x engine...
The LS-7 is a fairly oddball engine- the rod and crank bearings are titanium coated (though maybe not if these or originals to a 2006 engine, that may have come along later as a result of its tendency to eat bearings). Oiling is dry-sump, and the stroke is so long that the cylinder liners extend into the crankcase below the block casting material to allow the piston to reach BDC... in short its not exactly a recipe for a long-lived engine even when everything works perfectly. I suspect that's one reason that the supercharged 6.3 has completely supplanted it now.
As long as its running well, I'd probably just continue to track the wear and enjoy it. I mean what's the alternative, tear it down just because lead's a little high in an oil analysis? Try another oil when you're already using one of the best possible high-performance oils? I mean, the latter wouldn't hurt anything, maybe it would respond well to a more conventional formula than it does to ester-based Redline, but its not likely. Bottom line for me would be that its not something like a money-earning truck engine where downtime is unacceptable so its. IF it fails, then pay for the overhaul at that time and not as a preventative measure that might not even be needed. JMHO.
I just saw the report with Mobil 1 at the end of this thread... and I'm rather impressed. And of course this is only going to fuel the (already widespread) belief that Mobil 1 0w40 is magical juice... Or maybe all the lead's just gone from the bearings now...
At any rate, no need to tear it down unless something goes bang.
I'd crack open the valve covers and take a look. If the cams look fine then main bearings = huge PITA.
Ummm.... the cam isn't under the valve covers on an LS-x engine...
The LS-7 is a fairly oddball engine- the rod and crank bearings are titanium coated (though maybe not if these or originals to a 2006 engine, that may have come along later as a result of its tendency to eat bearings). Oiling is dry-sump, and the stroke is so long that the cylinder liners extend into the crankcase below the block casting material to allow the piston to reach BDC... in short its not exactly a recipe for a long-lived engine even when everything works perfectly. I suspect that's one reason that the supercharged 6.3 has completely supplanted it now.
As long as its running well, I'd probably just continue to track the wear and enjoy it. I mean what's the alternative, tear it down just because lead's a little high in an oil analysis? Try another oil when you're already using one of the best possible high-performance oils? I mean, the latter wouldn't hurt anything, maybe it would respond well to a more conventional formula than it does to ester-based Redline, but its not likely. Bottom line for me would be that its not something like a money-earning truck engine where downtime is unacceptable so its. IF it fails, then pay for the overhaul at that time and not as a preventative measure that might not even be needed. JMHO.
I just saw the report with Mobil 1 at the end of this thread... and I'm rather impressed. And of course this is only going to fuel the (already widespread) belief that Mobil 1 0w40 is magical juice... Or maybe all the lead's just gone from the bearings now...
At any rate, no need to tear it down unless something goes bang.
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Originally Posted By: Dirty_Howie
Well finally here is my latest UAO switching from Redline 5w30 to Mobil 1 0w40. There is a little less milage but not significant in my opinion as most metals are constant with previous samples except for the LEAD. I had more AutoX time.
Congradulations to those members who predicted the results. Hopefully many will comment again and decipher the results. Unless convinced otherwise I will be staying with the Mobil 1.
Here is an email I recieved from Blackstone this morning after my inquiry and before report was received. Please note and comment on the thought that bearing might be ready to fail. Also not sure why Blackstone's comments on the report say they have "no idea" when I specifically spelled out that I switched oils.
I just had a chance to look at the data from your report today. I think
you'll be pleased. Most metals are steady, but lead has come down quite a
bit. (By half, actually, and that's quite an improvement.) I will say that
if suddenly metals start to look better for no apparent reason, maybe --
maybe -- the bearings are wearing out, as you had asked about in the past.
But assuming you're still getting good oil pressure, not hearing any noises
or anything like that, I would say it's kind of premature to start talking
about that. I just know it had been a question of yours in the past, so I
wanted to mention it.
You can see the slight change in additives in your latest report (the
report still needs to be proofread, so it'll be sent out after that's
done). This oil has less molybdenum, more boron and calcium. The viscosity
was within the expected range, so that's a nice improvement, though I don't
necessarily think the readings being off in the past were of any
consequence. I doubt the change in oils would be to thank for the
improvement in wear, but if you want to test the idea, switch back to
Redline and see if wear goes back up. (That's a common question we get when
wear improves following an oil brand change, so I thought I'd head off any
questions in that department.)
Anyway, you should have your report within a few hours. Let me know if you
think of questions!
DH
So this begs the question: is it the M1, or the thicker oil? I'd be inclined to have a run with the 0w40 Red Line; but it's your oil and perhaps "leave well enough alone" works in this case.
Well finally here is my latest UAO switching from Redline 5w30 to Mobil 1 0w40. There is a little less milage but not significant in my opinion as most metals are constant with previous samples except for the LEAD. I had more AutoX time.
Congradulations to those members who predicted the results. Hopefully many will comment again and decipher the results. Unless convinced otherwise I will be staying with the Mobil 1.
Here is an email I recieved from Blackstone this morning after my inquiry and before report was received. Please note and comment on the thought that bearing might be ready to fail. Also not sure why Blackstone's comments on the report say they have "no idea" when I specifically spelled out that I switched oils.
I just had a chance to look at the data from your report today. I think
you'll be pleased. Most metals are steady, but lead has come down quite a
bit. (By half, actually, and that's quite an improvement.) I will say that
if suddenly metals start to look better for no apparent reason, maybe --
maybe -- the bearings are wearing out, as you had asked about in the past.
But assuming you're still getting good oil pressure, not hearing any noises
or anything like that, I would say it's kind of premature to start talking
about that. I just know it had been a question of yours in the past, so I
wanted to mention it.
You can see the slight change in additives in your latest report (the
report still needs to be proofread, so it'll be sent out after that's
done). This oil has less molybdenum, more boron and calcium. The viscosity
was within the expected range, so that's a nice improvement, though I don't
necessarily think the readings being off in the past were of any
consequence. I doubt the change in oils would be to thank for the
improvement in wear, but if you want to test the idea, switch back to
Redline and see if wear goes back up. (That's a common question we get when
wear improves following an oil brand change, so I thought I'd head off any
questions in that department.)
Anyway, you should have your report within a few hours. Let me know if you
think of questions!
DH
So this begs the question: is it the M1, or the thicker oil? I'd be inclined to have a run with the 0w40 Red Line; but it's your oil and perhaps "leave well enough alone" works in this case.
Originally Posted By: Kuato
Originally Posted By: Dirty_Howie
Well finally here is my latest UAO switching from Redline 5w30 to Mobil 1 0w40. There is a little less milage but not significant in my opinion as most metals are constant with previous samples except for the LEAD. I had more AutoX time.
Congradulations to those members who predicted the results. Hopefully many will comment again and decipher the results. Unless convinced otherwise I will be staying with the Mobil 1.
Here is an email I recieved from Blackstone this morning after my inquiry and before report was received. Please note and comment on the thought that bearing might be ready to fail. Also not sure why Blackstone's comments on the report say they have "no idea" when I specifically spelled out that I switched oils.
I just had a chance to look at the data from your report today. I think
you'll be pleased. Most metals are steady, but lead has come down quite a
bit. (By half, actually, and that's quite an improvement.) I will say that
if suddenly metals start to look better for no apparent reason, maybe --
maybe -- the bearings are wearing out, as you had asked about in the past.
But assuming you're still getting good oil pressure, not hearing any noises
or anything like that, I would say it's kind of premature to start talking
about that. I just know it had been a question of yours in the past, so I
wanted to mention it.
You can see the slight change in additives in your latest report (the
report still needs to be proofread, so it'll be sent out after that's
done). This oil has less molybdenum, more boron and calcium. The viscosity
was within the expected range, so that's a nice improvement, though I don't
necessarily think the readings being off in the past were of any
consequence. I doubt the change in oils would be to thank for the
improvement in wear, but if you want to test the idea, switch back to
Redline and see if wear goes back up. (That's a common question we get when
wear improves following an oil brand change, so I thought I'd head off any
questions in that department.)
Anyway, you should have your report within a few hours. Let me know if you
think of questions!
DH
So this begs the question: is it the M1, or the thicker oil? I'd be inclined to have a run with the 0w40 Red Line; but it's your oil and perhaps "leave well enough alone" works in this case.
Or a 10w-40 the smaller the viscosity spread the better probably still stands under the harshest load conditions but then I could be wrong.
Originally Posted By: Dirty_Howie
Well finally here is my latest UAO switching from Redline 5w30 to Mobil 1 0w40. There is a little less milage but not significant in my opinion as most metals are constant with previous samples except for the LEAD. I had more AutoX time.
Congradulations to those members who predicted the results. Hopefully many will comment again and decipher the results. Unless convinced otherwise I will be staying with the Mobil 1.
Here is an email I recieved from Blackstone this morning after my inquiry and before report was received. Please note and comment on the thought that bearing might be ready to fail. Also not sure why Blackstone's comments on the report say they have "no idea" when I specifically spelled out that I switched oils.
I just had a chance to look at the data from your report today. I think
you'll be pleased. Most metals are steady, but lead has come down quite a
bit. (By half, actually, and that's quite an improvement.) I will say that
if suddenly metals start to look better for no apparent reason, maybe --
maybe -- the bearings are wearing out, as you had asked about in the past.
But assuming you're still getting good oil pressure, not hearing any noises
or anything like that, I would say it's kind of premature to start talking
about that. I just know it had been a question of yours in the past, so I
wanted to mention it.
You can see the slight change in additives in your latest report (the
report still needs to be proofread, so it'll be sent out after that's
done). This oil has less molybdenum, more boron and calcium. The viscosity
was within the expected range, so that's a nice improvement, though I don't
necessarily think the readings being off in the past were of any
consequence. I doubt the change in oils would be to thank for the
improvement in wear, but if you want to test the idea, switch back to
Redline and see if wear goes back up. (That's a common question we get when
wear improves following an oil brand change, so I thought I'd head off any
questions in that department.)
Anyway, you should have your report within a few hours. Let me know if you
think of questions!
DH
So this begs the question: is it the M1, or the thicker oil? I'd be inclined to have a run with the 0w40 Red Line; but it's your oil and perhaps "leave well enough alone" works in this case.
Or a 10w-40 the smaller the viscosity spread the better probably still stands under the harshest load conditions but then I could be wrong.
Just wanted to mention in response to the Balckstone email. My oil pressure has not changed at all in the 23k miles I have put on the car and the motor sound exactly the same as well.
I doubt that I would try a thicker oil as I aready have to baby it for 10 minutes until oil heats up other wise pressure will exceed 80psi even at 2500-3000rpm. But that was the case as well with the Redline5w30.
DH
I doubt that I would try a thicker oil as I aready have to baby it for 10 minutes until oil heats up other wise pressure will exceed 80psi even at 2500-3000rpm. But that was the case as well with the Redline5w30.
DH
Originally Posted By: Dirty_Howie
Just wanted to mention in response to the Balckstone email. My oil pressure has not changed at all in the 23k miles I have put on the car and the motor sound exactly the same as well.
I doubt that I would try a thicker oil as I aready have to baby it for 10 minutes until oil heats up other wise pressure will exceed 80psi even at 2500-3000rpm. But that was the case as well with the Redline5w30.
DH
Its good to let the fluids warm up, but 80 PSI cold seems perfectly reasonable especially with a modern engine using a crank-driven oil pump instead of an old-school 90-degree helical gear drive off the cam. I see as much as 100 PSI cold on my 08 Ram (on 5w20!) and 90 on my '66 and '69 440s on 0w40.
Just wanted to mention in response to the Balckstone email. My oil pressure has not changed at all in the 23k miles I have put on the car and the motor sound exactly the same as well.
I doubt that I would try a thicker oil as I aready have to baby it for 10 minutes until oil heats up other wise pressure will exceed 80psi even at 2500-3000rpm. But that was the case as well with the Redline5w30.
DH
Its good to let the fluids warm up, but 80 PSI cold seems perfectly reasonable especially with a modern engine using a crank-driven oil pump instead of an old-school 90-degree helical gear drive off the cam. I see as much as 100 PSI cold on my 08 Ram (on 5w20!) and 90 on my '66 and '69 440s on 0w40.
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I think subsequent trending on this oil will probably see the lead decline further. Keep us updated
I like letting things get warm and toasty before working the motor hard.
DH
DH
That would be nice ............. glad I switched back to the Mobil 0w40. Great advise I received here.
DH
DH
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Originally Posted By: Dirty_Howie
That would be nice ............. glad I switched back to the Mobil 0w40. Great advise I received here.
DH
That would be nice ............. glad I switched back to the Mobil 0w40. Great advise I received here.
DH
Originally Posted By: Gasbuggy
I was looking forward to this UOA update! I was expecting you would see an improvement.
Yes, many predicted this. Surpized more aren't in here bragging ... hahahaa!!
DH
I was looking forward to this UOA update! I was expecting you would see an improvement.
Yes, many predicted this. Surpized more aren't in here bragging ... hahahaa!!
DH
Originally Posted By: CT8
Soon you will feel the pressure and anxiety build for the next UOA. At least I am waiting !
No pressure or anxiety.....will do the next OC at same approx 3K mile interval.
Care to make any predictions?
DH
Soon you will feel the pressure and anxiety build for the next UOA. At least I am waiting !
No pressure or anxiety.....will do the next OC at same approx 3K mile interval.
Care to make any predictions?
DH
Originally Posted By: Dirty_Howie
Originally Posted By: CT8
Soon you will feel the pressure and anxiety build for the next UOA. At least I am waiting !
No pressure or anxiety.....will do the next OC at same approx 3K mile interval.
Care to make any predictions?
DH
Heck no! what if I am wrong? I am enjoying the results of the posts. Have you thought of running Redline 10w-40 oil to see if the lead kicks up due to the Redline oils chemistry or the viscosity?
Originally Posted By: CT8
Soon you will feel the pressure and anxiety build for the next UOA. At least I am waiting !
No pressure or anxiety.....will do the next OC at same approx 3K mile interval.
Care to make any predictions?
DH
Heck no! what if I am wrong? I am enjoying the results of the posts. Have you thought of running Redline 10w-40 oil to see if the lead kicks up due to the Redline oils chemistry or the viscosity?
Haha ........
Heck no! what if I lead goes up? I am enjoying the results of the Mobil 0w40 !!!!
DH
Heck no! what if I lead goes up? I am enjoying the results of the Mobil 0w40 !!!!
DH
Originally Posted By: miami993
Originally Posted By: CT8
The lead may not be wear. But I agree with you 100%.
Christian
Huh ????
Originally Posted By: CT8
The lead may not be wear. But I agree with you 100%.
Christian
Huh ????
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