engine oil
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Instructor
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: Hemet California
engine oil
I am trying to find the correct motoroil to use in my 1986.
The shop manual and owners manualare very insistant the APService designation be API Seervice SF/CC or SF/CD.
I shoped at three car parts stores and discovered that I could not find these designstionson any oil.
I have been told that if a car is older rtan 1988 which mine in then you need special oil for older cars.
So I am wondering what you gys are using,
The shop manual and owners manualare very insistant the APService designation be API Seervice SF/CC or SF/CD.
I shoped at three car parts stores and discovered that I could not find these designstionson any oil.
I have been told that if a car is older rtan 1988 which mine in then you need special oil for older cars.
So I am wondering what you gys are using,
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Nothing special rquired. Any 5w30 oil with the API starburst on the bottle will work fine. 92-96 models with the LT1 require synthetic.
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The op has an 86. I believe that's when GM switched midyear from flat tappet to roller cams. It might be prudent for him to find a motor oil that has the maximum amount of ZDPP or an additive to prevent cam and lifter wear. The op asked a legitimate question and probably doesn't appreciate smart a$$ answers. I know I wouldn't.
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From: Epping NH
The op has an 86. I believe that's when GM switched midyear from flat tappet to roller cams. It might be prudent for him to find a motor oil that has the maximum amount of ZDPP or an additive to prevent cam and lifter wear. The op asked a legitimate question and probably doesn't appreciate smart a$$ answers. I know I wouldn't.
the vast majority of us are car guru's nuts, but the everyday joe who just likes driving vettes but may not be as concern with what's under the hood and can easily get confussed by all the choices in auto fluids. Heck I remember when I first got my 96 I was baffled by the orange anti-freeze...my brain was programmed for green antifreeze...initially thought the stuff had gone bad and turned orange
!
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you don't need any "special oil". newer and current ratings replace and exceed the requirements of older API oil classifications. use any, current spec, quality oil with a quality filter, and change at recommended intervals (at a minimum). you'll be fine. nothing special - it's just one of millions SBC produced over the last 60 years. ...and for a little light reading -
http://www.pqiamerica.com/apiserviceclass.htm
http://www.pqiamerica.com/apiserviceclass.htm
Last edited by Joe C; Jul 26, 2012 at 11:05 AM.
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The op has an 86. I believe that's when GM switched midyear from flat tappet to roller cams. It might be prudent for him to find a motor oil that has the maximum amount of ZDPP or an additive to prevent cam and lifter wear. The op asked a legitimate question and probably doesn't appreciate smart a$$ answers. I know I wouldn't.
Z-ROD 10W-30
http://kahunamotorsports.com/zrt-product-page.html
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From: Merritt Ils Fl
Jerry welcome to the forum. You will learn a bunch about your new obsession here. Oil, as you have already gathered, is a frequent subject, the classic dead horse so to speak. The API designation SF/XX is an indicator of the make up of the oil. your CC-CD was the standard in 86. Oil has constantly improved and with each improvement the designation has gone higher in the alphabet. I just bought some that is API service SN. Each upgrade fully meets the requirement of all previous API service grades. So to answer your basic question you can use any quality oil with the viscosity specified in your owners manual.
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The op has an 86. I believe that's when GM switched midyear from flat tappet to roller cams. It might be prudent for him to find a motor oil that has the maximum amount of ZDPP or an additive to prevent cam and lifter wear. The op asked a legitimate question and probably doesn't appreciate smart a$$ answers. I know I wouldn't.
I was told to use 15/50 but I mainly use 15/40
However, I must add that the search bar does wonders as well.
Last edited by uptown193; Jul 26, 2012 at 03:05 PM.
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