Oil for 1970 Corvette LT-1
- Thread starter VetteLT1
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15w-40 HDEO
5w-40 HDEO
10w-30 HDEO
0w-40 Mobil 1
10w-40 QS Defy
5w-40 HDEO
10w-30 HDEO
0w-40 Mobil 1
10w-40 QS Defy
Unless the bearing clearances are wide then just about any 10w30 will do. 15w40 will also do well and may be preferred due to the sliding contact of the cam/lifter interface. Unless you have really strong valve springs you don't need anything special. If you do have really strong springs I would use Mobil 1 15W-50 or Valvoline Racing VR1.
I would change the oil annually. If the engine gets good and hot it will help prevent moisture damage.
I would change the oil annually. If the engine gets good and hot it will help prevent moisture damage.
If it's a real LT-1 it has very stiff valve springs and a mechanical flat tappet cam. One of the few times where ZDDP is really needed.
Nick1994
$100 site donor 2024
See if you can still find some Valvoline VR1 10w30 or just run some Rotella T 10w30. Both have lots of ZDDP
VR1 10/30. Yes, it's still at most AutoZones.
I have a 289 in a 66 mustang and i run Schaeffers 20w50. I like the ZDDP that it has. I know its not a Corvette or a SBC but hey same type of old school engine.
Chevron conventional 5-30, cheap and will get the job done, have none of you read 540rats website? After seeing his research in a firm believer a lot of this zinc philosophy is garbage
Chevron Supreme 20W-50
Originally Posted By: BlackBeard
After seeing his research in a firm believer a lot of this zinc philosophy is garbage
Research? Good grief.
After seeing his research in a firm believer a lot of this zinc philosophy is garbage
Research? Good grief.
At the rate of 1000mi year it probably doesn't matter that much. Use what you've been using. A bit of history would help. Has it been rebuilt, has it been running conventional oil? Some lightweight gro3 synthetics may leak. May.
OVERKILL
$100 Site Donor 2021
Originally Posted By: Chris142
If it's a real LT-1 it has very stiff valve springs and a mechanical flat tappet cam. One of the few times where ZDDP is really needed.
Not if the springs are original, LOL!
They'd have been stiff in 1970, not so much now
If it's a real LT-1 it has very stiff valve springs and a mechanical flat tappet cam. One of the few times where ZDDP is really needed.
Not if the springs are original, LOL!
I run some stuff that has never been 'opened' in 40-50 years and yes, the spring pressures are certainly lower than 'as new'. Yes, the maint/repair/parts replacement history of that LT1 engine is important. Since I don't run those engines of mine too hard or up to high RPM anyway, I don't worry much about valve float or the ZDDP issues. Of course, I did't necessarily panic when leaded fuel went away and ethanol came about either.
Originally Posted By: VetteLT1
I have a 1970 Corvette LT-1 with solid lifters/flat tappet.
Which oil would you recommend for this Corvette LT-1 that is driven approx 1000 miles a year going to car shows? How often would you change the oil and filter?
change oil and filter once a year weather it needs it or not
I would run 10/40 BradPenn if I could find it,Kendal is a good choice too
I have a 1970 Corvette LT-1 with solid lifters/flat tappet.
Which oil would you recommend for this Corvette LT-1 that is driven approx 1000 miles a year going to car shows? How often would you change the oil and filter?
change oil and filter once a year weather it needs it or not
I would run 10/40 BradPenn if I could find it,Kendal is a good choice too
Is a heavier viscosity a good substitute for zinc and phosphorous ? That's the 6 million dollar question.
Mobil 1 15W-50 - worked well in my SBC road race cars. I also used it in my big block Suburban when towing heavy loads. The truck started fine in below freezing weather. Available on the shelf at Walmart and you can get away with changing it every two years with the kind of mileage you're doing.
Valvoline VR1 10w30 or Rotella
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