My New Car!

[armos]

Rotella or some oil with decent levels of ZDDP (not mainstream API SN oil). I'd probably use Brad Penn "grade 1" but Rotella is easier to get and should also be good.

Viscosity: On an old engine you can't be sure what the bearing clearances are like. Start with what was specified by the mfg, but if oil pressure looks low go up from there.
If you need 15w40, I wouldn't worry about it. If you find yourself needing 20w50, then use it but plan on an eventual engine overhaul.

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: dnastrau
Originally Posted By: Jakegday
its a 1978 Ford Ranchero with a 302 and 4 speed automatic, and 90,000 miles. thats about all i know as of now.



Cool Ranchero - I haven't seen one around here in years. Unless your dad swapped an AOD in it, that should have a 3 speed automatic in it (a C4 or an FMX). Enjoy it!


+2
When I read that I thought to myself he meant to type C4

It's an awesome truck!

 

[demarpaint]

I was thinking C4, or a C6 if the OP was lucky. I didn't think they had the 4 speed AT then. Either way nice ride. Sorry for your loss, do your dad proud and restore it. It looks like an easy project since it's in good shape to begin with!

 

[UncleS2]

Another vote for the Rotella 10w30. Add a Motorcraft filter, you're ready to go.

Nice Ranchero.

 

[Chris142]

I've never seen one of those with anything other than a 351M or 400.

 

[Jakegday]

ok, well i may have to stand corrected on the transmission. i just asked my sister if it had a 4 speed, not knowing, and she said ya. also, most likely not knowing. i havent had a chance to take it out and see for myself, i just drove it a mile across town on side streets. im sure you are all correct. i do plan on looking up all the codes on the door sticker very soon

 

[crazyoildude]

Sorry to hear about your dad.....Nice car What transmission is in there that car came originally with a 3 speed
the coffee can as you put it vacuum canister) was for vacuum for things like the heater a/c vent and a few other things

 

[-Clayton-]

Love the big York A/C compressor.

 

[dishdude]

That's a sweet ride! Whats with the front bumper and header panel of every late 70's car looking the same? They all had that huge bumper (new safety regulations) and the double stacked ultra modern square headlights!

 

[kasedian]

 

[CROWNVIC4LIFE]

Originally Posted By: kasedian

I love that paint scheme!

 

[OVERKILL]

I'd run 5w40 or 15w40 in it personally. That's what I like to use in my Windsors.

I spy an aftermarket intake on it (Edelbrock) as well that has been painted. Do you know if there are any other mods done to it?

 

[addyguy]

Nice, nice classic you got there!

Hang on to it - those things are super-rare!

As for oil, I'd start with Rotella 10W-30 and see how it likes it.

 

[Jakegday]

to answer everybody's questions.. i do not know if the paint is original, i would assume yes. the electric fan is definitely not original, and was in there when my dad bought it. its connected to some "controller" thing with a dial, and a thermostat zip-tied between the 2 heater core hoses.
i discovered yesterday that it does in fact have a 3 speed C4, so i was wrong about that. as far as fixing up the body, i dont have money to do that, and doubt i ever will. maybe someday tho, never say never, right?
as far as other mods, all i can tell right now is the valve covers, air cleaner, and electric fan. MAYBE the carburetor, the one on it now looks awfully clean/new.
And that little guy in the 2nd pic; i had planned on giving him the blue fairmont in the background of the 1st pic, lol. but who knows, that may change.

as far as oil goes, i gotta go cheap this first time since it also needed a starter, battery, and new belts. so this morning i gave her Mobil Super 10w30, and a quaker state filter.

 

[TFB1]

Originally Posted By: Jakegday

as far as other mods, all i can tell right now is the valve covers, air cleaner, and electric fan. MAYBE the carburetor, the one on it now looks awfully clean/new.


I see a Edelbrock Performer intake and possibly some sort of high output coil... With the aftermarket intake, I assume it has a 4bbl carb which also would not be stock...

 

[TurboTravis]

Wow, I'm amazed that the ZDDP freaks (I am one) aren't over this a lot more. You'll want to use an non GF-4/5 oil in this for sure as it has a flat tappet camshaft. Easiest to find in most places would be Rotella 10W30 or 15W40. Realistically either would be fine.

 

[Jakegday]

Originally Posted By: TFB1
Originally Posted By: Jakegday

as far as other mods, all i can tell right now is the valve covers, air cleaner, and electric fan. MAYBE the carburetor, the one on it now looks awfully clean/new.


I see a Edelbrock Performer intake and possibly some sort of high output coil... With the aftermarket intake, I assume it has a 4bbl carb which also would not be stock...

correct, the carb has 4 barrels. good to know thats also not stock. and very good eye on the coil, correct on that too
edit: just went out for a 2nd look, not sure how i missed the "Edelbrock" sticker right on the front of the carb the first time

 

[Jakegday]

and yes, also an edelbrock performer 289 intake manifold

 

[ronrackley]

Shell Rotella T5 10w30 synthetic blend.

Or, if consumption is a problem, Shell Rotella 15w40 conventional.

Nothing else, if it were mine.

They have additives like the best of oils had when the engine was new. Modern gasoline engine oils do not.