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oil change basics
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 85
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From: Michigan
oil change basics
Hi all! 
I'm sitting in class now (Basic Auto Mechanics) so I can learn to work on my '72. We're supposed to be on Alldata looking up how much oil, what filter type, etc... that we need for an oil change. Of course it doesn't go back to '72
Anybody happen to have the info handy on what I would need to change the oil on my '72? It's a 4 speed, rebuilt 350 (the code on the block is correct for 72, so I think they just rebuilt the original engine). I don't know if this matters, but it's bored .030 over, racing cam, 2.02 heads, only 800 miles..... would you guys recommend just using 10W-30?
Thanks!!
I'm sitting in class now (Basic Auto Mechanics) so I can learn to work on my '72. We're supposed to be on Alldata looking up how much oil, what filter type, etc... that we need for an oil change. Of course it doesn't go back to '72
Anybody happen to have the info handy on what I would need to change the oil on my '72? It's a 4 speed, rebuilt 350 (the code on the block is correct for 72, so I think they just rebuilt the original engine). I don't know if this matters, but it's bored .030 over, racing cam, 2.02 heads, only 800 miles..... would you guys recommend just using 10W-30?
Thanks!!
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,176
Likes: 3,990
From: Connecticut, USA
Well this is a good place to learn about your 72,nice year btw 
If the stock pan was retained then 5 qts with the filter. I use the long filters,used to be PF35 now they have a new number which I don;t have off hand. Remember to lube the new filters gasket with oil before installing. Drain it warm, fill the filter when you install it,add the new oil and check the level. If you have the stock dipstick it will tell the correct level,the chrome after market one may be off. I like to pull the coil wire and crank it to get soem pressure at the gauge before firing it up. when you start it then look under it to be sure there are no leaks and then shut it down and recheck the level. I always use a name brand 10-40 oil and AC filter.
Next lube teh suspension, check the tranny oil, and differential oil.
Gary
If the stock pan was retained then 5 qts with the filter. I use the long filters,used to be PF35 now they have a new number which I don;t have off hand. Remember to lube the new filters gasket with oil before installing. Drain it warm, fill the filter when you install it,add the new oil and check the level. If you have the stock dipstick it will tell the correct level,the chrome after market one may be off. I like to pull the coil wire and crank it to get soem pressure at the gauge before firing it up. when you start it then look under it to be sure there are no leaks and then shut it down and recheck the level. I always use a name brand 10-40 oil and AC filter.
Next lube teh suspension, check the tranny oil, and differential oil.
Gary
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
Likes: 46
From: Huntersville NC
10w30 should be fine for Michigan, now (September). If you were changing the oil in June or July and expected some real hot summer weather then 10W40 might be a better choice. If you are going to drive in the cold Michigan winter then maybe 5W30.
As mentioned above, the old (and original) oil filter number is AC Delco PF-25. Some people like to use the longer version of the same filter, PF-35. They have discontinued those filters and the current filter that fits is PF-454.
You should get an owners manual for your 72 which includes information like capacities for oil, cooling system, transmission, differential.... lots of useful info!
As mentioned above, the old (and original) oil filter number is AC Delco PF-25. Some people like to use the longer version of the same filter, PF-35. They have discontinued those filters and the current filter that fits is PF-454.
You should get an owners manual for your 72 which includes information like capacities for oil, cooling system, transmission, differential.... lots of useful info!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,322
Likes: 1
From: Living in the Hartland
Neighbor.5 qrts, since you have a fresh rebuild 5w30 should work fine in our cooler climate, I use the longer filter for a little extra filter capacity.
Now we need you to post some pics of your vette, couple with you would be nice.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
Thanks guys! The instructor was pretty impressed that I could get the info so fast - I confessed to using the forum, so it's not really cheating
I didn't realize that there was a longer version of the oil filter - I'll definitely use that if I've got the room.
Wish me luck - next week we actually do the oil change.... at least I can't screw anything up too bad with an instructor there to keep an eye on us. This week we drilled, tapped, and used a torch, die grinder, EZ-out, and helicoil
Old news for you guys, but very cool for me to learn.
A couple of pics of my car ('72 convertible):
I didn't realize that there was a longer version of the oil filter - I'll definitely use that if I've got the room.
Wish me luck - next week we actually do the oil change.... at least I can't screw anything up too bad with an instructor there to keep an eye on us. This week we drilled, tapped, and used a torch, die grinder, EZ-out, and helicoil
Old news for you guys, but very cool for me to learn.A couple of pics of my car ('72 convertible):
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 85
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From: Michigan
Originally Posted by Motor City Vette
Nice looking car! Where in MI are you located?
Nice ride. Replace that solid fan spacer with a factory fan clutch for an easy 15 hp gain.
Hi Fevre!!
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 7
From: West TX
Nice ride! You've already got good advice on the oil change so I just wanted to jump in to say cool choice on the class. I just started 2 weeks ago in an Automotive Service Technician course so I just recently started using AllData too. Good luck in class, learn lots and have fun!
Rob
Rob