LS3 150k mile oil type test
 

My stock bottom end is tired. Doesnt run near as strong as it did even a year ago. My oil pressure isnt impressive either. Not bad but not what I remember not too long ago. I decided to swap to a thicker oil. Been running Mobil 1 10w30 since day one with awesome success. 2 Blackstone tests with rave reviews. I was going to try a 20w50 so imo of whats best thats readily available over the counter anywhere is the Valvoline VR1. My results:

Mobil 1 10w30
47lbs cold idle/22lbs hot idle
Valvoline VR1
43lbs cold idle/30lbs hot idle

Yup I used Vr1 conventional high Zddp for part of my break in on my engine, I should soon get some Z max to throw in for wear but I use Driven racing oil and its full synth after 20k or so now with it and I don't get high in miles like you pile on.

Its good your pressures back up I know your pumps a high volume eventually you will need a over hone or new short block. I got my short block bare for about 1400 from Jerry at custom engine supply/Sag performance
but he's in Angola, anyway its a thought I love my stroker it makes hay....., I have good luck and about 40lbs hot and that's happy for me, I used to try to keep up above 30 with SBC/BBC and that's a good rule for a healthy engine.
https://www.drivenracingoilsales.com/

I have been real happy with the Ls30 full synth so far only blows by and burns maybe 1/4 -1/2 quart in 5k at most, ( clean my catch can once in a while0.

This site says cases ship for free, even better than having to go order it over the phone to the local Baxter auto supply here.

You have the cross member MOD I believe and could check things as far as the bottom end easier than anyone on here... Anyway damn Norton keeping a fake form attack kicked out on Driven racings regular site WTF.... and that's crap... this bulk sales site works and of course its available at jegs and summit and etc etc and they do make higher viscosity oils for larger tolerances for hot rods....I don't see anything in particular saying high mile oil...

Time for a fresh rebuild?

Yes. Will pull it soon.

Got to tip your hat to an engine that's been through all the different configurations yours has with no major failures!

Some higher compression, valve relief pistons would be nice.

I was thinking of trying the VR1 because of the zinc. This is supposed to be good for high rpm, high lift cams.

I run royal purple 20w50 HPS, it has the zinc in it. I think the zinc helps with any high performance engine even if it does not have a flat tappet cam. Plus the 20w50 made the valve train much quieter. I just make sure the oil temp is 190+ before it goes full trottle. I also run a Melling standard volume, high pressure pump so the sump has enough in it. Going to add a crank scrapper in the spring to help control that thick oil.

Have you considered swapping the oil pump for a melling high volume high pressure unit. I think the intended use is higher mileage engines. I have one and the pressure runs about 3.9 bar cold, about 2.8 bar hot.

I'm at ~113k miles now. I run mobil 1 5w30 - also 8oz of Red Line engine break in additive at oil changes for extra zinc & phosphorus.

I think you posted a compression test a while back that looked pretty good. That LS3 is just getting broken in at 150k. :thumb:

Mine has a Melling HV pump that I put in during my first cam swap.

Yeah man its been a workhorse. From supercharged to max effort NA all while being a DD.

you must be about 150k ? on it...…. Planning on zmax just to see if over the long run it helps at 50k intervals now that its broken in well and worn well in with 20k on this engine.

LS3 are stout engine to run modified for 150k miles. Of course owner knows what hes doing. Do you think HP pump would be better than HV? Oil is helping for the pressure a bit!

Nah Im a volume guy as long as pressure is at acceptable levels.