ShaneTrain

This may be an easy/dumb question, but I wanted to get peoples opinions on what they use.
So I have an 84 Camaro with a 350 SBC swap. I'm not entirely sure what oil I should be putting in it, nor am I 100% on the oil filter. Since they didn't make the 350 in 84, I can't just go an ask a parts person about it, nor am I sure I would trust it.
I live in Alberta, Canada, and I plan to store it during the winter, so that might rule out certain oils. I have heard just normal 5W30, but I've also heard 10W40. Seeing how I will only be driving it in warm weather, should I go 5W30? Synthetic or no? Brand? It's a new engine with maybe 400kms total on it.
And what oil filter? Anyone have brands or part numbers they recommend?


Thanks!

Matt trans am

This is the oil filters that I found that fit. Fram ph5‎
K&n hp-3002
Royal purple 30-1218. Mine is a 70's block. I use synthetic 10w-30 with synthetic oil stabilizer. What brand of oil doesn't really matter it's all preference and brand recognition.

redneckjoe

for a hydraulic flat tappet cam, you must use an oil with ZDDP in it, or you'll wear the lobes and or lifters. JMO.
for a roller cam, any oil will work.
lots of info and opinions on oil and filters out there. just do a quick google search.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

I don't mean to start another "my oil's better than yours" spat, but that is really poor advice.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Do you really just want "opinions"? Because those are plentiful, cheap, and often useless.

Since you are only driving in warm weather, 10W-30 would be fine.

As previously mentioned, need to know a little more about your engine. If it is flat tappet (which is about a 75% probably), then a "normal" oil is not good, since today roller lifters and sensitive emissions equipment is "normal", and the anti-wear additives that used to be in oils when flat tappets were "normal" are no longer in use. Assuming that is the case, then I would suggest you consider this:
http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produc...?code=ZRTQT-EA
It is designed for flat tappet, occasional use/stored vehicles. It is also fine if you have roller lifters, giving you the extra corrosion protection while stored.

Contrary to what many say, don't use a diesel oil. They are designed for diesels, most of which have roller lifters.

The "synthetic" vs. "petroleum" base oil controversy will probably never go away. That is made worse by the dumbing-down of what can be called "synthetic". A good PAO-based synthetic is the best choice, but you practically have to be an insider to know what a particular synthetic is. RP is not one of the good ones, I'm afraid. Most of the "major" brands like Valvoline use the dumbed-down stuff.

On the other hand, the chances of doing major harm to your 350 by choosing the "wrong" oil is probably not very big. Longevity is primary issue, and we're talking 5 or 10 years vs. 10-20 years.

So, you asked for "opinions", my goal was to give you something a little better than that.

ShaneTrain

I wish I knew more about what was done to the engine, but unfortunately it was one of those "barn finds" per say. The motor was swapped by one guy who did all the work, he died, got passed to someone else not knowing all what work was done other than it was a new engine, then sold to me. Gonna have to wing it. Would it hurt if I put that additive in either way?


What I do know is it's a new 350 sbc, I put a new 650 cfm Edelbrock carb on it, has a performance Edelbrock intake, looks like it MIGHT have been modified a little bit as it was dressed up fancy with chrome valve covers and open chrome air cleaner. Aside from that, I put headers with straight pipe, shorty accel spark plugs, open Edelbrock air cleaner (top and side filter) for the cowl induction hood, 94amp alternator... bits and pieces.

92GTA

iTrader: (11)

I use the PF-1218 filter in the RoyalPurple version. That's the filter every SBC owner should be running IMHO.

ShaneTrain

Thanks for all the suggestions!


Anyone know if it's ok to use something like Castrol or Mobil 1 10W30 synthetic and then just add the zinc additive from GM? Work the same?

92GTA

iTrader: (11)

Or buy Redline, already comes with the zinc added, that's what I ran in my '56 Corvette. I presume you have a flat tappet cam then and no emissions equipment like a cat?

ShaneTrain

I'm actually not sure what it has in it as I bought it with the engine already swapped and the guy wasn't sure either. No cats though. It was one of those barn finds where the guy that did all the work died and no one knew, got passed to one guy, then to me lol. I'm planning for worst case so I want to get the zinc additive just incase. Better safe then sorry!


I will look in to Redline, as it is quite difficult to get my hands on Amsoil in Alberta. Thanks for the help!

92GTA

iTrader: (11)

True, and with no cat you can't do any damage unless you add too much zinc anyway lol.

I buy my Redline in gallons from Jegs. Even in CA no stores near me sold it and it's made in So Cal!

IROCZ1989

iTrader: (1)

If its a flat tappet use an oil with the zinc already in it. Joe gibbs or amsoil. Filter I like the wix, which is a napa filter rebranded. 5-or 10-30. 5-30 since your in canada. You might want to drive it in cold weather no snow.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Shouldn't be. If nothing else, you can order it on-line.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

The other way around. NAPA filters are made by Wix, so NAPA is rebranded Wix.

Wix also makes the AMSOIL filters, the difference being the AMSOIL filters are made to AMSOIL specs (which truly are the best filters available). Wix brand filters are also available through AMSOIL.