Brenspeed's Oil Recommendation for B326

1950StangJump$

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Okay, I'm not getting much help, so figured I'd try here and see what the gurus think.

With Brenspeed's B326 long block, they dictate 10w40 CONVENTIONAL oil. The reason for the 10w40 is easy - if you don't lock the cams (they recommend keeping the VCT and using limiters), the increased oil pressure is necessary to overcome the motor's high lift valve springs.

But, why non-synthetic (after break in)? When I asked Brenspeed, they blew me off several times with canned answers that didn't give a mechanical/engineering reason. Finally, they old me the conventional was necessary because of the motor's bearing clearances. But, even that falls short a little for me. Is viscosity not viscosity, ie wouldn't 10w40 synthetic not have the same effect with said bearing clearance?

Brenspeed has no motive to push the conventional, so there must be some reason - they just haven't been liberal with the details on why. I just can't figure it out .... and after my break in is complete, I want to ensure I'm using the best oil possible.
 

eighty6gt

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who makes the 10w40

I'd follow their recommendations. Their "engineering" reason is that engines have failed trying anything else, and/or they have no testing at all with anything else.

You will never, ever wear that engine out using what conventional 10w40 they recommend.

I really like the big sticker on the side of the T56 that Tremec sells now to the aftermarket

DEXRON III ONLY. Red sticker.
 

1950StangJump$

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LOL, I do run Syncromesh in my MAGNUM :)

When I first started doing research on the B326, I did find they had failures early on because of the high lift springs and the VCT. They originally responded by locking the cams, but eventually did enough of their own testing to conclude the 10w40 was the answer. Allegedly, they now haven't had any failures in years, and they still build a bunch.

That said, I'm still perplexed by the non-synthetic mandate. I realize you're probably correct that it's inconsequential
 

06StangGT

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Brenspeed seemed great when the most I threw at the car was simple bolt-ons. I did my research and decided against the B326. This is the second post I've seen in a week about their "tech" department more or less blowing off high dollar spenders post sale. This just confirms I made the right decision in spending that money elsewhere, with after sale support.
 

1950StangJump$

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Brenspeed seemed great when the most I threw at the car was simple bolt-ons. I did my research and decided against the B326. This is the second post I've seen in a week about their "tech" department more or less blowing off high dollar spenders post sale. This just confirms I made the right decision in spending that money elsewhere, with after sale support.

I have certainly had my challenges, and this was one of them.

That said, throughout the purchase, build of the motor, and my install, there have been some very good, and some very bad, examples of customer support with them.

At some point, after my install is 100% broken in, shaken down, adjusted, and on cruise, I'll do a thread on my experience. In the meantime, if you want to know details, drop me a PM.
 

EBABlacknChrome

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This almost doesn't surprise me about their customer service! I have had more than enough poor support on simple bolts-ons and tune with them. I have been debating the B326 heavily the last 3 months. I have heard a lot of good about it, some bad but service and support are crucial. I have seen they changed the web sale, stating the motor is a build/install only by them but it also says pick up below that.

They are close to me which I like, but don't care for the attitude. Putting it lightly. Big purchase!

Good luck!

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk
 

JEWC_Motorsports

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A person on IMBOC just blew a rod out the block after break in. They warrantied it and said it spun a rod bearing. Clearances have to be super loose to spin a bearing after 2 weeks.
 

Juice

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A person on IMBOC just blew a rod out the block after break in. They warrantied it and said it spun a rod bearing. Clearances have to be super loose to spin a bearing after 2 weeks.
More like clearances were non existent.
How long does it take to plastigauge bearings?
And if they are specing heavier than stock oil = loser clearances.
 

1950StangJump$

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So, any theory on why non-synthetic oil for their motors? Assuming equal oil weight (10w40) ...
 

Laga

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Viscosity is viscosity. There is no difference in how it’s measured depending on what makes up the base stock.
And I wouldn’t believe a word Brenspeed says. I was told I’d have to live with my drivability problems after a cam install because “ That’s just how it is”.
A Lito tune solved all my problems.
 

1950StangJump$

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Except here, there really isn't a conceivable motive for why they might stick to the non-synthetic narrative unless there was a legit reason.
 

RED09GT

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Do they give a build sheet with the stated bearing clearances?

I'm wondering if it is due to the 10W40 oil having a slightly lower compressibility than 5w20. Perhaps it is needed to keep the vanes in the cam phasers from compressing the oil in the phasers? Just thinking out loud here.
 

1950StangJump$

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Outdated spec that nobody has bothered to change.

Come on now. They haven't been building these engines since before synthetic oil was an option. At some point, there had to be a legit reason.
 

1950StangJump$

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Do they give a build sheet with the stated bearing clearances?

I'm wondering if it is due to the 10W40 oil having a slightly lower compressibility than 5w20. Perhaps it is needed to keep the vanes in the cam phasers from compressing the oil in the phasers? Just thinking out loud here.

No build sheet with that granular info.

Again, I can see the reason for the weight .... it's the non-synthetic that's of question.
 

eighty6gt

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prove brenspeed wrong

start a company
start building engines for the aftermarket
spec whatever oil you like
try to make money!
 

eighty6gt

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That's a bit of overselling, I'm just a manufacturer.
 

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