Big Block oil change question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 613
Likes: 23
From: Far Hills NJ
Big Block oil change question
I'd like to change the oil on my 1969 427/390. I have the car for 6 months, and my mechanic did the first oil change, but I'd like to handle it from here. What filter brand and part number, and what viscosity is best? What about additives? Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 2
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, the World
I change the oil and filter every 5000 miles. I use a quality filter by Ryco or similar because we can't get the Delco ones easily. I use a synthetic 10-50 but could probably go 10-30. If your motor is fully run in then changing to a synthetic is fine. Many arguments for and against using synthetics from the initial start up but if the motor if the motor is new I would use dino oil for the change and then go to synthetic next change. (My opinion) 
Oh, and I have used this procedure on my 68 Bonnie since a rebuild in the early 90's and it now has 200,000 miles on it (330,000 total) and it uses the same amount of oil it did from day one.
Oh, and I have used this procedure on my 68 Bonnie since a rebuild in the early 90's and it now has 200,000 miles on it (330,000 total) and it uses the same amount of oil it did from day one.
Last edited by RHD '68 L89; Jan 4, 2006 at 06:02 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,135
Likes: 1
i am using moroso racing filter. filters particles 27 microns. there 17 bucks a piece thou ,,supposed to be the best you can get according to engine builder. told me how cheap oil filter hurt the last build on my 383..and i was buying the best i could get from carquest..he said that there crap,,,the moroso has a valve in there preventing back up and crud coming back out from filter due to hi flow oil pumps and a burst psi of 400
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,228
Likes: 643
From: Orange County Ca
Well,,,,everyone has preferences and most would be OK. Any modern oil that meets manufactures specs, basicilly any oil sold, is a hundred times better than the oil available in 1969. I was using Texaco 10/30 because it was $.49 on sale, but Chevron bought them out, and now Chevron 10/30 is $.49 on sale, so I use it. Sure, synthetic is better in some ways, but do YOU need $5.00 a quart oil? I drive my 69 BB about 20k miles/yr. I change oil at 5k miles or when needed--mostly because it's easy to remember 5k increments, and is a reasonable length of time. I've owned/repaired over 50 cars in the last 45 yrs, and I've never had a oil related problem. Yes, there is a difference in filters. Research the forums. I think they all meet manufactures specs, and will all work. The main thing is to change the oil and filter when it needs it. Watch how dirty it is. If you feel better using the high dollar stuff, go ahead. Hell, I know people who never change their oil, just top it off every once in a while, and their cars still run 100k miles. A middle of the road approach is where I'm at.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
Originally Posted by BlueL36
AC Delco PF 454 oil filter and Mobil 10W-30 works in my 427/390 here in Chicagoland
I have a 68 427/390 (L-36) For years the AC Delco filter was PF-25, but they discontinued that one, and the new part # is PF 454. It looks small, but works ok. I have used synthetic with no problems, but regular 10w/30 is fine too. I have used Quaker State, Exxon, others... no brand loyalty!
Do you have ramps or jack stands and a jack?
Buy the oil and filter and come on over this w/e and I will show you how to change the oil without spilling more than a quart!
Last edited by PRNDL; Jan 6, 2006 at 01:31 AM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 87,953
Likes: 156
From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
I got a couple PF 1218's(large cannister) last time I was at Auto Zone. Currently using 20-50 Valvoline but may switch to straigth 30w soon.
