So I got a motor currently at the machine shop getting rebuilt. It is a Buick 231 evenfire engine from 1985. The engine is about 2-4 weeks from completion and I am curious as to what synthetic motor oil you guys would think would be the best to give the motor the longest life span possible. It is for a daily driver and is a non turbo motor.
best synthetic motor oil for my application?
- Thread starter Aaron_C
- Start date
- Status
My vote is for Amsoil.
and
to BITOG. You'll find that there will be many opinions. You may want to tell us what kind of driving you usually do, if you are interested in extending your OCI beyond 7500 miles, and if price is no object or you're looking for least expensive. Also let us know what weight oil your engine is spec'd for.
and
Last edited:
10w30 of yur choice those engines were made for dino.. why is it taken 2-4 weeks for that engine? We do them complete in three days or so that includes installation
Originally spec'd for a 10w30, i would run a 5w30 if the clearances are similar to stock. They were spec'd to run a 15w40 if temperature were above 10F, so a 0w40 would be fine, but i think a 5w30 would be your best bet.
Pennzoil Ultra is a popular choice, if you can find it, but honestly anything will do. The quality of lubricants has come a long way since 1985, so Quaker State UD, Mobil 1, PP, PU, Synpower, even Supertech are all fine products when run to most severe service intervals.
Also if you have room you can use a AC Delco PF52 or equivlant, instead of the PF47. I would recommend a Wix 51036. Here is a list of all the PF52 filters that will fit the engine. (You will need to make sure you have room once its installed because its a little longer)
CARCARE IOF3535
CARCARE IOF3980
CARQUEST 85036
CARQUEST B4011
CASITE CF51
CASITE CF52
CATERPILLAR 3I-1114
CENEX CO447A
CHAMP PH51A
CHAMPION OF08
CHAMPION OF32
CHRYSLER L-319
CITGO C4011
CRUISEMASTER 218
DEFENSE DL3980
DEFENSE DL3980
DELPHI FX1016
DEUTSCH D487
DONALDSON LFP550051
DONALDSON P550051
DYNALIFE CN-3535
ECONO LUBE L24011
EVERGARD E4011
FACET 51
FILTERS INCORPORATED OF3535
FILTERS INCORPORATED OF3980
FIRESTONE TF52
FLAG C-3535
FLAG C-3980
FLEETGUARD LF3554
FLEETGUARD LF42503
FLEETGUARD LF782
FLEETRITE LFR-83486
FLEETRITE LFR-8782
FRAM PH3980
GENERAL MOTORS 12555891
GENERAL MOTORS 19210285
GENERAL MOTORS 25010908
GENERAL MOTORS 25012760
GENERAL MOTORS 25160560
GENERAL MOTORS 25171377
GENERAL MOTORS 25325403
GONHER GP3980
GONHER GP48
GOODYEAR 222-4516
GOODYEAR L51
GOODYEAR L52
GRAND PRIX PH51A
GREASE MONKEY GM24011
GREASE MONKEY GM51
GREASE MONKEY GM52
GROUP 7 V173
GROUP 7 V4011
HASTINGS LF234
HASTINGS LF393
HAVOLINE T-27
HUTCHEN SF-173
HYSTER 1320000
HYSTER 375588
ISUZU 8-25171-377-0
JIFFY LUBE HL3980
JIFFY LUBE JL173
JIFFY LUBE JL4011
JIFFY LUBE L20173
JIFFY LUBE L24011
JOHN DEERE TY15135
K & N HP-2001
K MART K-12
K MART MP-12
K MART MP-42
KENDALL K10
KENDALL K25
KRALINATOR L197
KRALINATOR L297
LEE LF-51
LEE LF-51A
LEE LF-51AHP
LEE LF-51HP
LUBER-FINER PH51A
MANN W7 MULTI 18
MANN & HUMMEL ML 1007
MANN & HUMMEL W713/18
MANN & HUMMEL W718/3
MARATHON MO51
MARATHON-LETOURNEAU MO51
MASTER PARTS PH-51
MASTER PARTS PH-51A
MECHANICS CIRCLE MOF 3535
MECHANICS CIRCLE MOF 3980
MERCRUISER 35-802884Q
MERCRUISER 35-802884T
MERCRUISER 35-883702Q
MERCRUISER 41815
MICRO F-173
MICROGARD MGL3980
MIGHTY M3980
MILEGUARD MO3980
MINIT LUBE PH51
MOBIL M1-201
MOBIL MO4011
MOTOR TREND ML3980
MOTORCRAFT FL 402
NAPA 1036
OMC 173834
OMC 502903
PARTS MASTER 1-3535
PARTS MASTER 1-3980
PARTS PLUS PH51A
PENNZOIL PZ-29
PERFORMAX PO-29
PERFORMAX PO-29
PHILLIPS 66 PO4011
POWER FLO SL24011
PRECISION TUNE OF-144
PRECISION TUNE OF-52
PRO/GAUGE PGO-4011
PROMOTIVE PH4011
PRONTO PG-3980
PRONTO PO-3535
PRONTO PO-3980
PRO-TEC 120
PUROLATOR L20173
PUROLATOR L24011
QUAKER STATE QS3980
QUALITY QF51
ROCKHILL 61036
SAFETY KLEEN 110
SEARS 45180
SEARS 45203
SECURITY SO-173
SELECT 500 L1036
SERVICE 1 OF173
SERVICE PRO M4011
SHELL SH27
SIEG OS3535
SIERRA 18-7879
SILVERLINE 21036
STP S3980
SUNOCO O-17
SUNOCO O-29
SUPERTECH ST3980
TARGET SF51
TARGET SF51A
TECNOCAR R MIX 18
TRUST PH51A
UNOCAL PF51
VALUTEST 42051
VALUTEST V2036
VALVOLINE VO55
VOLVO 841750
VOLVO 841750-3
WALMI WS-3535
WALMI WS-3980
WARNER PH51
WARNER PH51A
WESTERN AUTO 74-5918-3
WIX 51036
WIX 51190
WORKHORSE CUSTOM CHASSIS W8800466
XSV OP-173
YAMAHA YSC-16231-20-0C
YAMAHA YSC-16231-20-OC
Pennzoil Ultra is a popular choice, if you can find it, but honestly anything will do. The quality of lubricants has come a long way since 1985, so Quaker State UD, Mobil 1, PP, PU, Synpower, even Supertech are all fine products when run to most severe service intervals.
Also if you have room you can use a AC Delco PF52 or equivlant, instead of the PF47. I would recommend a Wix 51036. Here is a list of all the PF52 filters that will fit the engine. (You will need to make sure you have room once its installed because its a little longer)
CARCARE IOF3535
CARCARE IOF3980
CARQUEST 85036
CARQUEST B4011
CASITE CF51
CASITE CF52
CATERPILLAR 3I-1114
CENEX CO447A
CHAMP PH51A
CHAMPION OF08
CHAMPION OF32
CHRYSLER L-319
CITGO C4011
CRUISEMASTER 218
DEFENSE DL3980
DEFENSE DL3980
DELPHI FX1016
DEUTSCH D487
DONALDSON LFP550051
DONALDSON P550051
DYNALIFE CN-3535
ECONO LUBE L24011
EVERGARD E4011
FACET 51
FILTERS INCORPORATED OF3535
FILTERS INCORPORATED OF3980
FIRESTONE TF52
FLAG C-3535
FLAG C-3980
FLEETGUARD LF3554
FLEETGUARD LF42503
FLEETGUARD LF782
FLEETRITE LFR-83486
FLEETRITE LFR-8782
FRAM PH3980
GENERAL MOTORS 12555891
GENERAL MOTORS 19210285
GENERAL MOTORS 25010908
GENERAL MOTORS 25012760
GENERAL MOTORS 25160560
GENERAL MOTORS 25171377
GENERAL MOTORS 25325403
GONHER GP3980
GONHER GP48
GOODYEAR 222-4516
GOODYEAR L51
GOODYEAR L52
GRAND PRIX PH51A
GREASE MONKEY GM24011
GREASE MONKEY GM51
GREASE MONKEY GM52
GROUP 7 V173
GROUP 7 V4011
HASTINGS LF234
HASTINGS LF393
HAVOLINE T-27
HUTCHEN SF-173
HYSTER 1320000
HYSTER 375588
ISUZU 8-25171-377-0
JIFFY LUBE HL3980
JIFFY LUBE JL173
JIFFY LUBE JL4011
JIFFY LUBE L20173
JIFFY LUBE L24011
JOHN DEERE TY15135
K & N HP-2001
K MART K-12
K MART MP-12
K MART MP-42
KENDALL K10
KENDALL K25
KRALINATOR L197
KRALINATOR L297
LEE LF-51
LEE LF-51A
LEE LF-51AHP
LEE LF-51HP
LUBER-FINER PH51A
MANN W7 MULTI 18
MANN & HUMMEL ML 1007
MANN & HUMMEL W713/18
MANN & HUMMEL W718/3
MARATHON MO51
MARATHON-LETOURNEAU MO51
MASTER PARTS PH-51
MASTER PARTS PH-51A
MECHANICS CIRCLE MOF 3535
MECHANICS CIRCLE MOF 3980
MERCRUISER 35-802884Q
MERCRUISER 35-802884T
MERCRUISER 35-883702Q
MERCRUISER 41815
MICRO F-173
MICROGARD MGL3980
MIGHTY M3980
MILEGUARD MO3980
MINIT LUBE PH51
MOBIL M1-201
MOBIL MO4011
MOTOR TREND ML3980
MOTORCRAFT FL 402
NAPA 1036
OMC 173834
OMC 502903
PARTS MASTER 1-3535
PARTS MASTER 1-3980
PARTS PLUS PH51A
PENNZOIL PZ-29
PERFORMAX PO-29
PERFORMAX PO-29
PHILLIPS 66 PO4011
POWER FLO SL24011
PRECISION TUNE OF-144
PRECISION TUNE OF-52
PRO/GAUGE PGO-4011
PROMOTIVE PH4011
PRONTO PG-3980
PRONTO PO-3535
PRONTO PO-3980
PRO-TEC 120
PUROLATOR L20173
PUROLATOR L24011
QUAKER STATE QS3980
QUALITY QF51
ROCKHILL 61036
SAFETY KLEEN 110
SEARS 45180
SEARS 45203
SECURITY SO-173
SELECT 500 L1036
SERVICE 1 OF173
SERVICE PRO M4011
SHELL SH27
SIEG OS3535
SIERRA 18-7879
SILVERLINE 21036
STP S3980
SUNOCO O-17
SUNOCO O-29
SUPERTECH ST3980
TARGET SF51
TARGET SF51A
TECNOCAR R MIX 18
TRUST PH51A
UNOCAL PF51
VALUTEST 42051
VALUTEST V2036
VALVOLINE VO55
VOLVO 841750
VOLVO 841750-3
WALMI WS-3535
WALMI WS-3980
WARNER PH51
WARNER PH51A
WESTERN AUTO 74-5918-3
WIX 51036
WIX 51190
WORKHORSE CUSTOM CHASSIS W8800466
XSV OP-173
YAMAHA YSC-16231-20-0C
YAMAHA YSC-16231-20-OC
Last edited:
WiskyBadger
Site Donor 2025
Off topic but where did you find that filter list?
It's a 231 V6, correct? Is it the flat-tappet version or the roller lifter version? The flat-tappet would be better-suited by something with more additives like a 0w-40, while the roller version would be fine with any name-brand 5w-30 synthetic.
Originally Posted By: ChevyBadger
Off topic but where did you find that filter list?
oilfilter-crossreference.com
Off topic but where did you find that filter list?
oilfilter-crossreference.com
That's actually a list I saved from another thread for my buick since it uses a pf47 but I want to get a larger pf 52 next oci.
wasn't 10-40wt called for in that engine?
Thanks for all the replies guys I appreciate all of your opinions. The motor is a v6 231 buick rwd from 85, and I am not sure if it is roller or flat tappet. The oil viscosity that is recommended in the hand book is 10w30, and I live in kings county where the winters are near freezing and in the summer it gets to the 110's so i'm not sure which viscosity would be best. I almost always baby my cars, so I wont be hard on it normally. Price isn't a problem since a fine oil will hopefully prolong the life span of this motor which is my main objective in oil selection. I have had good luck with Amsoil SSO and mobil 1 full synthetic before. I'm kinda leaning towards Amsoil SSO, just wanted to see your opinions which have been great so far. EDIT: also the motor is basically getting built back to stock besides cam and an oiling kit which is supposed to help oil pressure
Last edited:
I have a local shop doing the motor whom the only person who works there is the owner. He takes a while but is the best in my area Here is his site
Originally Posted By: Aaron_C
Thanks for all the replies guys I appreciate all of your opinions. The motor is a v6 231 buick rwd from 85, and I am not sure if it is roller or flat tappet. The oil viscosity that is recommended in the hand book is 10w30, and I live in kings county where the winters are near freezing and in the summer it gets to the 110's so i'm not sure which viscosity would be best. I almost always baby my cars, so I wont be hard on it normally. Price isn't a problem since a fine oil will hopefully prolong the life span of this motor which is my main objective in oil selection. I have had good luck with Amsoil SSO and mobil 1 full synthetic before. I'm kinda leaning towards Amsoil SSO, just wanted to see your opinions which have been great so far.
A quality synthetic oil isn't going to make your low output,barely stressed motor last any longer than a quality conventional oil when changed at a standard interval. What synthetics do provide are a longer service life for the oil,not the engine.
In that motor I would use a 10w-30 in the summer,and a 0w-30 in the winter. The winter recommendation is merely to aid in cold start up.
Unless you require a syn to achieve a specific spec,which the factory recommends then of course follow the suggestion.
First off decide on what kind of service interval you would like to maintain the vehicle at. Then find an oil that will live up to that interval. Simple.
If you like to check out your car every 5000 miles then any modern conventional will be more than adequate,if you want to run it out to 10000 miles or more you would have to get a couple uoa done with the oil chosen to see what condition the oil is in at 5000/7500/10000 miles.
Once armed with data you can made an educated decision of how long to run the oil tested.
And if you change brands of oil you would have to repeat the process in order to realize the products full potential thereby maximizing return on the added expense of the synthetic purchase.
Or just run a quality conventional at 5000 mile intervals and sleep well knowing you aren't running a fools errand.
Simple.
Thanks for all the replies guys I appreciate all of your opinions. The motor is a v6 231 buick rwd from 85, and I am not sure if it is roller or flat tappet. The oil viscosity that is recommended in the hand book is 10w30, and I live in kings county where the winters are near freezing and in the summer it gets to the 110's so i'm not sure which viscosity would be best. I almost always baby my cars, so I wont be hard on it normally. Price isn't a problem since a fine oil will hopefully prolong the life span of this motor which is my main objective in oil selection. I have had good luck with Amsoil SSO and mobil 1 full synthetic before. I'm kinda leaning towards Amsoil SSO, just wanted to see your opinions which have been great so far.
A quality synthetic oil isn't going to make your low output,barely stressed motor last any longer than a quality conventional oil when changed at a standard interval. What synthetics do provide are a longer service life for the oil,not the engine.
In that motor I would use a 10w-30 in the summer,and a 0w-30 in the winter. The winter recommendation is merely to aid in cold start up.
Unless you require a syn to achieve a specific spec,which the factory recommends then of course follow the suggestion.
First off decide on what kind of service interval you would like to maintain the vehicle at. Then find an oil that will live up to that interval. Simple.
If you like to check out your car every 5000 miles then any modern conventional will be more than adequate,if you want to run it out to 10000 miles or more you would have to get a couple uoa done with the oil chosen to see what condition the oil is in at 5000/7500/10000 miles.
Once armed with data you can made an educated decision of how long to run the oil tested.
And if you change brands of oil you would have to repeat the process in order to realize the products full potential thereby maximizing return on the added expense of the synthetic purchase.
Or just run a quality conventional at 5000 mile intervals and sleep well knowing you aren't running a fools errand.
Simple.
Just buy the Amsoil SSO 0w30. Its overkill, but you already stated your not worried about money and its got some beefy specs.
If you have the oil tested, the results from the first fill after the engine work is likely to give you some erroneous results (high metal/wear indication) which is NORMAL after the extensive work you are having done.
In short.....that first fill would not be the oil to test to determine the Oil Change Interval (OCI) going forward.
BOTH the brands that you mention having used and liked in the past are still very highly respected.
10W-30 was a popular grade back when your car was built.
The new 5W-30 would be a great choice......as would the 0W-30....both being an upgrade for your engine, while still keeping that hot performance where you want it.
Oil has improved GREATLY and the 0W / 5W will give you better cold flow.
Remember, to your engine.....80 degrees F is cold.
In short.....that first fill would not be the oil to test to determine the Oil Change Interval (OCI) going forward.
BOTH the brands that you mention having used and liked in the past are still very highly respected.
10W-30 was a popular grade back when your car was built.
The new 5W-30 would be a great choice......as would the 0W-30....both being an upgrade for your engine, while still keeping that hot performance where you want it.
Oil has improved GREATLY and the 0W / 5W will give you better cold flow.
Remember, to your engine.....80 degrees F is cold.
I would run a dino oil for 500 miles after rebuild and then another 2000 miles perhaps pennzoil yellow bottle. Then i would use any good syn you like, If your driving style allows. If you get the oil up to temp regularly (over 10 miles per trip) m1- or pennzoil plat or amsoil 0w 30 would work great. If you short trip it a dino changed more often.
Last edited:
Also I agree with running a short interval at least twice to wash out the break in materials.
First interval 500-1000 miles, second less than 3000 ideally. Then you can switch to your top synthetic. No reason to use anything more than any API SN conventional for break in.
First interval 500-1000 miles, second less than 3000 ideally. Then you can switch to your top synthetic. No reason to use anything more than any API SN conventional for break in.
- Status
Similar threads
