C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

First Oil Change

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 25, 2011 | 07:13 PM
  #1  
codimcleod's Avatar
codimcleod
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: ontario
Default First Oil Change

I just purchased my 69...350 redone with 4 barrel Holly...I read through the oil thread and I'm thinking of going with the Royal Purple. I not racing the car but love to let her loose a little on the highway...I wondering about using some of the lucas product with the royal purple line of oil...Also any real reccomendations for oil filters with these oils or GM standards..Newbie sorry for all the questions..Codi
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2011 | 07:31 PM
  #2  
540 RAT's Avatar
540 RAT
Pro
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 625
Likes: 49
From: Southern California
Default

Originally Posted by codimcleod
I just purchased my 69...350 redone with 4 barrel Holly...I read through the oil thread and I'm thinking of going with the Royal Purple. I not racing the car but love to let her loose a little on the highway...I wondering about using some of the lucas product with the royal purple line of oil...Also any real reccomendations for oil filters with these oils or GM standards..Newbie sorry for all the questions..Codi
Do NOT put additives in any motor oil. The oil company's Chemical Engineers carefully blend the additive package to do what they intend for it to do. So don't mess with it. If you do, you will only make it worse than it was to start with. Royal Purple is one of the best motor oils on the market and should be used right out of the bottle as is.

Now, regarding Royal Purple with an old style flat tappet cam, which I will assume it still has in it, since you didn't say otherwise. They are just now coming out with the new Royal Purple HPS (for High Performance Street) that has higher levels of zinc/phos anti-wear additives in it than their normal API certified oil has, because that oil is intended for more modern cars with cats. I've ordered some of that new HPS myself from Summit, and was told it would be shipping out on the 25th, today. I'd suggest you use that new Royal Purple HPS to protect your cam and lifters, rather than their regular stuff in Auto Parts stores. You'll have to order it from Summit or maybe Jegs, because it will almost certainly never be in regular Auto Parts stores.

As for oil filters, I use K&N oil filters in all my Hotrods. I'm very pleased with them and highly recommend them. And those you should be able to find in normal Auto Parts stores.

Last edited by 540 RAT; Jul 25, 2011 at 07:33 PM.
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2011 | 07:51 PM
  #3  
codimcleod's Avatar
codimcleod
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
 
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: ontario
Default

Thanks 540 RAT I was kinda thinka Royal Purple should be stand alone fine also...I have the headers with the hookers so not yet sure if a long or short filter will fit best..Codi
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2011 | 09:33 PM
  #4  
jackson's Avatar
jackson
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Default

any diesel truck oil 15W-40 will work just fine and still does! ... don't be swayed by the naysayers / unreliable oil analysis data sets ... nothing wrong w/synthetics ... but not necessary.

WIX and NAPA and BALDWIN are good filters.
Reply
Old Jul 25, 2011 | 09:53 PM
  #5  
7T1vette's Avatar
7T1vette
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
Default

Per some recent dialogue on the Forum, Rotella oil (which was held in high regard because it maintained high levels of zinc) has reduced the level of zinc in their oil. Do some research on the web about what level of zinc is recommended for flat tappet systems so that you can know what to buy and how to check out the specs on the labels.
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2011 | 08:48 AM
  #6  
capevettes's Avatar
capevettes
CF Community Team
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 90 Days
Active Streak: 120 Days
Conversation Starter
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,339
Likes: 5,232
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
Default

Originally Posted by 7T1vette
Per some recent dialogue on the Forum, Rotella oil (which was held in high regard because it maintained high levels of zinc) has reduced the level of zinc in their oil. Do some research on the web about what level of zinc is recommended for flat tappet systems so that you can know what to buy and how to check out the specs on the labels.
Take a look over on the NCRS TDB and you will see a printout of an oil analysis that was just performed after an oil change with over 4,000 miles on the oil. Rotella 15W40 (CJ-4) was the oil that was used. The oil still retained between 1100 to 1200 PPM of zinc/phosphorous. That will diminish as miles are accumulated. Pretty solid evidence that the levels are still sufficient for flat tappet motors.

I have been using Shell Rotella in all of my old Corvettes with no issues whatsoever.
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2011 | 10:34 AM
  #7  
jackson's Avatar
jackson
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Default

Originally Posted by capevettes
Take a look over on the NCRS TDB and you will see a printout of an oil analysis that was just performed after an oil change with over 4,000 miles on the oil. Rotella 15W40 (CJ-4) was the oil that was used. The oil still retained between 1100 to 1200 PPM of zinc/phosphorous. That will diminish as miles are accumulated. Pretty solid evidence that the levels are still sufficient for flat tappet motors.

I have been using Shell Rotella in all of my old Corvettes with no issues whatsoever.
to you and to dick w. & duke
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2011 | 11:02 AM
  #8  
Mike Ward's Avatar
Mike Ward
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Default

Originally Posted by capevettes
Take a look over on the NCRS TDB and you will see a printout of an oil analysis that was just performed after an oil change with over 4,000 miles on the oil. Rotella 15W40 (CJ-4) was the oil that was used. The oil still retained between 1100 to 1200 PPM of zinc/phosphorous. That will diminish as miles are accumulated. Pretty solid evidence that the levels are still sufficient for flat tappet motors.

I have been using Shell Rotella in all of my old Corvettes with no issues whatsoever.
Yes, and some conversation this week by another poster here on CF directly with Shell this week reconfirmed that Rotella T 15W40 CJ-4 still has ~1200ppm of zinc.

I'm sure the Shell tech people must wonder why they get bombarded with the same question over and over. There again, it's virtually impossible to kill an internet myth..................
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-6

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette

 Pouria Savadkouei
Old Jul 26, 2011 | 11:19 AM
  #9  
capevettes's Avatar
capevettes
CF Community Team
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
Active Streak: 90 Days
Active Streak: 120 Days
Conversation Starter
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 19,339
Likes: 5,232
From: Cape Cod, Mass.
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2021 C8 of the Year Finalist Unmodified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C1 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C2 of Year
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
Default

Originally Posted by Mike Ward
Yes, and some conversation this week by another poster here on CF directly with Shell this week reconfirmed that Rotella T 15W40 CJ-4 still has ~1200ppm of zinc.

I'm sure the Shell tech people must wonder why they get bombarded with the same question over and over. There again, it's virtually impossible to kill an internet myth..................
Yes, That is Peter who is a local friend of mine. He has a 67 427/390. It's pretty compelling evidence. While the CJ-4 oils may have slightly reduced ZDDP levels from the earlier CI-4 rated oils, they still have sufficient levels for these motors.
Reply
Old Jul 26, 2011 | 11:37 AM
  #10  
Mike Ward's Avatar
Mike Ward
Race Director
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
Default

Actually, I was thinking of another poster in FL with a C3.

Should we start a real scandal by posting how much zinc the oil actually had back in the 50's?

Here's an info sheet on another commonly available oil. Note the zinc content

http://www.dooilco.com/pdf/Motor%20O...0%2015w-40.pdf
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2011 | 12:44 AM
  #11  
jackson's Avatar
jackson
Le Mans Master
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 7,739
Likes: 630
From: Unreconstructed, South Carolina
Default

Originally Posted by Mike Ward
Actually, I was thinking of another poster in FL with a C3.

Should we start a real scandal by posting how much zinc the oil actually had back in the 50's?

Here's an info sheet on another commonly available oil. Note the zinc content

http://www.dooilco.com/pdf/Motor%20O...0%2015w-40.pdf
thank you too Mike

delo LE CJ-4 15W-40 good to go

Last edited by jackson; Jul 27, 2011 at 12:46 AM.
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2011 | 09:40 PM
  #12  
gcusmano74's Avatar
gcusmano74
Drifting
 
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,886
Likes: 9
Default

If you love that car, put in the biggest oil filter that will fit. A bigger filter has less flow restriction, so more filtered oil will get to your bearings.
I have a 74 small block with the factory exhaust manifolds, and I can run the 2 quart medium duty truck filter. The filter and the oil pan end up the same distance from the ground. AC used to call it a PF-932. NAPA sells it today as a 1794 Gold series. It's a Wix 51794. It's so big, though, you will want to fill it with oil before you install it, so that the no oil pressure time is minimized when you first start it after the oil and filter change.
If you have headers and a clearance problem, you might be able to run the 1 ton pickup truck filter. Was an AC PF-35. I think NAPA calls it a 1061 Gold. Get the one with no check valve.
Filling the oil filter before you install it is a good idea on any car.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To First Oil Change





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:15 AM.

story-0
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-20 17:58:41


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-2
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-3
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Slideshow: 10 things C8 Corvette owners hate, but won't tell you.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-01 18:36:07


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Slideshow: Should you add one of these incredible Corvettes to your garage?

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-01 18:14:05


VIEW MORE
story-6
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Slideshow: Breaking down the 2027 Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Stingray, and LS6 V8.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-26 13:48:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Slideshow: 5 reasons bad drivers crash sports cars & 5 ways to avoid a costly shame!

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-25 16:32:55


VIEW MORE
story-9
7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette

Slideshow: Check out these easy-to-install upgrades from Extreme Online Store that reshape the look and feel of the C6 Corvette.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-03-23 17:00:27


VIEW MORE