E Rod

Hi
I need some info about my Firebird. When I bought my 87 firebird back in August 2014 the seller states that the engine was rebuilt at 80k miles. As a parts of a mild restoration. However I bought the car at 108,000 and had driven it an additional 170 miles.
I want to give the car an oil change as I don't know when the last time it was done and it's been more than 3 months since I bought the car. My question is I have a container of oil for high mileage vehicles (75k or higher) that my brother gave be that was originally for his Jeep Grand Cherokee but we junked it before he got a chance to use it.
Will it harm anything if I use that oil or will I have to go get a different kind?

mantaguy

iTrader: (5)

I would use it, I can't see any harm in it, make sure it's the proper Viscosity,5w 30,or 10w 30.

E Rod

Sweet thanks. So I'll just match the oil with what pontiac reccommends for the engine

Tibo

iTrader: (15)

Proper oil viscosity for these engines can be a wide open debate, but most manuals say 10W-30 in warm wweather and 5W-30 in colder months. But I have read tests about how a 5W-20 is the best and some engine builders saying a 10W-40 is the best. I would say if it's between a 5W-20 and a 10W-40 it's fine to run for at least one oil change.

AlkyIROC

10w30 was the standard for many years. Modern engines are recommended to use 5w30.

As stated above, it doesn't really matter which grade you use but something designed for the climate temperatures you live in would be best. Very cold winters and 5w30 is good. Mild winters (above freezing most of the time) and 10w30 works just fine. If summers get very hot, something in a 10w40 would be better.

Dino oil is inexpensive. If you prefer to spend a little more for a synthetic oil then something with a greater range like 0w40 or 5w40 makes a grade that is suited for all weather conditions.

I run 16 liters of 0w40 synthetic in my diesel engine year round. Makes for a very expensive oil change but I also extend the oil change interval. I change the filters every 10,000 km and send out an oil sample. If the oil is still good enough, I keep using it. Sample is sent out before the filters are replaced. If the sample fails then the oil gets changed with the filters. I'm around 15,000 km on the oil in my engine which for a diesel engine is really nothing. I expect to hit around 25,000 before the oil needs to be replaced.

Change filters regularly and keep the oil in the operating range on the dipstick. Run an oil grade suited for your weather conditions. If you change your oil on a regular schedule, don't give in to marketing hype about different types and brands. A lot of people run inexpensive walmart oil and have no problems.

My race engine also uses synthetic oil and the entire oil system holds 9 liters. Actually every fluid in my race car is synthetic. Well, the brake fluid isn't. It's still DOT3. My system isn't designed for DOT5.

Stevolwevol

iTrader: (1)

I believe 87's were roller engines, so 10 30 of any good brand of oil would suffice. It wouldn't hurt to use high mileage stuff, it contains higher levels of zddp.