Oil for new 500HP LS based engine?

[blsnelling]

I just build and installed a new 6.0L in my 2001 GMC Sierra 4x4. I built it with 11:1 compression and about 500HP at the crank. I broke it in with Rotella dino 10w-40 plus a break-in additive. I've changed the oil at the following mileages. 10, 100, 500, and 1500. I now have about 3300 miles on it and am ready to change it again. I had to add about 1/2 quart of oil in the last OCI.

Now the big question. Am I ready for synthetic, or do I need to continue break-in with the dino?

If ready for synthetic, which one? Bearing tolerances in the engine are to factory specs. With the 10x-40, I'm running about 53 PSI oil pressure at idle, 60-65 on the interstate, and probably 75-80 PSI at redline. I previously was running M1 TDT 5w-40 in my old 5.3. I have Castrol Edge in another vehicle, and PP in another. I'm not brand loyal, just want the best oil for my truck.

 

[Burt]

What do you do with 500 hp? Before you start, you must be certain that the next couple of blocks are free of cars. Just curious.

 

[The_Eric]

I'd use a dino 5w-30 (whichever brand floats your boat) and go 3k again. After that, you'll have 6k on the engine and it should be as ready as it will ever be for a synthetic.

Given the cool temps this time of year and the fact that your oil temps should be normal to slightly low, coupled with the fact the engine was spec'ed for a 5w-30, you'll be just fine. This is of course assuming that your driving habits are normal(ish). With normal driving and cool temps, your oil temps wont be high enough to dictate a thicker oil.

 

[bryceban]

I would run a 5w30 if clearances are within spec and preferably a synthetic.

Off topic: Sweet engine build! Running it through a built 4l80E and 14 bolt SF I assume?

 

[spasm3]

i think i would run a high zddp oil like rotella t-5 or t-6 for break-in to 6000miles , perhaps even a can of lubro-moly mos2 for the break in.

 

[rslifkin]

I agree, T6 would do nicely for that engine. You should be fine to switch to synth at this point.

 

[kcfx4]

Originally Posted By: The_Eric
I'd use a dino 5w-30 (whichever brand floats your boat) and go 3k again. After that, you'll have 6k on the engine and it should be as ready as it will ever be for a synthetic. With normal driving and cool temps, your oil temps wont be high enough to dictate a thicker oil.

+1, and id like to note ive read of vette owners liking edge, i a ford guy love edge, tho i have NO engine comparable!!

 

[blsnelling]

Originally Posted By: bryceban
I would run a 5w30 if clearances are within spec and preferably a synthetic.

Off topic: Sweet engine build! Running it through a built 4l80E and 14 bolt SF I assume?

Lol, probably should be. I'm still running the originla 4L60E, but I did install a Transgo HD shift kit and aluminum accumulator pistons. The rear carrier was replaced with a Detroit TruTrac with 4.30 gears.

Originally Posted By: spasm3
i think i would run a high zddp oil like rotella t-5 or t-6 for break-in to 6000miles , perhaps even a can of lubro-moly mos2 for the break in.

I used Rotella dino 10w-40 with a break-in additive for the first 1500 miles. The last 2000 I used the same oil without the aditive.

 

[blsnelling]

What's the consensus? Would T5 be a good compromise for the next 3000 miles? Or should I stick with straight dino? I want full synthetic in it ASAP, but don't want to hinder any possible remaining break-in that's needed.

 

[hounddog]

I would have gone to 1500 on the oil that it was built with unless you built it in a sandbox.Then 3k on dino.Then full synthetic.

 

[rslifkin]

Switching to syn shouldn't hurt break-in at all. Make sure you run it somewhat hard (not up to redline, but moderate throttle to get the rings seated).

 

[901Memphis]

Looks like a good candidate for GC 0w-30.

 

[blsnelling]

Originally Posted By: rslifkin
Switching to syn shouldn't hurt break-in at all. Make sure you run it somewhat hard (not up to redline, but moderate throttle to get the rings seated).

The first time I drove it it saw about 50% power and 4K RPMs, then backpressure, all to seat the rings. VIDEO

 

[AzFireGuy79]

LS motors aren't picky when it comes to oil, so go with a high quality brand you trust. No need for ZDDP as these are roller motors, although it won't hurt anything either. I am running an ERL LS2 in my 96 SS camaro(1200 hp turbocharged with a GT47-88). I run RL 5w-30(sometimes switch to 10w-40). For an engine in your power range, an off the shelf synthetic should be more than adequate.

Now if it were mine I would obviously run a POE oil as Im partial to them. Overkill??? Maybe, but I have had great results using them in many applications. If you are ok with paying more to do so, Motul and Redline are your top choices in a Group V oil. If you go with a group III, Castrol Edge and Mobil 1 0w-40 are very popular in the LS community.

 

[Corvette Owner]

I run Edge 5W-30 in my 1998 Corvette with 130,000 miles. It is quieter than Mobil 1 and had 3 times less ppm lead (main reason I changed).

I am running PP in my other cars, although I was a LONG TIME Mobil 1 fan. Not that I think Mobil 1 is a bad oil, just that others have improved.

 

[901Memphis]

Pennzoil Ultra is another option, the Castrol Edge would not be a bad choice either.

 

[electrolover]

i vote VR1 conv or syn. x/40 if your gonna rag on it alot x/30 if you dont abuse it too much.

T6 would be great too

 

[blsnelling]

I had been planning to go back to the M1 TDT 5W-40. Would you say that some of these other oils are better choices? Like I already mentioned, I'm already using Edge in another vehicle, and PP in another. I'll be going to Ultra in that vehicle next.

BTW, I went with Rotella T5 for this OCI. What ever I go to after this I plan on sticking with. So keep the comments coming. I've got 3K miles to decide Thanks for all the valuable feedback!

 

[SteveSRT8]

If your engine is set up typically there should be no need for anything over 30w.

Costs a bit of hp too. I run Amsoil Dominator in my go fast streeter with 550 hp roller small block stroker. Seems to rev a bit freer, but may be in my head.

These engines are simply not hard on the oil. Have some fun!

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
Looks like a good candidate for GC 0w-30.


GC 0-30 doesn't carry the GM4718M spec designed for Corvette. Since off the shelf M1 5-30 does and is used by several high end road race teams, this might be a good choice for you.