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Old 10-04-2015, 10:52 AM
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Default Oil advise.

Getting a LQ4 ready for my Camaro. Comp cam, Brian tooley valve train.

I live in Canada, car is stored in winter months.

What's your guys opinions on Rotella T 15w40, or Rotella 10w30 syn blend?
Old 10-08-2015, 08:55 AM
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Not a bad oil at all. Well known in the diesel world as a primary choice. Valvoline Blue seems to be as good, but a bit cheaper.

However, I don't think your car is equipped with a diesel engine, so why use it?

I don't like to use an oil with a high winter rating. I want the oil to flow to all the parts as soon as possible. I prefer a 0W or 5W.
Old 10-08-2015, 09:10 AM
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Rotella's very good, go w/ the lighter weight in the cold.
Old 10-08-2015, 09:16 AM
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I just wanted to for the Zinc additive.

I was thinking the semi-syn 10W30 Rotella, or would you just run 10w30 castrol etc. Is the rotella/zinc worth it?
Old 10-08-2015, 10:02 AM
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Rotella is API rated for gas engines.
I would do the 10W-30 especially if doing a periodic winter start.
Zinc is not important with roller cam.
Old 10-08-2015, 01:38 PM
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Rotella also has a full synthetic 5w-40, that's what I run in all of my LS engines. The duramax gets the regular old 15w-40.
Old 10-08-2015, 03:05 PM
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Thanks guys! Think I'll be running Shell Rotella T6 5w40 Syn in the ol LQ4.
Old 10-08-2015, 10:12 PM
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Rotella t6 5w40 or Chevron Delo synthetic 5w40 are top choices when the motor has stock clearances. After it's rebuilt then you may have to look at other options
Old 10-10-2015, 03:42 PM
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If it's been rebuilt right then it will be within stock new clearances unless They request the builder make rod clearances a little larger than say .002 " or whatever part They may want different .
Old 10-10-2015, 03:49 PM
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It'll be stock aside from Cam. Bottom end as is.
Old 10-12-2015, 10:34 AM
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The amount of zinc in the oil was reduced a while back because when burned it clogs up and ruins the cats. If you live where you need to get regular smog checks, that could be a long term problem.

Zinc is an important wear additive to protect the flat tappets. The LS engines do not have flat tappets, so it's not an issue. Some diesel engines - Cummins - still have flat tappets, so the extra zinc is important for them.

Diesel oils also have less zinc in them they used to. And if the oil is also rated for a gas engine, then it has even less zinc than you think it does. That's why people will tell you that they've been running diesel oil for a decade without any emissions problems - because there's not enough zinc to matter.

Nothing wrong with running diesel oil in a gas motor. Seems to work just as well as anything else. But if you're paying extra to get something extra, probably not worth it.

Then there's the whole dino vs. synthetic conundrum.
Old 10-12-2015, 03:02 PM
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.Bob's comments on zinc and cats are basically invalid, as I said the Rotella oils are API rated for gas engines. It would not be API rated for gas if the level of zinc were high enough to do cat damage.
Old 10-12-2015, 09:31 PM
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Mobil 1 high mileage synthetic has a good additive package as well. Same as the 0w-40.
Old 10-12-2015, 09:34 PM
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https://540ratblog.wordpress.com/201...-test-ranking/
Old 10-12-2015, 09:53 PM
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Originally Posted by foxsl
Rotella t6 5w40 or Chevron Delo synthetic 5w40 are top choices when the motor has stock clearances. After it's rebuilt then you may have to look at other options
Based on what facts?
Mast motorsports bets their warranty on Rotella so it must not be that bad for rebuilt or built engines!

The owner/operator of a Mast Motorsports must, under all conditions, abide by the following maintenance schedule and procedures:
 Check and monitor engine coolant level and temperature before and during operation.
 Check and monitor engine oil level and temperature before and during operation.
 Change engine oil every 25 hours or 3 months (whichever comes first).
 Change fuel filter/pressure regulator every 100 hours or 12 months (whichever comes first).
 Use Shell Rotella T 15w-40 or equivalent.

Full warranty here

http://www.mastmotorsports.com/warranty/warranty.php
Old 10-12-2015, 11:22 PM
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Originally Posted by LLLosingit
Based on what facts?
Mast motorsports bets their warranty on Rotella so it must not be that bad for rebuilt or built engines!

The owner/operator of a Mast Motorsports must, under all conditions, abide by the following maintenance schedule and procedures:
 Check and monitor engine coolant level and temperature before and during operation.
 Check and monitor engine oil level and temperature before and during operation.
 Change engine oil every 25 hours or 3 months (whichever comes first).
 Change fuel filter/pressure regulator every 100 hours or 12 months (whichever comes first).
 Use Shell Rotella T 15w-40 or equivalent.

Full warranty here

http://www.mastmotorsports.com/warranty/warranty.php
Huh? I said rotella is a top choice not a bad choice so I'm not sure why you are arguing.
Old 10-13-2015, 10:14 AM
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Originally Posted by .boB
Diesel oils also have less zinc in them they used to. And if the oil is also rated for a gas engine, then it has even less zinc than you think it does.
Originally Posted by 96capricemgr
.Bob's comments on zinc and cats are basically invalid, as I said the Rotella oils are API rated for gas engines. It would not be API rated for gas if the level of zinc were high enough to do cat damage.
Actually, that's exactly what I said. There's not as much zinc in the diesel oils as many people think there is.
Old 10-13-2015, 05:50 PM
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Originally Posted by foxsl
Huh? I said rotella is a top choice not a bad choice so I'm not sure why you are arguing.
Maybe because you said this???

Originally Posted by foxsl
After it's rebuilt then you may have to look at other options
Old 10-13-2015, 06:41 PM
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Originally Posted by LLLosingit
Maybe because you said this???
Because after a rebuild he might need weights not available by rotella t6 oil depending on the clearances post rebuild. You looked into that wayyy too deep lol

Last edited by foxsl; 10-14-2015 at 01:52 AM.



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