383 stroker

[PHENOM]

Finally after 3 years in the shop finally got my car back. My question is what type of oil is best and correct way to break in motor. Motor started as original 5.7, previous owner bored out to 383 stoker. Had to have motor rebuilt by race motor buider. He was able to save block and bore out. Long story short motor is all new never run, needs suggestions on oil weight and way to break in properly. Thanks in advance.

 

[wiseryder]

The builder did'nt tell you?

 

[PHENOM]

It was at a restoration shop and motor was done somewhere else. I got screwed on everything so just trying to do it all myself.

 

[PHENOM]

Still waiting on all paperwork that they supposedly mailed weeks ago. Just frustrated

 

[pomartin]

Anything with high zinc and phosporus content will be preety much it. Altho break in oils for new engines does not contain as much of zinc as they used to- due to cat. converter.
If in doubt use additive. I prefer Red Line Engine Oil Break-in Additive ZDDP

 

[PHENOM]

Thank you for the tip. Will get some tomorrow

 

[pomartin]

Also if you do have flat-tapped you'd want to use high zinc oil regularly. If you have roller you'll be good with "normal" oil after break in

 

[biker]

Do what you can to make sure that once you start the engine, you can bring it up to about 3000 rpm without backing off it for about 20 minutes.

• Use a good break-in oil, AND PRIME THE OILING SYSTEM so you know you are making pressure, and the crank, cam and lifters get some oil before startup.
• Fill and burp your cooling system so you dont get any air locks that will cause you to shut down. Make sure you have no coolant leaks.
• Belts tensioned and tightened down.
• Make sure all your fuel connections are tight and properly routed
• Get your timing set bang on to number one distributor cap contact, then advance it a bit (turn dist clockwise a touch) so it starts up and runs. Verify plug wire order!
• Have a buddy there to hold the throttle at 3000 rpm, keep vac advance disconnected, and once at 3000 rpm, have the timing light ready to go, make sure your total timing is around 36 degrees and lock it down.

All these steps will let the engine fire and run long enough to break the cam in.

 

[lapedr]

What is meant by "burping" the cooling system? How is this done prior to starting the engine?

 

[Scaleytail]

Do what you can to make sure that once you start the engine, you can bring it up to about 3000 rpm without backing off it for about 20 minutes.

• Use a good break-in oil, AND PRIME THE OILING SYSTEM so you know you are making pressure, and the crank, cam and lifters get some oil before startup.
• Fill and burp your cooling system so you dont get any air locks that will cause you to shut down. Make sure you have no coolant leaks.
• Belts tensioned and tightened down.
• Make sure all your fuel connections are tight and properly routed
• Get your timing set bang on to number one distributor cap contact, then advance it a bit (turn dist clockwise a touch) so it starts up and runs. Verify plug wire order!
• Have a buddy there to hold the throttle at 3000 rpm, keep vac advance disconnected, and once at 3000 rpm, have the timing light ready to go, make sure your total timing is around 36 degrees and lock it down.

All these steps will let the engine fire and run long enough to break the cam in.

To advance timing on a SBC isn’t turn the distributor counter clockwise?