Complete engine build or refurb

[LTZ C20]

I also use Shell Rotella T 15w-40 in my truck. That is per the engine manufacturer specs tho. It's good stuff non the less, I like it.

[Engineer]

Why do you not recommend a high volume oil pump? My views on it are that more circulating oil is better than less oil moving faster. I see the oil sump as a secondary cooling system since it (oil) cools everything around the valves. Oil does not pick up heat very fast either. So...just wonderin...

If the clearances are where they should be your engine will only accept so much oil. Once the pressure relief valve opens you are only circulating the oil directly back to the pan. More volume=more oil back to the pan. Oh, and one other thing, the more you shear the oil the more it will build heat.

[blazer74]

A note on Rotella having ZDDP acceptable levels is true. They are on the decline also due to Federal pressures because of claimed environmental damage.

Also is high in detergent levels ( disbursement levels) which does exactly that, reduced and depletes the ZDDP levels in the oil. No problem as long as you keep your oil change cycles  shorter.

What ever oil u choose keep up to date on their  website for the levels. Around 12% is what u want.

Also excessive amounts are damaging also. Can cause scoring.

I prefer to use  a 4 oz bottle of ZDDP at oil change and you can use today's SN rated oil if u choose.
I don't totally trust manufacturers claims of levels anyway.
And use a quality breakin oil during initial run.

[Greybeard]

The breakin oil was where I erred on this current engine. I, unfortunately, listened to farmer logic and run in it what I was gonna run in it. Stupid on me. But so far so good. I only run it about two times a year and last summer I never got it started at all...   that will change this year because I am graduating from college so I'll have all kinds of unemployed time on my hands until I land a new job.