What oil is best for engine break in????

[Mr. Chevy]

Gonna be breaking in a stock 396/350HP motor w/hydraulic camshaft. I was told by several people that Joe Gibb's "BR" engine oil was the best for engine break in. It is a 15W-50 viscosity and has high levels of zinc and other additives in it for good ring seal and lubrication. I know traditionally high levels of zinc were for the solid lifter motors but I was told it wouldn't hurt my particular application, in fact it would help...

I went to Gibb's website and saw that they also have a "BR 30" which is a 10W-30 viscosity oil and only difference from the regular "BR" was the weight/viscosity.. I am considering the 15W-50 oil over the 10W-30 since the motor is a big block. Any thoughts or ideas what is best or what some of you out there have had good success with????

Thanks.... Rich

[BARRY]

HI use 10-30 for break in i heard deisel oil has zinc in it

[L78steve]

You can't go wrong with the Gibbs oil but it is a bit pricey .Shell Rotella T oil has the ZDDP for now but that will change also .

[Mr. Chevy]

I called Gibbs tech. dept. and they said I would be fine with the 15W-50 "BR" oil.. However, they stated to only run it for 100 miles then empty it out and re-fill with whichever oil I choose to run.. My Choice: Synthetic AMSOIL 20W-50 Racing oil...

Rich

[Bill Rose]

This Team Chevelle thread is well worth reading, as far as levels of zddp in different types of oil.
http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=243928

Spectro makes a high level (1800ppm/zddp)for flat tappet cames. I use it in both my Chevelles. I've heard too many cam failure stories.

[70 Forest Green Zee]

[ QUOTE ]
You can't go wrong with the Gibbs oil but it is a bit pricey .Shell Rotella T oil has the ZDDP for now but that will change also .

[/ QUOTE ]

Shell has already taken a good portion of the ZDDP out of Rotella starting at the beginning of 2008 when new diesel engine vehicles were required to have a catalytic converter. Shell claims that the new Rotella still has some ZDDP in it but not near as much as the old formulation. The old formula Rotella had an API rating of "CI" and that is the version of Rotella that has the high level of ZDDP...the new formula has an API rating of "CJ" and that formula of the oil is the one that has the reduced levels of ZDDP. Anyone who is thinking of using the new Rotella be aware that the ZDDP level is not near as high as the ZDDP level was prior to 2008.

[L78steve]

Thank you for that info Forest Green .I did not realise it has already changed .I guess we will have to rely on additives like GM EOS or go with the specialty oils .

[JoeG]

How's this Penn Grade High Performance Oil----"The Green Oil"---It states it has the Zinc additive for classic cars or racing engines.....? Anybody using this...?