Oil suggestions ...

[earntaz]

This was discussed before but I cannot find the thread ... just completed the break-in of a 454 with Comp Cam flat tappet hydraulic cam ... installed in a 71' Nova. What is this panels suggestion for oil to run in this motor? It presently has Driven BR 15W50 break-in oil and I need to change it soon. Thanks in advance!

Craig

[napa68]

All I use with flat tappet cams. Haven't lost one yet.

https://penngrade1.com/products/

I understand the Gibb's Driven product is great as well. You may get as many opinions as there are active members here.

Tim

[Too Many Projects]

I've continued using conventional oil with ZDP additive. Just bought the Driven oil for the 496 in the Chevelle. I haven't changed it yet, so no opinion, but the Gibb's oil has a good reputation as well.

[Salvatore]

I use Brad Penn 15W-40 or 20W-50 in my Z/28 and SS nova.

[tjs44]

I use 10-30 dyno oil with a 1/2 bottle of GM EOS and 1/2 bottle of STP after break in.Tom

[x33rs]

Driven, Brad Penn (or Penngrade) is all good stuff, I don't think you could go wrong with any of those choices. The green stuff is popular.

I use Amsoil Z-rod myself as it's easily available to me.

It's all comparable stuff.

[X66 714]

I use Valvoline VR1 10w30 & a Wix 1st line oil filter. The VR1 is high in ZDDP....Joe

[danachevroletfor1967]

I've used Brad Penn and Joe Gibb's Hot Rod Driven in the past but now use Valvoline VR1 10w-30 conventional oil, not the full synthetic that I've heard is available now. It's cheaper than the other two and my local auto parts store carries it, but not Penn or Driven.

[camarojoe]

Anyone use the new Castrol GTX "Classic"? It's available cheap at WalMart and says it has increased zinc specifically engineered for classic cars... It's only available in 20W50, but is less than half the price of Penngrade.

[flyingn]

https://www.castrol.com/en_us/united-states/home/motor-oil-and-fluids/engine-oils/motor-engine-oil-brands/castrol-gtx-brand/gtx-classic.html

$20 for 5 quarts at my local Walmart

[camarojoe]

https://www.castrol.com/en_us/united-states/home/motor-oil-and-fluids/engine-oils/motor-engine-oil-brands/castrol-gtx-brand/gtx-classic.html

$20 for 5 quarts at my local Walmart

Seems like a game changer to me.

[x33rs]

I'd like to see someone using it with an oil analysis. But it sure sounds nice.

[Tidmack]

I also use the Valvoline VR1 line, and they have a 20W-50 viscosity if you choose, too. I can't speak to using synthetic in a recent rebuild, but I tried synthetic in two of my older cars years back and neither liked it much. Same viscosity as dino oil, but both vehicles started burning oil with the Castrol Syntech I used, so I suspended use. Other folks may have different experiences, but I'll stick with with VR1.

Jeff

I use Valvoline VR1 10w30 & a Wix 1st line oil filter. The VR1 is high in ZDDP....Joe

[tjs44]

I use 10-30 Mobil 1 in all roller and hyd roller cam cars as it comes out of the bottle.No additives.Tom

[GearheadSS]

I've used Valvoline VR1 and Lucas Hot Rod & Classic oil. No complaints with either.

[Mr.Nickey Nova]

Just bought 5 Quarts of the Castrol GTX Classic at a local Walmart for $6.28 a qrt. sold in Quarts only. Thought I give it a try when changing the oil in the fall. I have been using VR1 for a number of years.

[RALLY]

I like Valvoline VR1 10w30 Conventional oil with a Bosch oil filter. Would like to try Quaker State 5W-30 full synthetic oil. From what i am told, this oil is the best on the market from an engineer who tests motor oils. But full synthetic oils have be known to cause oil leaks on older engines and sometimes tappet ticking when starting up engine after sitting and then stop after lifters pump up.