Engine break in question non-typical

[Bartly]

So I have it in my head from somewhere in my past that engines like to be broken in with old fashion dino oil. Something about viscosity and the rings and other parts wear in better with regular oil vs. synthetic. I started to wonder if that's why the factory might use the semi-blend. Course I'm sure cost is a big reason too?
I'm coming up on 1600 miles on my GT and was thinking about doing an early oil change but was wonder at what point are all the parts completely seated and broken in because I'd like to switch to full synthetic. Sorry, that might actually happen in the first 500 miles, I just don't know. Curious if anyone else has heard or knows about the regular vs. synthetic thing on break in. Where/why did I hear that?

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[markmurfie]

I've heard about it before. I personally don't believe it. Most syn vs reg oil studies I've read say lubrication was not improved much if any at all. Oil life span and temperature range was definitely increased. I would say run synthetic just for the extra life between oil changes, but still change oil frequently for best results.

 

[RBS550]

I’m just one person, there are many more with way more knowledge than me. Now I will say what I think….I too come from “Old School”, back in the day honing left a rougher surface and piston ring spring pressure was higher and both were softer material, this caused initial wear-in. We use to need a “Ridge Reamer” just to remove old pistons from the cylinder wall wear.
Fast forward to today, our cylinder walls are EXTREMELY hard and our piston rings are smaller, harder and have less spring tension. This all adds up to less wear and more HP.
I would go 100% synthetic, but that’s just me, I wouldn’t condemn if you chose not to.

 

[GT Pony]

I've always switched to full synthetic at around 5,000 miles. Engine should be well seated by then.

 

[Doctor Fishtail]

So I have it in my head from somewhere in my past that engines like to be broken in with old fashion dino oil. Something about viscosity and the rings and other parts wear in better with regular oil vs. synthetic. I started to wonder if that's why the factory might use the semi-blend. Course I'm sure cost is a big reason too?
I'm coming up on 1600 miles on my GT and was thinking about doing an early oil change but was wonder at what point are all the parts completely seated and broken in because I'd like to switch to full synthetic. Sorry, that might actually happen in the first 500 miles, I just don't know. Curious if anyone else has heard or knows about the regular vs. synthetic thing on break in. Where/why did I hear that?

After breaking in several engines I have found it best to use a "Break in Oil" a quality break in oil. But this is engines that were custom built. Ford told me do not worry about break in since they do this at the factory. Now this is coming from a service guy at the dealer and we all no how twisted their info. can be. I changed mine to a full synthetic at 1297 miles. Here is a link to a solid proven oil. It is what I use and it is NOT CHEAP. http://www.torcousa.com/torco_product/sr-1.html

 

[Ilovemyv8]

I've always switched to full synthetic at around 5,000 miles. Engine should be well seated by then.

I did the exact same thing. I left the original oil in until the 5,000 mile change. I used Pennzoil platinum 5-20 after that. I also installed a FORD PERFORMANCE MUSTANG COYOTE 5.0L PASSENGER SIDE OIL-AIR SEPARATOR at 20,000 miles, after reading about every one having oil or residue in the line. Mine had no oil or residue at all. It looked brand new.

 

[wildcatgoal]

Here's how I broke in my Harley after I rebuilt the engine into a high compression beast: road it 250 miles like I normally would, changed the oil, road it to the 1/8 mi. drag strip about 50 miles away, and then proceeded to roast sport bikes for next few hours until my back tire was toast. Never had an issue for the next 20K miles, compression excellent, didn't burn a drop of oil, worked fine through a number of different risky tunes, not an issue to speak of (except the starter couldn't handle the compression when warm so I had to replace that).

Everyone was like ... baby it for 1,000 miles. Pfff... I ain't got time for that poop.

 

[GoBlues38]

I've always switched to full synthetic at around 5,000 miles. Engine should be well seated by then.

Since 1992 This has been my approach. I have used Mobil 1 in every car since 1992 and have never had an issue with sludge or oil. This is big v8's twin turbo v6 and turbo 4's.

Switch out the factory fill at 5,000 miles with a good synthetic, and then just follow the cars recommended oil schedule. On my fords, when the oil life gets to 10%, I begin to plan my oil change. Usually the next weekend.

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