Engine oil for 1960's cars
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If they don't have high lift cams, anything in a reasonable viscosity will work-10W30 HDEO is a favorite of mine, like Rotella T5. Valvoline makes VR1 10W30, in both synthetic & conventional, which is a good choice.
Pennzoil conventional 5w30
If he's in Michigan he's going to want something that flows in the winter, unless these are just fair weather toys
To answer a few questions: yes, these are driven only in nice weather, but as long as there is no snow or salt on the road, I drive them, so they are out in 30 degree days. Highest temperature we normally have here is 90 degrees. The Ford 1966 recommendation was for 10w-30, and a 5w for colder weather and 40 for hotter. Both engines are stock, no wild cams or high valve spring pressures. One is original with unknown service history, low mileage, no smoke, no odd noises, it does not look like it has ever been apart. I took off the valve covers and the oil pan and found what I guess would be "normal" amount of sludge for a 50 year old engine. That has been cleaned out but my guess is that the engine would benefit from a high detergent oil to clean it up. This car is a new purchase. The other car has had its engine rebuilt so it has modern gaskets and seal material. It has almost no miles on it (maybe 500) except for the dyno testing after rebuild so I want to start it off with the proper oil.
From my signature you'll see there's only one oil I use in my old cars.
In South Florida we frequently have 30 degree days, but that's celsius never fahrenheit!
In South Florida we frequently have 30 degree days, but that's celsius never fahrenheit!
Originally Posted By: Building3
Any recommendations for engine oil for V8 1960's cars? Ford 289. All stock, no radical cams, one original at 25,000 miles and the other rebuilt last year. Synthetic or not? Weight? High Zn & P or doesn't it matter?
If you care about the longevity of the engine and want the best use Shell Rotella 15w-40, 10w-30, or 5w-40 if you want a full syn.
If not, feel free to gamble with any old low Zn & P content SN grade passenger car oil.
Any recommendations for engine oil for V8 1960's cars? Ford 289. All stock, no radical cams, one original at 25,000 miles and the other rebuilt last year. Synthetic or not? Weight? High Zn & P or doesn't it matter?
If you care about the longevity of the engine and want the best use Shell Rotella 15w-40, 10w-30, or 5w-40 if you want a full syn.
If not, feel free to gamble with any old low Zn & P content SN grade passenger car oil.
my first car was a 66 olds cutlas, my 2nd car was 72 ford torino with the 351 engine. both called for 10=40 eight. i live in NJ and 0 temps were never an issue with this wt oil. to answer which oil to use, i would need need to know if the seals are original or updated and compatible with modern synthetics.
Amsoil premium protection 10W-40
Valvoline VR1 10W-30
Shell Rotella T6 5W-40
Valvoline VR1 10W-30
Shell Rotella T6 5W-40
10W-30 SuperTech (or any name brand) is likely fine for both cars - or a 10W-30 HDEO. For the rebuilt motor, I'd do a break in OCI with the ST, then switch over to M1 0W-40 - the M1 will give a long drain capability of years if you don't drive it much.
10W30. Change the oil often.
Originally Posted By: Building3
Any recommendations for engine oil for V8 1960's cars? Ford 289. All stock, no radical cams, one original at 25,000 miles and the other rebuilt last year. Synthetic or not? Weight? High Zn & P or doesn't it matter?
Original 289 from '66 that has 25k on it? I would like to know more about that one.
Any recommendations for engine oil for V8 1960's cars? Ford 289. All stock, no radical cams, one original at 25,000 miles and the other rebuilt last year. Synthetic or not? Weight? High Zn & P or doesn't it matter?
Original 289 from '66 that has 25k on it? I would like to know more about that one.
I'd say that Mustang deserves something better than a regular cheap 10W-30 Dino, Amsoil Premium Protection 10W-40 would be my pick, or Valvoline VR1 10W-30.
I'm going to put on my VR-1 fanboy hat again and say run 10W-30 or whatever other viscosity you're comfortable with.
Fattylocks: I recently bought the "original" car in Arizona. The owner said she bought it from the first owner with 23,000 miles. She put on 2,000 in 10 years; so many short trips and I would guess that the engine never properly warmed up, hence the sludge. Of course only 23,000 in 40 years could also have meant many short trips by the first owner. So I am trying to rid the engine of the sludge. It runs fine, no smoke, and plenty of power. The other car with the rebuilt engine I have had for a very long time and instead of just having sit in the garage I had some work done to it including rebuilding the engine, so it is brand new so to speak. I want to start it off using the right oil. Thanks to everyone so far for your input. Lots of opinions but it seems like Rotella synthetic or Dino seems to be a favorite along with Amsoil, and Valvoline VR1 in 5w/10w to 30/40 weights.
I'd just use Mobil 1 10W-30 or 10W-40 HM and call it a day...
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