The Zinc additive is more for old school flat tappet Lifter engines. Do you think GM uses special oil on the assembly line? Nope, they buy what ever is recommended in the manual in bulk from a major supplier.

 

That's also why I use the least expensive oil. Because I am draining to make sure I get any contamination out.
The super tech is made by a major oil manufacturer and private label for walmart. At one time i believe it was Valvoline. But i havent kept up on it. It has to pass the same test and meet the same standards as the major brand. It might have a less expensive base stock or something that makes it less expensive but it still has to be tested and meet the same standards.

 

Straight 30w is the go to for the old school shade tree racers too. For the exact reason that 1FastBrick said

 

I use VR1 all the time. The 408 loves it.

 

How do you know? Do you talk to it?

 

I appreciate the input. Probably going to go the route of cheaper oil drain it twice then put in something good

 

It talks to me, sounds much happier with the VR1.

 

I used the Driven brand break-in oil on my DIY LQ4 rebuild on my suburban a few months ago. New piston rings and bearing (also cam and lifters), but reused everything else.

I drove it like 650 miles before changing it out, and there was a little residue on the plug tip. Switched to the Supertech synthetic oil, which is what run on all my other vehicles. I've driven it like 2,000-3,000 miles and I think I'll replace the oil soon before going on my regular schedule.

 

Not going to lie but I am super nervous about starting this up. Put a lot of time and money into it and its the first engine I built from bare block up. I followed proper torqueing and build specs so should be ok. Only thing I am worried about mainly is the piston ring orientation if they moved any when I put them in the cylinders.

 

I feel ya on that with my blazer. Brand new engine and transmission. Converted to Holley efi. If I’m being honest with myself it’s why I haven’t set the timing and turned the key. But it’s gotta happen at some point.