Best oil to use...

**WILMASBOYL78** · #1 07-26-2007, 06:02 AM

I have been following the many discussions on the "best" oil to use in our older hi-perf flat tappet motors...and I'm still confused

What do you guys use for the garden variety L78 engine..?? just want to protect what I have and still have some peace of mind..besides, it's time for a few oil changes

wilma

**Salvatore** · #2 07-26-2007, 06:09 AM

Tom, I use Rotella-T (15w40) In the old days I always used Castrol when it was green. I think it has changed ownership and is not the Castrol it was before (JMO). Even the new version of Rotella is still better than the rest in my opinion because of more zinc. Mobil Delvac and Chevron Delo is also a good choice. I believe they are all diesel oils. Brad Penn is also very good. It is a PA. based oil. Go to Yahoo search and type it in. Nice website.

**WILMASBOYL78** · #3 07-26-2007, 06:13 AM

Sammy, this whole zinc thing seems to be the issue...the feds have tightened emmisions stuff and that impacted the diesel oils...I have been buying the Rotella..but I think the stuff is diffferent now..I just want a clear answer an what to buy and use on the older cars...

wilma(Sammy's friend in NY)

**Salvatore** · #4 07-26-2007, 06:21 AM

Yes the zinc has been reduced in the Rotella but still possesses many good properities that we need. You will get many answers/opinions but we are limited to what we have at hand. Go to the Brad Penn web site. I know Pete likes Brad Penn. Royal Purple is good but I am not sold on using it in casted engines and parts because it may find leaks that a newer engine that has been machined would not.

NCGuy68 · #5 07-26-2007, 06:54 AM

Zinc in motor oil for early model cars has been the 'buzz word' for quite a while. Myself, and many others are running full sythetics. Red Line and Royal Purple are popular. I've been using Amsoil for two years with no issues to date.

camarojoe · #6 07-26-2007, 07:56 AM

I've read many of the oil threads on various sites including this one, and have a stupid question... what if I just use standard non -diesel, non synthetic, non racing, non gimmick oil, like run-of-the mill Havoline or Pennzoil or Shell or (pick your brand) 10w30 conventional oil? I've never used anything but regular old "buy it anywhere" type oil in everything I've ever owned and have never had a problem with anything...I don't even always use the SAME brand as far as that goes... am I just lucky, or is there some hype associated with all the "best oil" threads I see everywhere? Granted I don't run my cars to redline or race or abuse 'em, but I do drive them, changing the oil and filter once a summer or every 3000 miles, whichever comes first... I'm wondering if I should be concerned with the fact that I don't have any "fancy" oil in any of em.

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