zeus337

What do you guys think about using Amsoil 10w30 zrod synthetic oil (zrod is oil with zinc added for old cars) and Amsoil synthetic dot 3 brake fluid in a 66 vette. I've never used Amsoil products and wondered what people that have used it think about it compared to other products.

MarvBarrish

I use amsoil products in my in my newer vehicles but prefer to stick to mineral type oils with higher levels of zinc in my vintage cars.

MikeM

I think if you have an OEM spec built engine there's no reason to use any oil different, or the equavalent than what your owner's manual recommends.

I wouldn't use Dot 3 brake fluid in any old car. Dot 5 seems to prevent water from getting in the system and causing corrosion damage.

MarkC

I use Amsoil in 4 cars and 2 boats. Their Marine diesel oil and is far superior to any other oil. It lasts longer, no oil consumption and close to 8 percent better fuel mileage. I use ZRod in my 66 L79 with no complaints. I believe in using the best oil available and based on my research Amsoil is hard to beat. I also have a C6 Z06 and I use their Signature Series oil in it.

zeus337

I do think zrod is the way to go. Any experience with their brake fluid?

Mike67nv

I would recommend C1/C2 owners read the article “Engine Oil for Vintage Corvettes” by Duke Williams on page 3-6 in the link below. Then, use which ever oil you choose.

http://stlouisncrs.org/news_files/St..._July_2011.pdf

sub006

In highway use, we get 300,000-500,000 miles from the Chevy small blocks in our cars and trucks using Castrol Syntec 10W-30. About $25 for a 5 quart jug at Walmart. We change oil at 7000 mile intervals using tall K & N oil filters, HP3002 AIR.

Also good enough for the C2 IMO.

MarkC

I have not used the brake fluid but I am sure it is a quality product. I am also a big fan of their ATF. My boat which has twin Yanmar diesels and takes ATF in the ZF transmissions. I just did an oil change last month and with about 250 hours on the transmissions. The oil looked like new and the filters looked very clean. Take a few minutes and read up on Amsoil. Put in Amsoil vs Mobil One and you will find hours of reading on this product. I am not a dealer but I did become a Preferred customer. You can call in an order and it is delivered the next day. They also have excellent oil filters. My 66 takes the original filer so I am out of luck there. Everyone has their opinions on oil, that's why there are so many brands. After spending all this money on these expensive toys I want the best oil. BTW, I use Amsoil in my John Deer lawn mower. It loves it.

Frankie the Fink

Never read this before - a nice, straightforward elicitation of facts about engine oil and vintage Corvettes; also confirms the fact that TOO much ZDDP is not a good thing....as some here have used ZDDP additives in addition to CJ-4/CI-4 rated oils.

FTF

mcb55-210

Very good reading-thanks for sharing!

Mike

Bluestripe67

Excellant reading and easy to understand. Dennis

C66 Racing

I've been using AMSOIL in my 02 Z06 at the track since 2004 and have been very happy with it. Started marketing it on the forum later that same year so feel free to view my input as biased. I personally use it in everything from the Vette to my tow vehicle, daily drivers, and lawn and garden equipment.

For those that do opt to try AMSOIL, more than happy to get AMSOIL products for forum members at dealer wholesale pricing, about 25% below retail, via the AMSOIL Preferred Customer Program. Drop me a PM if interested.

zeus337

What can you tell me about the Amsoil synthetic brake fluid.

SWCDuke

Wow, nearly five years after it was originally published in The Corvette Restorer, the CF finally found it.

Actually, I posted to the "oil sticky" thread with the link a couple of years ago, but who's ever going to find it buried in the hundreds of posts.

BTW, thanks for the compliments!

The 2011 revision in the St. Louis NCRS chapter newsletter that the link gets you to is still valid. Nothing has changed with API service categories since then.

Duke

JohnZ

ALL brake fluid is synthetic, and they all have to meet or exceed the test requirements in their SAE type classification, whether it's DOT3, DOT4, DOT5, or DOT5.1. Anything else is marketing hype, smoke and mirrors, and is meaningless.

BADBIRDCAGE

So do I read your reasoning correctly that oil products have not improved in 50 years but brake fluid has?

Just breaking stones. If you actually drive your car regularly I believe the Dot 3 brake fluid that was in the system when the car came from the factory should suffice like it did when the car was delivered. I also believe that if the engine has more than 25,000 miles on it there is no reason to change to synthetic oil. The wear has taken place, the blow-by on the rings isn't going to change by implementing synthetic oil into the equation. Nothing to be gained if you perform regular oil changes.

MikeM

I'm unsure if you're asking a question or making a statement? You can't even buy the same engine oil as was factory fill in the mid 60's.

Synthetic oil is good for modern engines that run very hot. Not for me. I run a steady 180*. On a fixed income and see no good reason to spend the extra money on an old car, regardless of what it cost or what it's worth.

I do make exception with the brake fluid. Dot 5 in five old cars. Costs more initially but no maintenence, no repairs, no problems.

Mike Ward

MikeM is correct on this issue.

DOT3/4 brake fluid should be changed every two years to minimize corrosion. Nobody likes doing that and most owners just don't do it. DOT5 is more tolerant of neglect in this respect so for no other reason is more suitable for cars that sit.

Oil on the other hand is no better today than 50 years ago with respect to requiring a change on a calendar basis. Nothing to be gained by using fancy expen$ive boo-teek oils that get tossed out every 12 months.

DOT5 doesn't stop a car any better than DOT3/4, but there again- synthetic oils don't make engines last longer than dino oils.

BADBIRDCAGE

I flush my brake fluid at least twice a year and I run Dot 4. I hate dirty brake fluid.

On oil I must respectfully disagree. I am not a chemist or a technician on oils but if oil is no better today than 50 years ago there would be no reason for the factory to supply new engines with synthetic oil from the factory.

Mike M you are correct. I haven't seen a Wolfs Head oil can that requires a spout to puncture it in a long time.

robert miller

DOT 5 also will not hurt the paint if you get a spot on the car.