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In my '87, I used Mobil-1 5W-30 full synthetic. Because the car was used for autocross and track days, I wanted protection against higher oil temps. I also use it in my '93, '02 and my '08 Silverado.
I buy the 5-quart jugs at Wal-Mart and when Costco has the 6 quart boxes on sale.
Still original engine with all the original seals? I would stick to the standard dino oil 10-40 like Penz or Quaker State. Stay away from the Synthetic for now. The synthetic is great stuff, but for a old engine with original seals it will clean the seals of any build up collected over the years and you will have a oil leaking problem. Some say that is not so. Once you do it and it leaks, you can't go back....stick with the standard oil for now. If you do frequent auto crosses and drive it hard, change the oil more frequently.
If you autocross the car, change the rubber brake lines to SS braided and change out the brake fluid for the highest temp reading that is compatible with your braking system.
My 95 being pushed hard in auto cross....clean run...no cones.
I have switched cars to synthetic and despite the dire warnings of the detergent effect of the synthetic oils, I haven't been able to get a car to leak any more than it was before the switch. Gas or diesel, I have switched them from 55K and up with no ill effects.
If you want to see if the oil is bad, change it at 3000 and take a sample and have it analyzed so they can tell you.
Dunno if you get it in the USA, but my '87 really likes Mobil 1 fully synthetic 10w60 track day/extended life oil for older cars. Got it the Chevy S10 truck too. Good pressure maintained on long hot runs down the motorways.
I change it every couple of years or 15k miles and as its still got good body and feel to it, we run it through a cloth filter and put it in my mates '71 MGB hillclimb car.
Thanks Guys,
The guy I bought the car from said he used 10w 30 Mobil one so I guess I'll continue with that. I have to admit that the engine is very clean inside (the valve cover area anyway ).
The rear main has leaked since I bought it.
From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
St. Jude '03 thru '24
Originally Posted by exitwound
Dunno if you get it in the USA, but my '87 really likes Mobil 1 fully synthetic 10w60 track day/extended life oil for older cars.
Mobil makes an extended life blend that is formulated with a higher level of zinc for flat tappet engines.
You can also make your own blend by adding half a can of STP at each change interval.
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
At first oil change I used Mobil One 5w-30. At 20 years old and 75,000 miles, I started getting the common oil leaks besides from the valve covers. Corvette shop that I use recommended going to dino 10W-30. Within a year leaks diminished significantly.
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
Originally Posted by exitwound
Dunno if you get it in the USA, but my '87 really likes Mobil 1 fully synthetic 10w60 track day/extended life oil for older cars. Got it the Chevy S10 truck too. Good pressure maintained on long hot runs down the motorways.
I change it every couple of years or 15k miles and as its still got good body and feel to it, we run it through a cloth filter and put it in my mates '71 MGB hillclimb car.
Really, 10W-60?
I could be totally wrong but my belief always was that the low number viscosity was so the oil could get in the close tolerances in the engine
Really, 10W-60?
I could be totally wrong but my belief always was that the low number viscosity was so the oil could get in the close tolerances in the engine
The Low viscosity is to reduce engine damage when you start the car cold. That's where 90% of engine wear comes from. I use either 5W-30 or 0W-30. I also use Mobile Super Synthetic which keeps the seals soft and helps hold back leaks. I believe it is the same as Mobile 1 except that it has the additive for old seals.
Many of us that used to use 15W-40 and 20W-50 in the 60's and 70's didn't know we were prematurely wearing our engines and needed a rebuild after 30K miles.
Mobil makes an extended life blend that is formulated with a higher level of zinc for flat tappet engines.
You can also make your own blend by adding half a can of STP at each change interval.
One of my old hotroder neighbors likes to run oil for diesal engines because they contain more zinc.
From: Clifton Park, NY ............Clearwater, FL ... 85 Original Owner
Originally Posted by Scooter94
The Low viscosity is to reduce engine damage when you start the car cold. That's where 90% of engine wear comes from. I use either 5W-30 or 0W-30. I also use Mobile Super Synthetic which keeps the seals soft and helps hold back leaks. I believe it is the same as Mobile 1 except that it has the additive for old seals.
Many of us that used to use 15W-40 and 20W-50 in the 60's and 70's didn't know we were prematurely wearing our engines and needed a rebuild after 30K miles.
Me too. Thought it was cool and had to be better because it was racing oil
