Best oil for a T Bird

[lsulli]

best oil for a "Y" block flat tappet motor(1956 Ford T Bird

 

[LoneRanger]

Something with a lot of zinc. Which an off the shelf ILSAC GF4 API SM oil won't have. Perhaps a diesel oil like Mobil 1 TDT.

 

[Doug Hillary]

Hi,
Isulli - Welcome to BITOG - enjoy your stay

I know the "Y" block well. When they were new we used the then "modern" 10W-30 lubricants

For you and according to operating ambient temperature range a 15W-40 HDEO would be my choice. Shell, Chevron, Castrol and Mobil all have a range of these "mixed fleet" lubricants

A synthetic would NOT be on my list

 

[lsulli]

Thanks for the input.

 

[lsulli]

Thanks for the input.

 

[HyperJinx]

A HDEO like Rotella. Purhaps a Rotella T 10w30 (dino)

 

[glen242]

I use Valvoline VR-1 in my stroker flat tappet '76 'vette. Lots of ZDDP.

 

[Cujet]

I would also suggest a diesel oil. They are the commonly available oils with plenty of ZDDP.

We tried a M1 5-40 diesel synthetic in a recently overhauled Rabbit diesel and it was prone to leaks. Switching back to standard Rotella reduced the rate of leakage by half at the crank seal. It seems the VW parts are old and the aftermarket seals are not good enough.

So, while I suggest syn oils for nearly everyone, I hesitate to recommend it for such an old engine.

 

[Nickdfresh]

In Mass., I'd go with the Shell Rotella 10W-30 HDEO...

 

[Boss302fan]

Try Maxlife sem syn HM 10W40 and add ZDDPlus. I have tried it in one of my cars and it worked great. I will most likely start using it in all my non racing vehicles. I used to use Rotella but I really do not like all the detergents in the 15W40 oil for a flat tappet cam engine.