What is the best oil for the beast.

[93RubyZ]

Originally Posted by jimmac28

http://www.zr1specialist.com/HAT%20W...5%20Engine.pdf
I think this is it Paul.

Thanks for the link. It looks like Marc also recommends Amsoil 10W-40.

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/amo.aspx

[carter200]

Originally Posted by 93RubyZ

Thanks for the link. It looks like Marc also recommends Amsoil

You would, too, if you were an Amsoil dealer like he is

[secondchance]

Having done some research on the subject, I concluded zinc and phosphate content of Mobil 1 (typical off the shelf versions with SM designation) has gone down from SG and SH version.
Mobil itself acknowledges this and recommends 0W40 0r 15W50 racing oil for flat tappet high performance engine.
Where it gets a little questionable is our stock LT5, as far as I know, does not exert high pressure on cam lobe relative to typical high performance small block w/ after market valve springs.
I have just changed my oil w/ 5W30 Mobil 1 so rather than drain and refill I have ordered ZDDPlus oil additive.
Starting with next oil change I am seriously considering switching over to Amsoil or continue to augument Mobil 1 w/ ZDDPlus. I would rather replace my cats than have cam failure.
Also, having actually met and talked to Marc, I give him a lot more credit than say Caroll pushing Zmax.

[secondchance]

I got curious on the subject and did some web searches.
A few interesting observations I have made are;

1. There has been reduction of ZDDP in Mobil 1 when they went to SM.
https://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English...duct_Guide.pdf
2. A lot of classic car folks with flat tappets are concerned about reduction in ZDDP and it's effect on cam shaft.
3. Even Mobil agrees with this concern and recommend 15W50 which has 1200 ppm of zinc and phosphate.
4. There are a few websites comparing Mobil 1 vs. Amsoil but most seems to be either directly or indirectly posted by Amsoil.
5. One of the independent test shows Amsoil gaining weight as the mileage increases. http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/stories/amsoil.html

This whole subject is getting too confusing and tough to nail down.
So, I decided that I will stay with Mobil 1 5W30 and add a bottle of ZDDPlus to augment additional ZDDP as a safety measure based on availability and cost.

One interesting claim based on per 1000 mile analysis of oil, namely Mobil 1, is that "most engine wear occurs in first 3000 miles following the oil change". This, according to the article, was also supported by SAE paper. Any thoughts on this?
http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/stories/mobil1.html

[Z51JEFF]

Just out of curiosity I thought Id try the Amsoil with the Bosch filter to see if it would quit down the cam chains at start up.Surprise,it did so Im sold on the stuff.10 quarts cost me less than $90.

[ZR1Vette]

Exact same results as Jeff... When I got the ZR it had intermittent chain rattle...changed oil to Amsoil with Bosch filter and rattle ceased now allowing me to hear the clutch noise at engine shut down

[Aurora40]

Originally Posted by carter200

You would, too, if you were an Amsoil dealer like he is

That's kind of a disparaging comment. Marc was not an Amsoil dealer to start with, for one. He works on a lot of Z's, the oil is not available locally, so it makes sense to become a "dealer" for convenience.

I've never seen him try to sell oil specifically. He doesn't try to make money as an Amsoil dealer.

I've also never seen him suggest Amsoil was superior to anything else (certainly not to the degree I've seen people tout Redline.) Simply that it's a quality oil that fills the bill in terms of the LT5's original spec.


*Disclaimer: I've used Marc for work on my car. Also I use Redline oil. And I put oil and vinegar on sub sandwiches. And possibly I own some mutual funds that might have some oil company holdings...

[carter200]

Bob,
I was not trying to be rude. I do not play that game. I was just stating a factor as to why a person would "push" Amsoil. I think Amsoil is a good oil but I, too, am on the fence as to the "best" oil. I run Redline, personally with NO problems and have for 8 years.

[lbszr]

I don't know if the good characteristics Molybdenum does what it is suppose to, or maybe too much gets wasted,but if it does Redline has high levels of it. Oil reports show levels of 300 to 600 when looking at 10w/30 and 10w/40. I haven't been able to find Moly in other oils, haven't looked at Klotz though. http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/index....d=54&Itemid=62

Mines staying together so far running Redline, with 2500 track miles at 230-250 oil temps, staying between 4000 and 6500 rpm. It's had Redline for 10000 miles since engine teardown. Hopefully it will not need to come apart again for a long time, except for upgrades, but if it does I'll report back on engine wear.

[secondchance]

Originally Posted by lbszr

I don't know if the good characteristics Molybdenum does what it is suppose to, or maybe too much gets wasted,but if it does Redline has high levels of it. Oil reports show levels of 300 to 600 when looking at 10w/30 and 10w/40. I haven't been able to find Moly in other oils, haven't looked at Klotz though. http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/index....d=54&Itemid=62

Mines staying together so far running Redline, with 2500 track miles at 230-250 oil temps, staying between 4000 and 6500 rpm. It's had Redline for 10000 miles since engine teardown. Hopefully it will not need to come apart again for a long time, except for upgrades, but if it does I'll report back on engine wear.

It seems Molybdenum is an anti-wear additive. Mobil 1, 5W30 seems to have about 80 ppm.
http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/stories/mobil1.html