7500 Mile Engine Oil Analysis - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

SGDM · 02-27-2014, 04:18 PM

I received the engine oil analysis from Blackstone today, good data and interesting comments. I will conduct a flush as recommended and do another 3000 mile test, may be an issue with bearings.

2014 Camaro 2SS 1LE
AGP TT Kit
No track or drag during this cycle, daily driver.
Mobil 1 15W50

I would like to see a caparison with Amsoil, VT, JG, etc if anyone has one especially the phosphorus, zinc, and TBN.

bkscott · 02-28-2014, 08:13 AM

Thanks for posting this information. I am also running the Mobil 1 15w50 but I am really starting to lose confidence in this oil. I am about to do my 2nd oil change since the cam, and I am thinking of going with a different oil, but with the same zinc and phosphorus as the M1.
I may have to send mine out for analysis and see what comes back.

Dimitrim · 02-28-2014, 09:33 AM

A question about the weight, why is it you are running such heavy oil viscosity and not running 5W/30?
Thanks
Dimitri

Retro69 · 02-28-2014, 09:44 AM

I'm curious. How much to they charge for an analysis?

K1SSRSS · 02-28-2014, 10:45 AM

That does seem concerning, was this your first oil change since installing the AGP setup? I assume the turbos used use the motor oil for lubrication, the turbo break-in may be your source of the lead other than that I can't figure out where it would be coming from. I would also recommend mentioning the turbo set up to Blackstone and see what they have to say.

I am also courious as to why the choosen oil weight, we run 20w50 on our race car motors, but we tend to build them a little loose and they are older generation SBC and BBC motors that are used at consistent high RPMs for circle track use and it's not uncommon to race in high 80-90 degree weather.

Xmitterengineer · 02-28-2014, 06:58 PM

Considering the mods, just my opinion, I would not sweat it.
This is very likely break in wear metals.
No unusual consumption or noises...correct?

I would have changed the oil and filter a little sooner, however.
Nothing wrong with the 15W50 M1 in this application IMHO.

Sounds like FUN!

Good luck.

Rickey.

SGDM · 02-28-2014, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dimitrim

A question about the weight, why is it you are running such heavy oil viscosity and not running 5W/30?
Thanks
Dimitri

Twin Turbo FI requires heavier oil due to heat.

SGDM · 02-28-2014, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Retro69

I'm curious. How much to they charge for an analysis?

It is $25 at Blackstone labs and well worth the money. You can go to their site and they will send you sample bottle and all required shipping info.

SGDM · 02-28-2014, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by K1SSRSS

That does seem concerning, was this your first oil change since installing the AGP setup? I assume the turbos used use the motor oil for lubrication, the turbo break-in may be your source of the lead other than that I can't figure out where it would be coming from. I would also recommend mentioning the turbo set up to Blackstone and see what they have to say.

I am also courious as to why the choosen oil weight, we run 20w50 on our race car motors, but we tend to build them a little loose and they are older generation SBC and BBC motors that are used at consistent high RPMs for circle track use and it's not uncommon to race in high 80-90 degree weather.

Yes it is and we all know this has been a weak point in the LS3 for years. This is the 2nd oil change since the TT install, every 3000 miles. I feel the turbo "flush" would be complete since the system uses oil, not water. My theory...heat. It will be something I pay close attention to for the life of the engine. I talked to Blackstone today and went over in detail what I am running and they are interested, another call Monday.

The oil is recommended by the builder ADM, and uses in all FI builds. May have to consider another weight after talking to Blackstone. I hope guys will spend $25 and get an analysis so we can start gathering data.

SGDM · 02-28-2014, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xmitterengineer

Considering the mods, just my opinion, I would not sweat it.
This is very likely break in wear metals.
No unusual consumption or noises...correct?

I would have changed the oil and filter a little sooner, however.
Nothing wrong with the 15W50 M1 in this application IMHO.

Sounds like FUN!

Good luck.

Rickey.

Thanks Rickey. This is the 4th oil change and used a tried and tested break-in. I had a lifter fail in the number 7 at 4400 miles. I want to capture data and use controlled environment to gather the data.

bkscott · 02-28-2014, 08:46 PM

I ordered a test kit today. My engine was replaced after my number 6 lifter failed. I am going to try the Valvoline vr1 in a 10 w 30 weight. It has the same zinc and phos levels, but much a much better protection rating. I will have the M1 analyzied and see what they say.

maddoggyusa · 02-28-2014, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dimitrim

A question about the weight, why is it you are running such heavy oil viscosity and not running 5W/30?
Thanks
Dimitri

exactly, these engines today are setup to run thin oil. running thicker oil is pretty stupid imo.

Indydriver · 03-01-2014, 02:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGDM

Yes it is and we all know this has been a weak point in the LS3 for years. This is the 2nd oil change since the TT install, every 3000 miles. I feel the turbo "flush" would be complete since the system uses oil, not water. My theory...heat. It will be something I pay close attention to for the life of the engine. I talked to Blackstone today and went over in detail what I am running and they are interested, another call Monday.

The oil is recommended by the builder ADM, and uses in all FI builds. May have to consider another weight after talking to Blackstone. I hope guys will spend $25 and get an analysis so we can start gathering data.

I'd wait and see what the next UOA looks like and if the metals are trending downward, I wouldn't worry about it. Need to identify trends not isolated data points. Do you have an oil pressure gauge? That's the best way to know if you've got the right viscosity. I noted that your 50 weight was just about a 40 wt. I suspect ADM knows what their doing regarding the right oil for their builds.

SGDM · 03-01-2014, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Indydriver

I'd wait and see what the next UOA looks like and if the metals are trending downward, I wouldn't worry about it. Need to identify trends not isolated data points. Do you have an oil pressure gauge? That's the best way to know if you've got the right viscosity. I noted that your 50 weight was just about a 40 wt. I suspect ADM knows what their doing regarding the right oil for their builds.

Absolutely and will continue testing to analyze the trends. I do have a OP gauge and is 50 psi at operating RPM. Thanks for the input.

02-28-2014, 08:13 AM	#2
bkscott Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Grand Prairie, Texas Posts: 1,608 View My Garage	Thanks for posting this information. I am also running the Mobil 1 15w50 but I am really starting to lose confidence in this oil. I am about to do my 2nd oil change since the cam, and I am thinking of going with a different oil, but with the same zinc and phosphorus as the M1. I may have to send mine out for analysis and see what comes back. __________________ 94 Firebird Formula (Drowned 08/30/05) 2010 IBM 2SS/RS 6M Arrived 3/25/10. ADM CAI, Borla Type S Cat Back, VMAX Ported TB, LG Short Throw Shifter, 1LE Shocks, Hotchkis Sway Bars, Whiteline Cradle Bushing Inserts, Custom Powdercoated ZL1's ,Michelin Pilot Supersports, Stainless Power Headers, Solo J Pipes, AAC LED Sidemarkers, ZL1 Rockers, SLP Splitter, ADM Stage II Cam,ZL1 Diffuser,Vitesse Throttle Controller.

02-28-2014, 09:44 AM	#4
Retro69 Drives: 2018 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Morgan, UT Posts: 1,359	I'm curious. How much to they charge for an analysis? __________________

02-28-2014, 10:45 AM	#5
K1SSRSS Chief Many Camaros Drives: A paid off Camaro!!! Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Las Cruces, NM Posts: 1,863 View My Garage	That does seem concerning, was this your first oil change since installing the AGP setup? I assume the turbos used use the motor oil for lubrication, the turbo break-in may be your source of the lead other than that I can't figure out where it would be coming from. I would also recommend mentioning the turbo set up to Blackstone and see what they have to say. I am also courious as to why the choosen oil weight, we run 20w50 on our race car motors, but we tend to build them a little loose and they are older generation SBC and BBC motors that are used at consistent high RPMs for circle track use and it's not uncommon to race in high 80-90 degree weather. __________________ 504hp/478tq Performance: Kooks LT, 3'' Exhaust, V-Max TB, Roto-Fab CAI, Custom Ported/Port Matched Heads and Intake Suspension: BMR Adjustable LCA's, BMR Trailing Arms, Poly Bushings, BMR Toe Rods Coming Soon (still in the box): Procharger F1R, G-Force Axles, 3:91 gears w/Eaton Truetrac

02-28-2014, 08:46 PM	#11
bkscott Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Grand Prairie, Texas Posts: 1,608 View My Garage	I ordered a test kit today. My engine was replaced after my number 6 lifter failed. I am going to try the Valvoline vr1 in a 10 w 30 weight. It has the same zinc and phos levels, but much a much better protection rating. I will have the M1 analyzied and see what they say. __________________ 94 Firebird Formula (Drowned 08/30/05) 2010 IBM 2SS/RS 6M Arrived 3/25/10. ADM CAI, Borla Type S Cat Back, VMAX Ported TB, LG Short Throw Shifter, 1LE Shocks, Hotchkis Sway Bars, Whiteline Cradle Bushing Inserts, Custom Powdercoated ZL1's ,Michelin Pilot Supersports, Stainless Power Headers, Solo J Pipes, AAC LED Sidemarkers, ZL1 Rockers, SLP Splitter, ADM Stage II Cam,ZL1 Diffuser,Vitesse Throttle Controller.

02-28-2014, 09:33 AM	#3
Dimitrim Dimitri Drives: 68 GTO 455 Ram Air; 2014 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Novato, California Posts: 602 View My Garage	A question about the weight, why is it you are running such heavy oil viscosity and not running 5W/30? Thanks Dimitri

02-28-2014, 06:58 PM	#6
Xmitterengineer Drives: 2014 LS2 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: NC Posts: 28	Considering the mods, just my opinion, I would not sweat it. This is very likely break in wear metals. No unusual consumption or noises...correct? I would have changed the oil and filter a little sooner, however. Nothing wrong with the 15W50 M1 in this application IMHO. Sounds like FUN! Good luck. Rickey.