Trying out Synthetic

[JonH29]

Sorry, bit long winded. Just wanted to give as much info as possible.
I'm new here, but I've been reading the forums for awhile and haven't found a thread with my exact answers. I'm in the process of reading on the material on the front page which lead me to the decision of switching to 5w30 synthetic in my Ford 460.
History:
Didn't know much about oil when my friends and I got this truck running so I always stuck 10w-40 mineral oil in it. The thinking was "thicker is better. Mineral oil for old engines, synthetic for new." Just this week I swapped over to Mobil 1, 5w30 synthetic. I do use STP ZDDP additive since I still have a flat tappet cam.
Just want to make sure I'm on the right path. This truck has had some work and gets 350-400 horses. I usually drive pretty calmly, but racing and drifting is alot of fun in college and this truck has no issues with it.
So far the synthetic with the ZDDP additive sounds and runs better than anything else I've put in.
Other things I've considered are Rotella T6 (for detergents in desiel oil, but reading has persuaded me against it. Thoughts?), and going to a synthetic 10w-40. Though after reading many forums and the front page my considerations are more towards what I have now (5w30 synthetic) and the Rotella T6 (5w-40 synthetic).
I don't have an owner's manual or know the recommended weight. Just looking for other opinions.

 

[SwampSurvivor]

If you want to run a synthetic 40 grade,T6 fits the bill. Has a bit higher zddp. For the flat tappet cam and is cheap!

 

[fauxchemist]

Originally Posted By: Miller88
If you want to run a synthetic 40 grade,T6 fits the bill. Has a bit higher zddp. For the flat tappet cam and is cheap!


Very good recommendation for your application and Im a die hard Mobil 1 fan.

 

[daman]

I think the M1 5w30 will fit the bill fine,you also could use HM M1 5w30,with a API SL rating it has a little more robust add pack with higher anti-wear/detergents that will help that Big block out.

If oil pressure is good IMO you don't need a 40w, I run 0w30 in my 454.

 

[LargeCarManX2]

Welcome,.... I personally like and use Mobil 1 0w40 in my V/8 engine. Also, Mobil 1 10w40 is another good choice for your bigblock.

 

[JonH29]

I am actually using the HM M1 5w30. Again, shows how much I pay attention to marketing. Always thought HM, unmarked, economy boost, etc. type oils were all the same, just different marketing. I'm currently considering a 0w30 to help fight off the cold start wear. Thanks for the feedback =)

 

[JonH29]

Just curious what the cons may be to using a diesel oil in my gas engine. This engine has proven to be bullteproof over and over again, but I'd rather not take any chances. I would want to be sure there would be no repercussions in using a diesel oil.

 

[2KBMW]

Originally Posted By: JonH29
Just curious what the cons may be to using a diesel oil in my gas engine. This engine has proven to be bullteproof over and over again, but I'd rather not take any chances. I would want to be sure there would be no repercussions in using a diesel oil.

I was going to recommend the same as Miller88 did.
This will give you the extra ZDDP your after along with extra
Calcium. You don't have to bother with STP.

 

[JonH29]

Highly considering that. The 5w30 has great oil pressure, but I really want to pull away from the STP additive. It's thick and gross, not to mention the cheapest I can find it is $3.50 for half a quart. Highly doubt it flows well. The counter arguement would be that with gas engine oils I can use the 0w30 to help fight the start up wear. Both seem to be great options and I'll continue to research, just making sure I have the right ideas first. Thank you all for feedback =)

 

[Clevy]

The stp additive actually has less ppm zddp that the oil you put in. So in effect you have diluted the zddp so there is less ppm in the oil sump and you've thickened the oil slightly.
If you want zddp the gm branded oil treatment is very high in zddp as are break in additives from comp cams and red line.
I too was like you and thought thicker is better but in all truth oil temp and pressure is the key. More pressure means less flow and the pump works harder,costing you hp.
Stick with the Mobil 1 you are using. I'm not a Mobil fan at all however they make a decent oil. If you want more zddp get a break in additive from a speed shop,that stp is junk,stay away from Lucas too.
Quaker state defy has elevated anti-wear and is made for engines like yours,so maybe try that next time.

 

[Clevy]

Originally Posted By: JonH29
Just curious what the cons may be to using a diesel oil in my gas engine. This engine has proven to be bullteproof over and over again, but I'd rather not take any chances. I would want to be sure there would be no repercussions in using a diesel oil.

Go ahead. Rotella has their T-5 line that can be had in various grades and their conventional can be found in a 10w30 flavour.
The T-5 has more zddp than the T-6 full synthetic,so keep that in mind when shopping.

 

[JonH29]

I've heard many bad things about STP and Lucas, so I really don't doubt you there. Redline and Comp Cams stuff can be hard to access for me though. However, what are your thoughts on Royal Purple break-in oil? Kind of been looking for a good ZDDP additive also, but figured I'd stick more to oil choice for this forum and research the additive myself. Thanks for the feedback though! Makes my life alot easier.

 

[46Harry]

I good friend of mine has an 86 Ford F250 with the 460 engine in it and he has been using Chevron Delo synthetic 5W-40 with good results. The Redline break in additive can be bought directly from Redline's website if you feel you need it.

 

[electrolover]

Originally Posted By: fauxchemist
Originally Posted By: Miller88
If you want to run a synthetic 40 grade,T6 fits the bill. Has a bit higher zddp. For the flat tappet cam and is cheap!


Very good recommendation for your application and Im a die hard Mobil 1 fan.


T6 would be the way I would go as well. If not you could try valvoline vr1.