Oil
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
You will get a million responses from a million different people. Suffice it to say that you can't go wrong with whatever the owner's manual (or Chevrolet Chassis Service Manual for 1974) specifies.
Many will say that you need to use an oil with added zinc or a zinc additive, to limit "possible" wear on flat-tappet/cam surfaces. With the lightly loaded valve train of a stock '74 engine, I doubt that is necessary...unless you are in the business of pulling tree stumps out with your Corvette.
IMO, you do NOT want (or need) to use a heavier weight oil that GM specified for that car. It would only serve to add drag to engine operation (which is wasted work) and cause increased heat and fuel use for absolutely no benefit.
10W30 organic oil or full synthetic oil would be more appropriate for an old engine with few miles on it, I think. If you are concerned about putting synthetic oil in your engine (for whatever reason), don't do it.
Many will say that you need to use an oil with added zinc or a zinc additive, to limit "possible" wear on flat-tappet/cam surfaces. With the lightly loaded valve train of a stock '74 engine, I doubt that is necessary...unless you are in the business of pulling tree stumps out with your Corvette.
IMO, you do NOT want (or need) to use a heavier weight oil that GM specified for that car. It would only serve to add drag to engine operation (which is wasted work) and cause increased heat and fuel use for absolutely no benefit.
10W30 organic oil or full synthetic oil would be more appropriate for an old engine with few miles on it, I think. If you are concerned about putting synthetic oil in your engine (for whatever reason), don't do it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 597
I have been using Mobil 1 15W50 but this is very thick on cold startup's. I am now using
http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produc...tic-motor-oil/
Nice 10w30 oil.
Easy on startup's, great wear protection and my engine saw a 3% increase in gas mileage. Engine also run's quieter on cold startup's.
Our local NAPA stores now carry the complete line of Amsoil Products.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,573
Likes: 7,015
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
I'm a rookie, but I would NOT use 50wt oil...it is much to "thick" to be used in a low mileage engine.
My SBC 350 cu. in. has 212,000 miles on it, and I have just started to put 10w-40 in the engine because now it uses a quart of oil every 4,000 miles.
My SBC 350 cu. in. has 212,000 miles on it, and I have just started to put 10w-40 in the engine because now it uses a quart of oil every 4,000 miles.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,310
Likes: 9
From: KB7TIF Ville NV
The newer oils are formulated for newer cars.
Why not use a oil thats specifically formulated for our older engines?
Amsoil zrod= good stuff. I like this oil as well http://www.schaefferoil.com/supreme-...acing-oil.html
Why not use a oil thats specifically formulated for our older engines?
Amsoil zrod= good stuff. I like this oil as well http://www.schaefferoil.com/supreme-...acing-oil.html
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 301
Likes: 94
From: VT
oil
have done a ton of reading and decided on mobil 1 synthetic 15w-50. formulated for flat tappet engines, here's a link to their product line:
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...duct_Guide.pdf
1979 C3, 52K miles, stock engine, L48 with auto. will run approx 3-4K miles annually, oil/filter changed in the fall.
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/...duct_Guide.pdf
1979 C3, 52K miles, stock engine, L48 with auto. will run approx 3-4K miles annually, oil/filter changed in the fall.
Last edited by standswithabeer; Jun 1, 2014 at 12:25 PM.
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