C1 283 chevy motor stock question

[Eric A.]

I have a newly rebuilt 283 small block motor for my 58. I would like some advise on break-in oil or any other fluids. Also how long is the break-in period and what kind of oil should i use afterward. I have heard synthetic because it is a show car that will not be driven a whole lot. I would love to get some advice and potential some recommendation on this topic.

Thanks, Eric

[Joe L.]

Re: C1 283 chevy motor stock question

I have a newly rebuilt 283 small block motor for my 58. I would like some advise on break-in oil or any other fluids. Also how long is the break-in period and what kind of oil should i use afterward. I have heard synthetic because it is a show car that will not be driven a whole lot. I would love to get some advice and potential some recommendation on this topic.

Thanks, Eric

Eric------


Assuming the engine was rebuilt with moly rings which are used for the vast majority of rebuilds, there really is no break-in period. Moly rings are pre-lapped at the point of manufacture and require no break-in. Notwithstanding this, it is a good idea to not place a large load on the engine during the first 500 miles and vary the speeds. Not essential---just a good idea.

I would use a dual-rated diesel engine oil like Shell Rotella or Chevron Delo. These oils are rated for both diesel and gasoline service and contain higher levels of zinc which can be of benefit with an engine with a flat tappet camshaft. If you wish to run a synthetic, there are synthetic dual-rated diesel engine oils. However, for your application, I don't think you'll really get a lot of benefit from the synthetic. For driven cars, I like synthetic but for show cars I don't think it's worth the cost. Use it if you like, though; the only downside is cost. I'd go with a 10W-30 but this is harder to find in diesel oils. You could use a 15W-40 which is much easier to find.

For coolant use Zerex G-05.

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 283 chevy motor stock question

Joe's advice is spot on.

Additionally, this is all you want to know about oil for these flat tappet engines.....see attached at bottom. As a quick summary, any API spec CJ-4 oil is your friend.

Personally, I use Rotella 15w-40 in all newly rebuilt engines and all of my own flat tappet engines....my classic chevy v-8's and jaguar v-12's. It is CJ-4(and more) spec.

P4100007.jpg p9250026.jpg .__480_274_038_13.JPG

I stay away fro synthetics on the classics but use it religiously on my '07 Corvette.

Rich

[Joe R.]

Re: C1 283 chevy motor stock question

I have a newly rebuilt 283 small block motor for my 58. I would like some advise on break-in oil or any other fluids. Also how long is the break-in period and what kind of oil should i use afterward. I have heard synthetic because it is a show car that will not be driven a whole lot. I would love to get some advice and potential some recommendation on this topic.

Thanks, Eric

Eric,

The camshaft is the main thing that gets broken in these days. What cam are you running? I would recommend following the cam manufacturer's break in instructions exactly. And use that CJ-4 oil as already mentioned by Joe & Rich.

Joe

[Jim T.]

Re: C1 283 chevy motor stock question

One other addition to you new engine as recommended is to use GM's supplement lubricant which is helpful for breaking in new cam and lifters.

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/results.cfm?partnumber=EOS

[Duke W.]

Re: C1 283 chevy motor stock question

Joe's advice is spot on.

Additionally, this is all you want to know about oil for these flat tappet engines.....see attached at bottom. As a quick summary, any API spec CJ-4 oil is your friend.

Personally, I use Rotella 15w-40 in all newly rebuilt engines and all of my own flat tappet engines....my classic chevy v-8's and jaguar v-12's. It is CJ-4(and more) spec.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]50162[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]50163[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=CONFIG]50164[/ATTACH]

I stay away fro synthetics on the classics but use it religiously on my '07 Corvette.

Rich

Here's the latest revision of the engine oil article.... starts on page 3

Engine oil article

Duke

[Eric A.]

Re: C1 283 chevy motor stock question

JIm,

Is this an additive to the main oil or a oil itself designed for breaking by GM. Could not tell.

[Steven B.]

Re: C1 283 chevy motor stock question

JIm,

Is this an additive to the main oil or a oil itself designed for breaking by GM. Could not tell.

Eric, the GM Supplement is added to your engine oil for break-in. I am breaking in a '57 283 and using CJ-4 (read Duke's article). Steve

[Paul J.]

Re: C1 283 chevy motor stock question

Eric, all of the above is good advice. You mentioned break in time. Initially, run the engine for around 20-25 minutes at 2500 rpm to break in the cam. This is a good general rule.

Paul