Oil for Rarely-driven Hotrod

[Fleetmon]

Working on a friends 'rod.....GM 350. He's had it three years and has about 2k miles on it. Original, unknown oil is in it as well as the filter doesn't look like its been changed since rebuild.

I'm partial to Rotella T6 for most everthing I have except the Farmall (Rotella 30) and Ingersoll (Rotella 15w40).

I was planning on using Rotella T6 in this engine........thoughts?

Thanks in advance!

 

[FCD]

If it's a stock flat tappet engine Rotella 5W-40 or 10w30 will serve it just fine.

 

[bmwtechguy]

Probably overkill, but would do the job. At that rate he could change it in another 3 years...

 

[gilbertsta]

Honestly if the car is just going to sit What difference does it make? Just change the oil once or twice a year.

 

[jayg]

Originally Posted By: gilbertsta
Honestly if the car is just going to sit What difference does it make? Just change the oil once or twice a year.


If it's going sit, use a high zinc oil like Valvoline heavy duty diesel 15w40 which is cheap and well formulated for a classic and change it every 3-4 years. As long as it is put up hot, it will go multi years no problem.

 

[Fleetmon]

That's why I was going for the Rotella syn.

 

[The_Eric]

Sounds good to me.

On a side note, it's good to see you back here. I haven't seen you post in some time.

 

[Fleetmon]

Thank you for the welcome back.....side-lined by a stroke for a while but returned to life!

 

[901Memphis]

Originally Posted By: gilbertsta
Honestly if the car is just going to sit What difference does it make? Just change the oil once or twice a year.


Oil with very low mileage doesn't need changed that often, even 2-3 years is enough to fight oxidation

 

[BrocLuno]

Originally Posted By: Fleetmon
Thank you for the welcome back.....side-lined by a stroke for a while but returned to life!


Good for you !!! Back from the edge. Well done

As far as oil, we really need more info regarding cam, lifters, valve springs and the like.

It is generally true that a high quality dino oil will maintain a thick film while sitting idle. It has to do with surface tension and capillary fill. The 5W-40 will slowly drain down to minimum film. It'll be there, but not as robust.

Once we know a bit more about the motor, it'll be easier to recommend. Here's a link to a oil thread by use among some very stout engine guys. Like in the 8's with full steel bodies and roll-up windows.

http://www.chevelles.com/forums/13-performance/831521-what-oil-do-you-use.html

VR1 2:1 over it's next rival, Mobil-1. Joe Gibbs and Brad Penn are in the running too

 

[1JZ_E46]

Driven makes a hot-rod specific oil for just that (rare use, flat tapets, storage, etc.). They are well regarded in the Porsche and NASCAR circles.

 

[Fleetmon]

Its a carb'ed (I think he said a Holley 650) 5.7, headers, no internal upgrades. Garaged and not driven during the Winter. I'm just old-school and have always used Rotella(s).

In this case, it really doesn't matter probably; very gently driven and only when the weather is perfect.....lol!)

Thanks all.....I'll stick with what I know and trust PLUS.....its in MY inventory!

 

[btanchors]

Have you considered Amsoil Z-rod? It's made specifically for this situation. It has high-zinc, but also has added rust and corrosion inhibitors for engines that frequently sit unused.

Amsoil Z-Rod

It comes in 10w30 and 20W-50.

 

[Virtus_Probi]

That is a sweet vehicle!
Glad to hear that you are doing better after your stroke, wishing you the best of health for the future.

 

[Fleetmon]

I sent the Amsoil Z-Rod literature to him.....thank you!

It is a nice ride (the hood is off while working on it). Auto, PS, AC. I'm doing some cosmetic work for him and new road lighting, shocks, "Rat" shifter, etc.