new 383...what oil

[swampthing3]

Hi all. I got a boat with a fresh 383 on it that still has break in oil in it.

It has 23 hours on it. I want to change the oil. What would be a good weight/brand to run?

Thanks!

[jamesskycop]

I like Royal Purple 10/40 full synthetic....

[swampthing3]

What would be the advantage of synthetic over conventional? Extra heat and load being put on the engine?

[Rich Andrews]

might want to ask the builder of the motor the clearance specs before you go about putting oil in it...

[SWAMPHUNTER45]

Rich gave you great advice. Look and see on your paper work if the seller provided any info on an oil requirement.

Is the engine roller or flat tappet?

YOU WILL DESTROY THE ENGINE IF IT IS FLAT TAPPET AND YOU FAIL TO PROVIDE AN OIL WITH ZZDP

[swampthing3]

I got the boat 3rd hand. I was told its roller.

That being said, I cant prove it without taking it apart. It runs perfect and want to continue that way. Just to be safe, should I run oil with zinc just to be sure? Is there a negative effect if its a roller lifter and I run the zinc oil?

[smokster]

cant go wrong with 10w 40 amsoil z-rod. thats what glen treadwell recommends for his motors even roller motors. use a good oil filter and change it about twice a year

[swampthing3]

been doing some reading, the Valvoline VR1 sounds like a good one. they have 10w-30 and 20w-50 synthetic. Not knowing the clearences exactly, would the thicker oil be a safer bet?

[hdsadey]

I run Valvoline VR1 Racing 20w-50 on a direct drive solid flat tappet 408 Windsor. Joe Gibbs also makes flat tappet oils. I like conventional oils, no synthetics for me! Any idea what weight the break in oil is? 10 psi per 1k RPM is the general rule. If you know what's in there now and idle pressure, you can adjust with weight.

[swampthing3]

Why do you like the conventional over synthetic?

current pressure at idle is just over 40 pounds

[hdsadey]

Synthetics are designed for newer power plants in my opinion. They don't seem to get along with old style gaskets and like to leak. Just my opinion. LS is fine with synthetics but not old sbc's. 40 psi at an idle is WAY high for my liking. Probably has a high volume pump which is also not needed unless bearing clearances have been purposely opened up or worn out. I posted a thread awhile back about high volume pumps. Puts a lot of stress on distributor gear. If it was me I would swap the pump out for a standard volume pump, your engine will thank you in the long run.

[dodobird]

If flat tappet VR1 has high zinc I use 50w

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[barhopper]

Brad Penn 20 50 is my choice of oil. High zinc content.

[pierson skunkape]

I've been an amsoil dealer for almost 45 years at my muffler shop...I grew up racing dirt bikes with this stuff I believe there is no.. as far as Royal purple junk in my opinion.. amsoil oil is the only oil that can take 25000 mile dump interval ask around fact... 23 hours on break in oil get it out of there... The is Iran oil is great and has plenty of zinc in it...I had over $600 on my last 383 I just got rid of direct drive.... If you do go with a z rod high zinc formula... The 25,000 miles will never be achieved just change it every year or every hundred hours.... Just my humble opinion piece out

[dodobird]

I've been an amsoil dealer for almost 45 years at my muffler shop...I grew up racing dirt bikes with this stuff I believe there is no.. as far as Royal purple junk in my opinion.. amsoil oil is the only oil that can take 25000 mile dump interval ask around fact... 23 hours on break in oil get it out of there... The is Iran oil is great and has plenty of zinc in it...I had over $600 on my last 383 I just got rid of direct drive.... If you do go with a z rod high zinc formula... The 25,000 miles will never be achieved just change it every year or every hundred hours.... Just my humble opinion piece out

I agree I used the royal purple n it was junk I wouldn't put that stuff on a bicycle chain

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[SWAMPHUNTER45]

Mr. Branch is an Amsoil dealer as well and sends most of his new engines out with the special Z-Rod formula in them. The nice thing about Z-Rod is not only does it have the ideal level of zzpd to protect the cam and lifters but it also has a special quality to prevent rust when not in use.

They offer it in 10w-30 and 20w-50 last I checked.

[Malcolmbolen23]

I have a new skip white performance 406 stroker SBC based on Dart Block - its roller and they recommend VR1 20W-50 for this and all their SBCs. They also warranty (even in my airboat application) so I am going with their recommendation.

[Prototype]

How did this post get so far? 23 hours on boat or engine or both and a debate is forumed becuase the op is wondering from unknown people what the builder recommends? This is a total cluster F""" to the engine builder and a simple call, regardless of second or third or fourth owner.
23 hours, so how many times can that engine or boat be sold?
Unless it's a ha ha dragon queen that touched 10k a few times?
Nope, Not on here in its worst day!

[digginfool]

I second the Brad Penn. Has everything you're looking for. Personally, I run the 20w-50.

[fl cracker]

Amsoil dominator, look at the comparison vs Royle purple . Its a good read

[White Hawk]

Forget changes based on time. I run my 383 between 3400 and 5200 for hours at a time. Your motor will be in the upper RPM range when you ride. Change your oil and filter once it smells bad, and by then should look off. Change your oil and filter together, use racing oil as it has additives that will protect your motor in the higher rpm range, and it will not lose its protective properties when it is being run hard.