Hi,
I'm just finishing assembling my B16A, and I would like some advice regarding break in. There is absolutely no one selling mineral/regular oil around my area or in neighboring cities that isn't 15w40 or 20w50 weight. I'm sure 50 weight is far too much for a newly assembled engine and with 15w it would have a harder time than is ideal at startup. I was thinking about using 10w30 semi-synthetic which is readily available and then transition to my desired 5w30 or 5w40 full synthetic after break in. Is there any chance that the engine wouldn't break in as it should using semi-synthetic instead of regular/mineral oil? Any tips regarding break in this scenario?

 

why such a high weight oil? Just grab the cheapest conventional oil and break in the motor. After about 500 miles or so, do another oil change.

 

The only available conventional/mineral oil is either 15w40 or 20w50. Anything lower is only available as semi-synthetic, so I was wondering what was the best option: Running a high weight regular/mineral anyway or if it's fine to use the correct weight semi-synthetic for break in.

 

I would just order what you need online.

Where do you live that you can’t get conventional 5w30 locally? Even the grocery stores sell it here...

 

break in secrets

 

Well, even the vendors at specialized stores don't know that 5w30 regular exists. Around here you can only get regular/mineral as 20w50 or 15w40. Less than that, like 10w30 is only found as semi-synthetic, and 5w30 is only found as full synthetic. Even online, I've found only one brand that makes regular 30 weight, curiously for the same price as a semi-synthetic.

 

Thank you, I'll take a look!

 

OP, I'm sure you can order some conventional oil for your break-in process. Most online stores/dealers should be able to send you some without hassle.

 

Summit racing just started selling high zinc straight 30w break in oil. A side note if this is a street car oils with high zinc content can damage catalytic converters

 

Do you think it would be an issue for the 20 minutes or so of break in plus the 20 minutes of initial warm up?

I'd be draining the oil and going with my preferred oil from there.

 

High zinc break in oil is fine, you really shouldn’t be running break in oil for more than 30-40 miles so it won’t do any measurable damage to the cats.

 

Unfortunately, I'm not from the US so it's not an option. Never seen break-in specific oil sold here anywhere.

 

I think Summit will sell internationally. You will have to check with them to be sure. Fluids can be a bit trickier logistically and you might be out of luck there.