1973 Corvette Oil
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 219
Likes: 101
From: North Carolina
1973 Corvette Oil
Hello everyone,
about two weeks ago I purchased a 1973 Corvette Stingray from a Chevrolet dealer. They say it has 62,000 original miles. I took it to a mechanic and he says it’s all original. I do not know the history of maintenance. I was wondering on opinions on oil type synthetic vs conventional and weight. Also additives people use if any. It has a 350 small block and I intend on just driving short distances mainly on the weekends. Thanks in advance.
about two weeks ago I purchased a 1973 Corvette Stingray from a Chevrolet dealer. They say it has 62,000 original miles. I took it to a mechanic and he says it’s all original. I do not know the history of maintenance. I was wondering on opinions on oil type synthetic vs conventional and weight. Also additives people use if any. It has a 350 small block and I intend on just driving short distances mainly on the weekends. Thanks in advance.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 979
Likes: 258
From: Maryland
I'm sure you'll get many replies, but for my '69 L46 I use Mobil 1 15W-50 which has extra wear additives (zinc) for flat tappet engines of this period. They sell this at Wal-Mart so you can pick up a 5 qt container for around $24...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 219
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From: North Carolina
Thanks for taking the time to respond to me. Since I do not know the previous history and do not know if synthetic had been used I think synthetic is best. My mechanic says he can fix any leaks if need be. I also read zinc is something to use so I will. My only outstanding thing is weight. I am in North Carolina where it gets pretty hot and do not intend on driving it in the cold weather. Maybe 15w50 is best?
Had a 1976 L-82, 4-sp
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 219
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From: North Carolina
Thanks so much to everyone. At Napa the valvoline is 10w30 VR1 with zinc and the guy says Napa filters are made by Wix which is what I want. Just so tired of thinking about it.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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From: Western NY
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Lewes Delaware
Since I am in a similar situation like you (65000 miles stock 1973 L82 original engine - had it since April 2005), I have been using NAPA Silver Select oil filters with Shell Rotella T4 conventional 10W30 oil. Internet search said it has 1200 ppm zinc. I put on about 1100 miles per year doing 10-100 mile drives in southern Delaware.
Fran
Fran
Last edited by Blue73Shark; Jul 11, 2020 at 12:09 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Hermosa
Mobil 1 0w40 full synthetic also has 1000 ppm zinc. Should work good for stock motor which have low valve spring forces and relatively low performance overall engine.
as a bonus it flows really well for cold start due to the 0w rating.
cheap at Walmart.
as a bonus it flows really well for cold start due to the 0w rating.
cheap at Walmart.
Race Director
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 219
Likes: 101
From: North Carolina
Yeah I am getting a good feeling with the VR1 and really appreciate all the responses. Funny thing too is there was a small leak at the drain plug. When I took it off it’s the original brass gasket with rubber all torn up so replaced it with a new vinyl gasket.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 474
Likes: 64
From: Portage La Prairie Manitoba
Hello everyone,
about two weeks ago I purchased a 1973 Corvette Stingray from a Chevrolet dealer. They say it has 62,000 original miles. I took it to a mechanic and he says it’s all original. I do not know the history of maintenance. I was wondering on opinions on oil type synthetic vs conventional and weight. Also additives people use if any. It has a 350 small block and I intend on just driving short distances mainly on the weekends. Thanks in advance.
about two weeks ago I purchased a 1973 Corvette Stingray from a Chevrolet dealer. They say it has 62,000 original miles. I took it to a mechanic and he says it’s all original. I do not know the history of maintenance. I was wondering on opinions on oil type synthetic vs conventional and weight. Also additives people use if any. It has a 350 small block and I intend on just driving short distances mainly on the weekends. Thanks in advance.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 219
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From: North Carolina
My mechanic told me yes original engine and I could use lead but he suggested just use the highest octane which should protect the engine. Also to use an stp treatment every now to keep the Carburator clean and then it should be fine. I drive very easy on it. Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 881
Likes: 113
In anticipation of Unleaded, beginning 1971, GM began treating heads by induction hardening seats.
As it turn out, that's a non-issue. Unless it's a truck seeing severe duty, lack of lead shows no significant effect on seats.
As it turn out, that's a non-issue. Unless it's a truck seeing severe duty, lack of lead shows no significant effect on seats.
