Thread: new guy to big blocks.

Tweet

Thats an interesting question. I'm not sure if I can answer it for you but I have been doing some reading on the subject lately.
If it's a markIV block with a flat tappet cam I just got done freshening up the exact same engine and you can see some pics of the results on a different thread. If it's a Gen VI like I think it is then it's a roller cam and regular conventional oil is all you really need.
Now from what I understand most conventional oils have reduced their zinc and phosphorous levels down to a point where it is not flat tappet friendly. The newer cars are coming out with rollers and it just isn't necessary to put all that extra stuff in it any more. The diesel oils still have a higher amount of these additives in it and it was suggested by many that I use this diesel oil to break in my new flat tappet cam. (I didn't listen). It seems to me that if it were better to break the cam in with this oil, maybe it would be better to keep using it, at least as an additive, but I really don't know.
A member named 30-a-rider told me about this link where they mention the convention oils that are still out there and their ZDDP levels. They don't really compare it to the diesels though. http://www.chevelles.com/forums/showthread.php?t=195620
Like I said, if you have a roller engine like I think you do, you don't have to worry about any of this, just get the conventional.
I don't know, maybe it helps maybe it won't I just figured I'd share it with you since I just went through all this.
About the oil cooler, If you have it use it. Just get some Simple Green and flush it out a few times. Use a garden hose and a good nosel then some compressed air to dry it out.
questions.