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Red Line Lubricants for Engine Assembly and Extreme Loads
Building a race engine or working on a tuned street car? One thing’s for sure: standard motor oil is not enough. Red Line lubricants – Assembly Lube, Liquid Assembly Lube, and CV-2 High Temp Grease – offer targeted protection where regular oils fail. In this article, we explain what they do, when to use them, and why they matter for performance builds.
Why conventional lubricants aren’t enough for motorsport and tuning
Motorsport engines and performance builds operate under extreme temperatures, tight tolerances, and high loads. During initial startup, oil pressure may not be established yet – which can lead to metal-to-metal contact and premature wear. Regular oils and greases can’t protect components during these critical moments.
This is where Red Line’s specialized lubricants come in: products engineered for assembly lubrication, dry starts, and high-heat mechanical contact points. Each formula is designed for a specific task and offers unique advantages that standard lubricants simply cannot deliver.
Red Line Assembly Lube – Protection during engine startup
What is it?
Red Line Assembly Lube is a paste-like grease containing molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) and zinc, specifically designed for use during engine assembly. It provides load-bearing protection before oil pressure builds, especially on high-friction metal surfaces.
Main features
- High viscosity – sticks to surfaces for weeks or months
- Solid additives for superior pressure resistance
- Ideal for: camshafts, lifters, valve springs, bearings
Who should use it? Professional engine builders, tuners, and anyone assembling a performance engine – especially where dry startup damage must be avoided.
Red Line Liquid Assembly Lube – Flowable protection for tight clearances
How is it different from the paste version?
Red Line Liquid Assembly Lube is a high-viscosity liquid lubricant engineered for tight-tolerance components. Unlike the paste version, it can flow into narrow oil passages and thin bearing clearances, ensuring coverage without clogging.
Advantages
- Compatible with all engine oils – fully miscible
- Prevents dry contact before oil pressure builds
- Excellent for: main and rod bearings, hydraulic lifters, oil pumps
Recommended for: modern high-performance engines, precision builds, and classic restorations where extended storage or delayed startup may occur.
Red Line CV-2 High Temp Grease – Heat-resistant grease for extreme mechanical loads
What is it made for?
CV-2 is a synthetic high-temperature grease designed for use in wheel bearings, CV joints, suspension components, and brake hardware. It withstands the extreme conditions of motorsport, including sustained high speeds and heat cycles.
Key properties
- Thermal stability up to 260°C (500°F)
- Waterproof and shear-resistant
- Corrosion inhibitors included for long-term durability
Common misconception: Many performance cars rely on standard OEM greases that can’t handle race-level temperatures. CV-2 offers durability under racing loads where others fail.
When to use which Red Line lubricant?
| Application | Assembly Lube | Liquid Assembly Lube | CV-2 High Temp Grease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camshaft, valvetrain, top-end assembly | ✔ | ✔ | – |
| Main and rod bearings, oil pumps | – | ✔ | – |
| Wheel bearings, suspension, brakes | – | – | ✔ |
| Classic or stored engines | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Final thoughts from the workshop
Red Line lubricants are precision-engineered tools for engine protection. In motorsport and high-performance street builds, reliability begins at assembly. Choosing the right lubricant ensures your project survives its first start, first track day, and many hard kilometers to come.
