Valvoline VR-1 20W-50

[Dave Sherman]

I read through the thread about oil for a '77 MGB, but thought I'd ask. Been hearing all the hullabaloo about ZDDP going away, and thought I'd try to find out what to go with. I've been using Castrol GTX 20W-50 in my '77 MG Midget, which sees not more than 500 miles a year. I just change the oil every spring. Some folks have been suggesting Valvoline VR1 20W-50 racing oil to make up for the lack of ZDDP, but some others are saying racing oils are intended for short term use, so they don't have the detergents needed for non-racing cars. Anybody here have some suggestions? Do I stick with with Castrol, or would the Valvoline be a better way to go?

 

[TallPaul]

The VR1 is nice oil, listed at 1200 ppm zinc and phos (last time I checked), which is probably about SH levels. It is for use in street applications as well as racing. I think it would be a great choice. Is it speced for 20w50????? That's pretty thick. VR1 also comes in 10w30. You could do a 50/50 mix for a robust 10w40 instead.

 

[rainman49]

Used to have a '76 MGB Special Edition. If you didn't use 20W-50, the oil wouldn't stay in it very long. You know what they say about MGs, if it's not using oil, there ain't any in it. I used GTX in mine, as well, but the VR1 is very good oil. Not sure that it's going to make any difference no more than you drive the car.

 

[Dave Sherman]

Thanks Paul and Rainman, I appreciate it. Yep, it calls for 20W-50 in the summer, 10w30 in the winter. I once tried 10w30 and left it in over the summer, but the oil pressure was looking a little scary. I just use 20W-50 since I don't drive it in winter.