When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I know that this topic has been beaten to death, but there has to be a definite answer instead of just opinions. What would be the best oil to use in a period correct 327 that was rebuilt in 1972 and has finally reached 59000 miles ?
I go with this because it's worked well for me. The couple dollars extra over less expensive oils is really not a factor to me because I only change the oil once a year.
Last edited by Vega$Vette; 10-27-2022 at 03:22 PM.
I know that this topic has been beaten to death, but there has to be a definite answer instead of just opinions. What would be the best oil to use in a period correct 327 that was rebuilt in 1972 and has finally reached 59000 miles ?
There is a definite answer but every time the topic comes up, fact-based answers get buried by opinions. There is no reason to think anything will be different this time around.
There are many good oils from which to choose. The least expensive oil which provides the required protection for sliding valve train surfaces is Diesel oil.
You can buy more expensive oils if you want to. It's your money.
I don't see any reason to spend more than necessary to preserve my engines so I use Diesel oil.
It’s all subjective and based on opinions to some extent.
what is meant by “ best”?
Best protection from lobe wear?
Still somewhat subjective. There are tests that try to quantify which oil has the most resistance to wear, but there can still be other contributing factors…
perhaps an analysis indicates one brand is set lightly better then another ( but with the margin of error of the testing), but perhaps as ps n the real world that “best” might not have performed as well.
If two oils scored the same on whatever factor that you determine is most applicable, then wouldn’t the lesser expensive be the best? Or perhaps as ps the one that could be easily purchased locally?
perhaps your secondary criteria is longevity, or detergent additives? Then maybe a pure racing oil might not be the best…. Perhaps using that diesel oil causes more pollution.
I currently use Lucas Hot Rod oil (for the past 7+ years), and I used Valvoline prior to that…. Castrol GTX before that…. Numerous “old” cars with flat tappet cams, and I haven’t had a flat cam in over 29 years ( and the last cam failure was actually a 427 Corvette that had been my brothers ( not my oil choices)…
That said, perhaps Lucas Hot Rod is the best choice because it’s never failed me…
I use Valvoline VR-1. It's the only oil that actually says it's designed for flat tappet engines right on the front label. Too many issues with oils designed for diesel engines.
It's articles like this that cause the confusion. https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/di...soline-engine/
jim lockwood's post #3 speaks volume as his Grand Sport engine endures more stress than your engine will ever see.
No way! I can't use that! It's too cheap! And they don't advertise it. I've never seen that logo on the side of a race car!
I hope my sarcasm was clear. Really, given how often most of us change our oil, this should not be a difficult decision. What you've posted there is perfectly good. I would not hesitate to use it.
It's articles like this that cause the confusion. https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/di...soline-engine/
jim lockwood's post #3 speaks volume as his Grand Sport engine endures more stress than your engine will ever see.
Weeeeellllll, that engine uses non-detergent, true racing oil. An oil sample is sent to a lab for analysis after every race. Oil is changed no less often than every 200 miles.
So, not quite comparable to the needs of street-driven engines. However, for the environment in which it operates, maybe it's worth noting the engine has never experienced "RUD"*. I may be doing something right.
For my vintage rolling stock, though, it's Diesel oil.
Thanks to all of you for your input. I had an idea that this question would start a storm of controversy. I have Rotella on the shelf for my 35 year old Ford diesel dually. I hadn't considered pouring the same stuff into my old vet. But why not. It's got to be better than the Valvoline 30 wt. none detergent that we used to use back in the day. If Mr Lockwood uses it for his severe applications, it will probably work just fine for old guys like me. The occasional windup to 7 grand on the open road, is becoming more and more difficult to pull off nowadays. Even in the foothills.
Thanks to all of you for your input. I had an idea that this question would start a storm of controversy. I have Rotella on the shelf for my 35 year old Ford diesel dually. I hadn't considered pouring the same stuff into my old vet. But why not. It's got to be better than the Valvoline 30 wt. none detergent that we used to use back in the day. If Mr Lockwood uses it for his severe applications, it will probably work just fine for old guys like me. The occasional windup to 7 grand on the open road, is becoming more and more difficult to pull off nowadays. Even in the foothills.
On a stock L79?? That would be exciting to hear and watch...
10-27-2022, 02:14 PM
best oil available for stock L79
Delvac or Rotella, either one ........
