My Z's motor has 164K on the factory original bottom-end. Runs well, gets reasonable gas milage and pulls strong. Uses some oil between changes when I drive it hard. I'v been using Mobile One 10w-40 without complaint---except for the expense. I'd like to switch to Rotella T Synthetic 5W-40 since it's considerably less expensive. I live in S. Florida where Winter time daytime temps range from the low 80s to the mid 30s in January. Keep in mind the fact that the L-series motor in the car has a Solid-Lifer valvetrain. Higer ZDDP levels are important. Any reason to rethink my new choice of oil?
1976 Datsun 280z
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I don't think it should be an issue for you but based on Walmart pricing it doesn't seem like that much of a savings to change.
M1 10W-40 HM 5qt Jug @ $24.50 = $4.90 per quart
Rotella T6 Gal Jug @ $19.00 = $4.75 per quart
That's only a $0.15 difference per quart.
M1 10W-40 HM 5qt Jug @ $24.50 = $4.90 per quart
Rotella T6 Gal Jug @ $19.00 = $4.75 per quart
That's only a $0.15 difference per quart.
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I used GTX 20W50 in my 280Z. If I had one now,it`d be RP 20W50.
Id stick with with what has been/is whats working well.
I love datsuns. I have always used Rotella 15w40 in my past z cars with good results. Any pics of the car?
I had a '76 2+2 back in the mid 'nineties.
It was on wider than stock rims and tires, and steered like a truck at low speeds.
It had had a later five spd put in it.
The engine had such a pleasant sound when revved hard, and in faster driving, the car was a real joy.
I sold it at around 160K.
I always used 10W-40 in it, since that was what I thought would be good for it.
You have a neat, and increasingly rare, car.
It was on wider than stock rims and tires, and steered like a truck at low speeds.
It had had a later five spd put in it.
The engine had such a pleasant sound when revved hard, and in faster driving, the car was a real joy.
I sold it at around 160K.
I always used 10W-40 in it, since that was what I thought would be good for it.
You have a neat, and increasingly rare, car.
I could have sworn I bought my last gallon jug of 5w-40 Rotella synthetic for $12. I guess I'm wrong.
Anyway, thanks for the kind words. I'v had the car for 4 or 5 years and enjoyed most of the time with it. About a year ago I put on slighty larger (15inch) wheels and tires. The car actually felt nimbler and more precise on the older 14inch tires. The old wheels were bent and frankly looked like [censored]. So the new wheel and tire combo is a net gain. But the car is definitely more of a brute in ride and handling now. I plan on going through the front end (struts, control arm bushings, tire rod ends and ball joints) to tighten things up a bit. Althpugh it handles, drives and steers pretty well now. But the a/c is cold, the 5 speed I replaced the 4 speed with shifts GREAT, the motor pulls strong and sounds GREAT and she gets 17-23 MPGs. Zs of this vintage are somwhat rare because of the rust issues that plague the cars. But this one isn't bad. And the undercariage is new-car solid since I'v replaced the support rails and floor on the driver's side. Dad bought a 77 2+2 NEW in 1977 and took me to school, baseball practice, scouts, etc. in it and I remember it fondly. We share this one and it makes both of us feel 20 years younger---he's 74 and I'm 44. So that works out VERY well!
Anyway, thanks for the kind words. I'v had the car for 4 or 5 years and enjoyed most of the time with it. About a year ago I put on slighty larger (15inch) wheels and tires. The car actually felt nimbler and more precise on the older 14inch tires. The old wheels were bent and frankly looked like [censored]. So the new wheel and tire combo is a net gain. But the car is definitely more of a brute in ride and handling now. I plan on going through the front end (struts, control arm bushings, tire rod ends and ball joints) to tighten things up a bit. Althpugh it handles, drives and steers pretty well now. But the a/c is cold, the 5 speed I replaced the 4 speed with shifts GREAT, the motor pulls strong and sounds GREAT and she gets 17-23 MPGs. Zs of this vintage are somwhat rare because of the rust issues that plague the cars. But this one isn't bad. And the undercariage is new-car solid since I'v replaced the support rails and floor on the driver's side. Dad bought a 77 2+2 NEW in 1977 and took me to school, baseball practice, scouts, etc. in it and I remember it fondly. We share this one and it makes both of us feel 20 years younger---he's 74 and I'm 44. So that works out VERY well!
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I`d love to have an original mint `69 240Z!
My last one was an 81. I had 16in. panasports on it, raised compression, cam, header. Loved that car and still miss it. The L series really likes to rev when you bump the compression and free up the breathing. The new struts will make a world of difference they are notoriously too soft when new.
Save some $$
Mobil Clean High Mileage
Mobil Clean High Mileage
Powerglide -
The 15-40 is the cheap one. The 5-40 is the full synthetic .
The dino 15-40 in your location sounds perfectly acceptable in that particular car. 5-40 even better.
The 15-40 is the cheap one. The 5-40 is the full synthetic .
The dino 15-40 in your location sounds perfectly acceptable in that particular car. 5-40 even better.
I'd like to see some pics. I miss my Z's. My friend got me started with his 75' 280Z 2+2. Then I bought my first one, a 1981 2 seater. After that I sold it and mistakenly downgraded to a POS 84' 300Z (which spun the bearings and also blew the tranny). Later on I bought a 350Z and had it from 2003 until a few months ago.
Overall, I've always said that there's absolutely no comparison to the experience you get when sitting behind the driver's seat of the old style original 280Z (240 & 260 too). Sitting down on the ground with that long hood and a face full of big gauges is just a real driving experience. The 350Z is great on paper, performs unbelievably well, and has tons of great modern features- but your sitting high and upright just like any other car. Totally different feeling.
Overall, I've always said that there's absolutely no comparison to the experience you get when sitting behind the driver's seat of the old style original 280Z (240 & 260 too). Sitting down on the ground with that long hood and a face full of big gauges is just a real driving experience. The 350Z is great on paper, performs unbelievably well, and has tons of great modern features- but your sitting high and upright just like any other car. Totally different feeling.
Talk about bringing back memories. Bought a brand new '76 280Z and kept it for 12 years. My absolute favorite car. Sold it to my nephew with 240K miles with the stipulation that I would get it back when he decided to get rid of it. Alas, the Z got crunched by a highway patrol cruiser while my nephew was sitting still at a red light. Luckily he wasn't hurt, but the Z was totaled. Sad, sad day. I've wished many times over the years that I still had it and Addyguy is right, you never see pristine Zs anymore, especially up north. Forgot to add, used GTX 20W-50 its entire life.
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