best oil for a performance pushrod motor?

[NJ2000R]

I've asked 5 different people, and got 4 different answers....valvoline, mobil 1, royal purple (2) and castrol....

when I spoke to L&B about the motors they did for the GA 95R's (and my 93R) they said any decent brand 20-50 non-synthetic oil....just curious what everyone here runs? brand and weight....and any to avoid....

 

[1993R]

I run Wal-Mart synthetic. Never had a problem I just change the oil frequently and use a good filter. The mod motors I heard need a different weight than push rods. I use 20w-50 at the track in the 93R. Maybe I'm just cheap but since I'm not a pro the extra few ponies you pick up from the real expensive synthetics are not worth the extra $$$. Plus I read a consumer reports on oils etc...My views changed after that. I run the Wal mart stuff in everything from tractors and mowers to my boat and daily driver. Go figure.

 

[13 Cobra Toy]

Round two ding... ding...



MOTUL 300V 5W40 sorry 4.6/5.4

:beer:

 

[kevin]

let's add to your confusion amsoil

 

[ShelbyGuy]

valvoline straight 50 weight racing oil

or 20w-50 if you want a multi-vis

 

[1995COBRA-R]

when I spoke to L&B about the motors they did for the GA 95R's (and my 93R) they said any decent brand 20-50 non-synthetic oil....just curious what everyone here runs? brand and weight....and any to avoid....

My engine builder recommended 20W50 (any good brand; mineral) for one weekend and then a switch to synthetic 15W50 Mobil 1 (early pushrod 302). After 29 race weekends (and a busted head gasket), I pulled the engine and he reported absolutely no bearing wear.

He also taught me to cut open the oil filters after each oil change to watch for metal debris. I found some in the oil filter during Sebring and stuck it in the trailer. I'm glad I checked as after the engine was pulled; he found a sleeve had moved and destroyed the rings. The metal was ring material. I'm sure the engine would have blown if I had kept running it that weekend.

I am sold on Mobil 1 but wonder if all aren't mostly the same? :shrug: I use syn. 10W30 Mobil 1 for my 94/95 cars and syn. 0W20 Mobil 1 for my mod motor truck. I buy several cases when it is on sale. I use Ford filters.

 

[birdman941]

My engine builder recommended 20W50 (any good brand; mineral) for one weekend and then a switch to synthetic 15W50 Mobil 1 (early pushrod 302). After 29 race weekends (and a busted head gasket), I pulled the engine and he reported absolutely no bearing wear.

He also taught me to cut open the oil filters after each oil change to watch for metal debris. I found some in the oil filter during Sebring and stuck it in the trailer. I'm glad I checked as after the engine was pulled; he found a sleeve had moved and destroyed the rings. The metal was ring material. I'm sure the engine would have blown if I had kept running it that weekend.

I am sold on Mobil 1 but wonder if all aren't mostly the same? :shrug: I use syn. 10W30 Mobil 1 for my 94/95 cars and syn. 0W20 Mobil 1 for my mod motor truck. I buy several cases when it is on sale. I use Ford filters.

That was obviously good advice.
Mobil 1 here on everything ( even the lawnmower. Trust me, it runs better!)
Change it every 3k and put the used stuff in the Toro.
Motorcraft oil filters.

 

[Terry Moenich]

Nothing but Mobil One!!

 

[93SVTCobra]

If your talking BEST then this is it.....

 

[tomshep]

I've asked 5 different people, and got 4 different answers....valvoline, mobil 1, royal purple (2) and castrol....

when I spoke to L&B about the motors they did for the GA 95R's (and my 93R) they said any decent brand 20-50 non-synthetic oil....just curious what everyone here runs? brand and weight....and any to avoid....

Ken,

My motor is apart right now for a freshening. I was initially told by TF Racing to use 10-30. So, I ran 10-30 Mobil 1 syn. I later spoke to L&B and they told me the race teams would run thinner oil to pick up a few hp. They told me our motors were clearanced to run 20-50 dino or 15-50 syn. I then went to Mobil 1 15-50. I took the motor apart due to brass in the oil when I changed it. For the life of me, I can't find any brass showing anywhere in the motor. I can tell it blew a crank in the past and all I can figure is the oil cooler wasn't fully cleaned. The bearings look fantastic with a slight polishing on the surface. I just picked up the motor from the local machine shop last night and will be putting it together over the weekend (hopefully).

When I put it together I will start it out on 20-50 dino initially then straight to 15-50 Mobil 1 syn.

BTW, in my last order of parts from Summit I bought an oil filter cutter so I can start checking my filters. Another item I am going to start doing is oil testing from Blackstone labs. They talk about that a lot over on thedieselstop.com. It is minimal in cost and they give you a breakdown of metals, fuel, etc in the oil. Cheap insurance after seeing the components in my motor.

Tom

 

[BAD PNY]

Ken

If you change it enough I think you can use maple syrup. I have used everything but mainly Mobil 1 10-40w in the T1 car. The shop uses 15-50w in all their race cars. I don't like it that thick in the spring and fall... Any good synthetic should be fine. People get way to hung up on this stuff. After 2 or 3 race-track weekends I dump and start over. We do use an accusump though which I like alot.

 

[Cobra-R]

Ken

If you change it enough I think you can use maple syrup. I have used everything but mainly Mobil 1 10-40w in the T1 car. The shop uses 15-50w in all their race cars. I don't like it that thick in the spring and fall... Any good synthetic should be fine. People get way to hung up on this stuff. After 2 or 3 race-track weekends I dump and start over. We do use an accusump though which I like alot.

I agree with Mike, change frequency is much more important than the brand.

Brian

 

[NJ2000R]

mike and brian, I've heard from quite a few guys already that brand doesnt matter....it just comes down to personal preference....

reminds me of a story....my friend had an old cadillac with over 100k miles that his dad bought new....he changed the filter every 3000 miles, but never the oil he would add a quart of oil at the filter change, but never changed the oil :shrug: :lol1:

 

[STAMPEDE3]

Not that it matters but here's my take.
Mobil 1 has been out for years, before the Exxon/Mobil merger.
I have some friends who are chemist and some Lab. techs for Exxon.
Back then after doing market test on other oils they were all useing Mobil 1 in their cars. most of them were going anywhere from 7500-15000 miles between changes. (This was before the merger so them worrying about their stock price did not factor) LOL

 

[13 Cobra Toy]

If your talking BEST then this is it.....

Mark,

Is that ester based oil? or POA

 

[ShelbyGuy]

on a sort-of related note, does anyone have the number of the 2qt fl1a style filter? (3/4-16??)

 

[93SVTCobra]

Mark,

Is that ester based oil? or POA

Synthetic