1980 CHEV PU, correct oil

[tinboattom]

I have a 1980 Chevy C-30 PU with a V8 5.7 engine with 41,287 miles (no, that's not a typo). The original owner's manual recommends 10W-30 oil, changed very 3000 miles. When a group of us old guys with old cars/trucks, get together, the topic of oil/viscosity for our vehicles rears it's ugly head. I change the oil/filter religiously once a year just because. I won't get into the oil filter debate in this posting. I have access to a lift so that part is not a problem. I use conventional oil. I'd be interested to hear what members with similar vehicles use for oil or any recommendations for a different brand/type/viscosity. Thank you. Great website

 

[JMJNet]

Despite popular belief, the truck likes oil. It does not care what oil it has, as long as it is engine oil as supposed to cooking oil.
Take your pick from any of the name brand or good store brand.

 

[ripcord]

Asking for the "correct" oil is like asking for the "correct" flavor of soda pop. If you want to give your truck something "better", then maybe some Castrol Classic 10w-30 would be a good choice. Some folks like the extra old school anti-wear additives it has it in to better protect the sometimes soft Chevy camshafts of that era.

 

[JavierH19]

I'd give it something like valvoline heavy duty diesel or delvac extreme. I think that one still has flat tappets but it's likely low spring tension.

 

[ripcord]

I'd give it something like valvoline heavy duty diesel or delvac extreme. I think that one still has flat tappets but it's likely low spring tension.

A 1980 definitely has flat tappets. Chevy had issues with camshafts wearing out in that era. The 305 gets most of the hate for this, but the 350 wasn't immune to that problem, either.

 

[PontiacHO]