87 Monte Carlo SS

[kevjam79]

Hey oil fans…

I need some help. I recently inherited my dad’s 87 Monte Carlo SS. It only has 23K miles. The engine is in great shape of course and I want to keep it that way.

On oil selection, I have researched this a lot… including all of Lake Speed Jr’s video on YouTube.

Where I have fallen is do I go with a high ZDDP formulation like Driven HR-2 or Lucas Hotrod & Classic Car… OR should I be looking at an API approved formulation… if it’s an API approved formation, should I be looking at a high mileage setup to protect seals.

I would love to get opinions or facts on this topic and next steps… thanks in advance. I added a pic for fun.

 

[atikovi]

Any name brand synthetic is fine. Mobil 1, Pennzoil, Valvoline, Quaker State, Walmart SuperTech, etc. It's a low stress carburated V8, not some high strung direct injected turbo 4 cylinder.

 

[JavierH19]

Any euro or diesel 30/40 grade would do if i had it. No need for any special zddp oil like that but you could use castrol edge euro 5w-30 or delvac extreme 15w-40 if you want high zddp options that are on the Walmart shelf and very well priced. I think these were the last of the flat tappets but the spring tension isn't high I believe so you shouldn't need any high zddp oil anyway.

 

[KCJeep]

I have long loved those things, great looking car!

 

[LDB]

That's a beauty and being your dad's makes it much more special. Congrats and enjoy.

 

[drtyler]

Did the 1987 305 HO have roller cams?

 

[eljefino]

Use the high zinc stuff. Some 305s have soft cams.

 

[kevjam79]

That's a beauty and being your dad's makes it much more special. Congrats and enjoy.

It’s super special. I rode in the back seat the day we drove it off the showroom. The interior still smells like it did that day. Pretty cool.

 

[Astro14]

I believe 1987 was the first year for a roller cam in the 305 small block. So, just about any oil will be fine. Seriously. don’t overthink this. A small block with a roller cam is going to be fine with whatever you choose.

 

[Astro14]

Use the high zinc stuff. Some 305s have soft cams.

It’s a roller. So, no need for high zinc.

 

[kevjam79]

Did the 1987 305 HO have roller cams?

I don’t know… I haven’t researched that yet.

My other significant concern is the seals. The only change the car has had outside of fluids over the years are wiper blades and tires. Everything else is original.

 

[Brian123]

Did the 1987 305 HO have roller cams?

No!
I believe 1988 was when they came out with A Roller Cam in certain Chevrolet Vehicles.

 

[Dave Hess]

Rotella T5 10W30 oil.

I always liked these cars and look awesome with bigger wheels and tires.

 

[Astro14]

I don’t know… I haven’t researched that yet.

My other significant concern is the seals. The only change the car has had outside of fluids over the years are wiper blades and tires. Everything else is original.

Your issue with the seals is going to be age - and there isn’t an oil that can fix age. You can get seal conditioners, which attempt to soften, but opinions on their use is mixed.

 

[Astro14]

No!
I believe 1988 was when they came out with A Roller Cam in certain Chevrolet Vehicles.

I was around during those years, owned a 1985 Trans-Am (equipped with the 305 SBC) and I remember 1987 being the year that Chevy went to roller cams. My car was only two years old, and already obsolete…

 

[Kira]

Would an '87 have the vastly improved hoses of today?
In other words,.....Should you change every hose in that car ASAP?
How is the master cylinder lid seal? They can 'just sag away'.

 

[kevjam79]

Would an '87 have the vastly improved hoses of today?
In other words,.....Should you change every hose in that car ASAP?
How is the master cylinder lid seal? They can 'just sag away'.

Very likely. It is now a project to return it back to its previous glory. It definitely needs belts, headliner, door rain guards and driver door window motor, too.

I have noticed the master cylinder lid seal.

 

[B1974]

I don't think they have roller cams.

http://www.montecarloss.com/community/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1036142

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...v8,1056372,engine,camshaft+&+lifter+kit,15058

 

[JohnnyG]

MB 229.5/ M1 Euro 0W-40, just like the Corvettes use.

 

[Astro14]

I don't think they have roller cams.

http://www.montecarloss.com/community/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1036142

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog...v8,1056372,engine,camshaft+&+lifter+kit,15058

Even if it doesn’t have the roller, and we disagree on that, the oil recommendation remains the same.

The 305 of that vintage was a low lift, modest duration, cam. It doesn’t need a bunch of zinc. The spring pressures are low. The cam profile gentle.

It’s fine with whatever oil he wants to run.