Choice of Oil for older 50's motors
March 16th, 2019, 08:01 PM
#2
Registered User
Join Date: May 2009
Location: S.E. Louisiana, so far still in U.S.A.
Posts: 1,613
You'll likely get a lot of answers on this question. I have a '55 with essentially the same engine. It's hard to say which is best. Many have different opinions on just viscosity. If you like to read and have a bit of time available, you could read:
https://540ratblog.wordpress.com/201...-test-ranking/
https://540ratblog.wordpress.com/201...-test-ranking/
March 16th, 2019, 08:23 PM
#3
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Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Rowlett, TX
Posts: 9,936
Many of us use Valvoline VR1 Racing Oil which is high in zinc content. You have to do that or add ZDDP to get the zinc. Without zinc you will wind up with a flat camshaft I think Shell Rotella works also but am not sure.
March 17th, 2019, 07:46 AM
#5
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Forest Ranch Ca.
Posts: 7,716
I use the Rotella 15/40 for the zddp and the high detergent, keeps my lifter free and quiet. But as mentioned by Glenn the options are endless as long as the oil has the correct zddp.
I had issues with full synthetic oils weeping/leaking through my cork gaskets so I'm using full dino products now. You may or may not have this issue especially if you have neoprene top and bottom on your engine..... Tedd
I had issues with full synthetic oils weeping/leaking through my cork gaskets so I'm using full dino products now. You may or may not have this issue especially if you have neoprene top and bottom on your engine..... Tedd
March 18th, 2019, 06:19 PM
#7
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Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: central Indiana
Posts: 5,233
Any modern oil will be superior to anything available 20 years ago, and oil from 20 years ago would be better than what that car had originally. If it’s a stock well worn engine, I don’t think the zinc content would matter much. The spring pressure and well established wear pattern wouldn’t require much zinc to keep things happy. Having said that, if the engine is fresh, or prefer to play it safe, Valvoline VR1 is hard to beat.
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