Engine oil and filter

[BlackoutDrunk]

I'm purchasing my first GN tomorrow (86 light mods, 33k miles) and I have scanned the boards for some answers. The first thing that comes to mind is what weight and brand of oil is the best for these cars. I have seen some opinions that say regular oil is better than synthetic and vice versa.

What brand oil filter and I'm guessing people are using a bigger than stock oil filter too.

I know that this thread is based on a lot of opinions but you guys are the best place to start with forming my own.


Thanks in advance for the input.

 

[Red Regal T]

Well, if your particular car has low oil pressure with 10W30, I'd recommend
20W50. I like conventional oil because I change my oil every 1500 miles. At least run a PF52 filter or equivalent. It's much longer than the original.

 

[Boost231]

Oil humm Mobile 1,Rotella. i used to run mobile 1 then switch to rotella now im not sure what im going to use for my new motor. as far as an oil filter get a biggy oil filter adapter from RJC and run a filter of your choice that works with the adapter. i run a precision remote oil filter with a big wix filter so mine is alittle different then what your looking at.

 

[GNRick]

I'm sure if you did a search then you already know how many opinions there are. I use Valvoline VR-1 Racing oil for the ZDDP additive. Last time I paid $2.89/qt at O'reilly's. NAPA was way more expensive so shop around. Even different Autozones charge different prices, depending on their local competition.

 

[87GNTTOP]

vr1

Does the VR1 only come in 20W50? Or is there other grades?

 

[Anthony P]

You will find as many different opinions on this topic as there are threads on the boards. It was touched on earlier so I'll reiterate the main point.

If you have a stock engine with a flat tappet cam, you can use any oil you want (regular or synthetic) but you must add an oil supplement that adds the amount of zinc, etc. that was originally in API SF grade oil in 1987. That supplement known as " ZDDP" is an anti-wear agent and could be found in STP red or blue (bottle), GM EOS (Engine Oil Supplement), and the like. EOS is now discontinued. EPA has reduced the levels of ZDDP in various oils and supplements sold for on or off-road use only. Apparently Richard Clark has had the various supplements analyzed for their content of ZDDP and will present his findings at Kirban's Open House banquet on Sept. 16. It will be interesting to learn how each compares to the other.

If you are strictly racing the car with no street use, then there are plenty of race oils from Red Line and Royal Purple to Valvoline.

If you have a roller cam configuration, you don't exactly need the ZDDP additive like a flat tappet cam does. Just an overview... Google "ZDDP" for more info but recognize that some of the articles are old and the recommended products are no longer available.

-Anthony


Use a filter with a good anti-drain back valve. AC Delco 47 or the longer 52 are good choices

 

[Turbo1dr]

Well, if your particular car has low oil pressure with 10W30, I'd recommend
20W50. I like conventional oil because I change my oil every 1500 miles. At least run a PF52 filter or equivalent. It's much longer than the original.

Same here.

 

[mybuick]

pep boys can order the valvoline vr1 oil for 4.00 a quart

 

[lazaris]

Keep in mind the new VR-1 is now SM rated (check the bottle). It has much reduced levels of zinc. It would be better go with the "Non Street Legal" version. It does not carry the API label so it does not have to conform to its standards. It is a race oil. You can get it in 10W-30 or 20W-50 as well as in Synthetic if you prefer and in both those weights as well.

 

[Nick Micale]

Oil humm Mobile 1,Rotella. i used to run mobile 1 then switch to rotella now im not sure what im going to use for my new motor........

Remember, NO warranty if Mobil I or any synthetic oil is used in your new engine.

 

[BlackoutDrunk]

according to old receipts I have a roller cam. However I do think the more anti-wear agents the better. It is a street car but I do want to give it the best possible treatment I can. I seem to be leaning towards regular oil instead of synthetic.