![Ryan raft ryan floating on a blow-up raft in a lake pointing a finger up in the air](https://www.blackstone-labs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Ryan-raft-1.jpg)
Ryan started at Blackstone in 1997 after graduating from Purdue University with a degree in mechanical engineering. Ryan is responsible for writing and maintaining Blackstone’s software program, setting up and managing the lab, writing reports, and a million other things that need to be done in a business. When he’s not kicking ass in the lab or writing code, Ryan enjoys putting his pilot’s license to good use, working on his ’84 Chevy 3/4 ton, and raising his kids. As an experiment, Ryan ran Aeroshell W65 — an oil with (gasp!) no zinc or phosphorus in it — in his Chevy to determine if the hype over ZDDP (zinc dithiophosphate) is all that or not, figuring if the experiment ruined his engine, well, he’s rebuilt it before. (Spoiler alert: The engine was fine. See pictures from the rebuild and the latest report from his Chevy below.)
Ryan’s Engine Rebuild:
![rengine1 Engine 1](https://www.blackstone-labs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/rengine1.jpg)
The “before” picture of the engine, with almost everything removed, including the cylinder heads and intake manifold.
![rengine6 Engine 6](https://www.blackstone-labs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/rengine6.jpg)
What a beauty! Engine has been cleaned and painted.
![rengine2 Engine 2](https://www.blackstone-labs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/rengine2.jpg)
The block with the new cylinder heads and old intake re-installed. Had to put both back on in order to remove the engine.
![rengine5 Jim & Ryan](https://www.blackstone-labs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/rengine5.jpg)
Ryan and Jim hard at work in Jim’s barn.
![rengine3 Engine 3](https://www.blackstone-labs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/rengine3.jpg)
After the engine was removed, sitting on the stand.
![rengine4 Engine 4](https://www.blackstone-labs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/rengine4.jpg)
Back in she goes! The new carburetor is on top.
![84 CHEVY-180111 Ryan's oil analysis report on his 1984 Chevy truck](https://www.blackstone-labs.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/84-CHEVY-180111.png)