Oil for Cossie BDD motors

[JeffW]

Does anyone with a Cosworth BDD have a recommendation for an engine oil?

I'm getting close to finishing this FA project.

Thanks for any advice.

Jeff W

[Steve Demeter]

Check with an engine builder.

Know the clearances you have built to when you do the checking as that will likely affect the recommendation.

When in doubt 20 50 synthetic racing oil is a safe bet.

Might cost a HP or 2 but will never deliver too thin a film.

[JeffW]

Fair suggestion Steve - turns out they have their preferences too. All settle on a 20W50, but then its a choice between Brad Penn (cheaper), Gibbs Racing or Royal Purple (most expensive).

I wanted to canvas the community to see if there is a preference or if you get a 20W50 with a high ZDDP from a manufacturer such as those mentioned above then there is nothing much too choose between them.

JeffW

[a. pettipas]

http://www.valvoline.com/products/co...r-oil/20w-50/8

[provamo]

interesting question as i believe these engines originally never tasted synthetics but won races (yet that is what you will probably use)

i vote for green Kendall GT-1

[Randy Cook]

With the change in zinc content of gasoline engine oils I've successfully run my FA (Toyota) on Delo 10-40 Diesel oil.

[a. pettipas]

All of the popular oils intended for race engines - Valvoline VR1, Mobil 1 Racing, Neo, Red Line, Gibbs, Penn etc - have adequate ZDDP; oils for street use have reduced levels of the zinc additive.

[vds]

http://www.sjenningsracing.com/racing/care.php

[JeffW]

Thanks VDS - that's very helpful

JeffW

[dereklola]

http://www.sjenningsracing.com/racing/care.php

Just got round to reading this -
- 1 - no mention of an air/steam separator (swirl pot) in the cooling system - hmmm!
- 2 - 'recent problems with Champion spark plugs' - anyone know when this was written? I've been using Champion C57/C59 for decades - never a problem - any one else?
Derek

[JeffW]

I agree Derek - I don't think its up-to-date but the basics are there. For example, I don't think anyone with a BDD uses a 40W oil - its all 20W50. I also think, but not absolutely sure, that Jennings now recommends Royal Purple - but I could be mixing him up with another builder. I am reassured that Brad Penn, Gibbs, and Royal Purple are all producing a good oil, though others may have different preferences. I'm going with JGR XP5.

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

JeffW

[bill gillespie]

I agree Derek - I don't think its up-to-date but the basics are there. For example, I don't think anyone with a BDD uses a 40W oil - its all 20W50. I also think, but not absolutely sure, that Jennings now recommends Royal Purple - but I could be mixing him up with another builder. I am reassured that Brad Penn, Gibbs, and Royal Purple are all producing a good oil, though others may have different preferences. I'm going with JGR XP5.

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

JeffW

Jeff,

You can't go wrong with Steve's oil advice....just call him and get the CURRENT info. Also. the weight is very specific to the rod and main bearing tolerances your engine is built to...the problem comes when those two clearances are different....then you have a decision to make.

I have used ELF, Motul, Gibbs, Mobil 1 in BDD's and they are all very good, but you must use the proper viscosity for YOUR bearing clearances and expected operating temp of the oil.

Best of luck,
Bill

[dereklola]

Jeff and Bill

Sloppy thinking on my part - I was interpreting "40W" as meaning 10W40 (assuming everyone now uses multigrade). I normally use 10W40 but carry same brand 20W50 in case operating oil pressure drops (temperature related etc).

Does everyone use a water swirl pot? I've no intention of eliminating mine!

[bill gillespie]

Jeff and Bill

Sloppy thinking on my part - I was interpreting "40W" as meaning 10W40 (assuming everyone now uses multigrade). I normally use 10W40 but carry same brand 20W50 in case operating oil pressure drops (temperature related etc).

Does everyone use a water swirl pot? I've no intention of eliminating mine!

Steve always insisted on a swirl pot....these were always his motors...I just paid for them.

[Charlie Schmidt]

based on (expensive) FF experience---keep the swirl pot!

[Charles Warner]

Steve has switched to Royal Purple. Read his on-line advice and follow it.

FRAM.