Originally Posted By: zray
Originally Posted By: ws6formula
I know Pontiacs with larger journals (and cast rods?) could be a bit more prone to spinning bearings.
I was hoping to get an oil (if possible) that could offer better protection against main and rod bearings spinning and protects my thrust bearing. I was thinking - get an oil that has a stronger oil film? or an oil film that resists breaking down better?
I reccomend Mobil 1 15w-50. I use it in all the classic cars I've restored, and have never had any engine / oil issues. It will provide exceptional protection for someone in your situation. I've ran my Ford engines flat out at 6,500 to 7,000 rpm for as long as a tank of gas would last, which is generally 130 miles. And I've repeated that high speed endurance run numerous times. Do you think your engine will,get treated more harshly than that ? Probably not. I started using it about 19 years ago. So far so good.
As far as your thermostat goes, do not run your engine with a 160 degree thermostat, that is way too cold. 180 should be considered a minimum.
Z
+1 on the M1 15W50.
When I used to build my engines for my street/hot rods, I learned that if I ran an engine without a t-stat, or even a 160* t-stat, it didn't make a difference. Why? Because, without a t-stat, the coolant was always flowing, and using a 160* t-stat had almost the same effect as not having one at all. After installing a 180* t-stat, or even a 190* t-stat, the engine ran nice and cool. The only time the e-fans kicked on was if I got stuck at a long red light on a hot day, or, if I ran my a/c. I could watch it on the temperature gauge. When the temperature gauge got to 200*, or very slightly over 200*, the e-fans kicked on and the t-stat opened allowing the cool water from the radiator to enter the engine and I could watch the temperature gauge drop back down to 180*-190*.