BluePrint Engines Tech Tip: New flat-tappet BluePrint Engines should be lubricated only with oils having a high concentration of zinc, which is critical to proper break-in. Recommended lubricants providing sufficient zinc are 15W-40 Shell Rotella T or Lucas Oil Break-in Additive added to other 15W-40 oils.
Do not use synthetic oils before completing a 6,000 mile break-in.
CATEGORY
Break-in, Installation, Lubrication
ISSUE
In recent years, auto manufacturers have switched to roller camshafts for performance and fuel economy reasons. Combined with the EPA requirements for reduced emissions, this has led to the reduction of zinc dialkyl dithiophosphate (ZDDP) in engine oils. This lower zinc content will not properly lubricate the flat tappet hydraulic lifters used in most BluePrint Engines.
Passenger car motor oils had approximately 1200 ppm zinc prior to 2001. In 2001 the zinc was reduced to 1000 ppm and in 2005 reduced again to the current 800 ppm. These are typical zinc levels, API ratings do not stipulate the zinc content, but the oil performance.
ACTION
The following products are recommended for the 6,000 break-in period for flat-tappet Chevrolet, Chrysler and Ford crate engines from BluePrint Engines:
■Shell Rotella T 15W-40
■Lucas Oil Break-in Additive #10063 used with any other (not synthetic) oil
Rotella T with Triple Protection 15W-40 (new API CJ-4) has approximately 1200 ppm zinc. This is 50% more zinc than current passenger car motor oils (SM, GF-4) which typically contain approximately 800 ppm zinc.
i think i will find some lucas break in additive just to be safe