Recommended Oil for a factory 350? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

cedorris · 02-26-2009, 09:37 AM

I know people can argue oil all day long, but what is your recommended oil for a 1972 factory 350?

Synthetic, blend, or conventional?
Brand?
Viscosity?
High mileage, truck, or other specialty?

I am currently running SuperTech (Walmart's house brand) High Mileage Conventional 10w-30 plus an STP Oil Treatment.

I have considered switching to a 10w-40 conventional in a few months for the summer.

Your thoughts?

jgreene0717 · 02-26-2009, 09:48 AM

I would say it really depends on the mileage of your motor. I run 10w40
conventional Castrol GTX in my GM
Goodwrench crate 350. But have ran
20w50 in higher mileage engines.

cedorris · 02-26-2009, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jgreene0717

I would say it really depends on the mileage of your motor.

I have 143,000 original miles on my motor.

jbristo67 · 02-26-2009, 10:07 AM

Rotella

jgreene0717 · 02-26-2009, 10:10 AM

If your oil pressure is ok using the
10w30 and stp oil treatment then I would probably just stick with that setup. My preference is conventional oil but I change my oil every couple of thousand miles. The sythetic stuff is great but I think the only benefit is longer oil change intervals. I am sure
some people think differently but that is my opinion. I have always used Castrol brand oil in any and everything including motor cycles and have always had good luck. I am not real sure about the specialty oils because I have never used any.

MyMach5 · 02-26-2009, 01:22 PM

I use 10w40 GTX in my 350 as well. I think it works great and I change it about every 2k-3k.

Synthetics are great oils (I use 0w40 Mobil 1 in my track car) but you have to be careful with our older engines. The oil molecule in a synthetic is smaller than a conventional. If you have small oil leaks now they will only get worse with the Synthetic. You may also start leaking oil with the Synthetic where you didn't have leaks before.

Gumby'sC20 · 02-26-2009, 02:21 PM

I run Mobil1 Clean 5000 10w30. Seems to run real nice, and it's cheap. $11 for a 5qt. at WalMart.

I also use Gunk's Engine Flush every other oil change.

**DANTIP** · 02-26-2009, 03:59 PM

As discussed in the attached link, the additives are more important than brand and or viscosity. Below is a link to a previous discussion on modern oils available to protect flat tappet engines. Good Luck!

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=2911213

'72customdeluxe · 02-26-2009, 06:09 PM

Is a stock 350 5 or 6 quarts

jgreene0717 · 02-26-2009, 06:25 PM

My stock replacement GM Goodwrench crate 350 holds five quarts. Four quart oil pan and oil filter holds one quart.

Sinister · 02-26-2009, 06:30 PM

I'm actually changing my oil tomorrow morning. 10w30 and a bottle of Compcams engine break in oil additive. I've used EOS in the past, seems to work, cam ain't flat yet. LOL

thirdstreettito · 02-26-2009, 07:44 PM

Schaefer.

67shortie · 02-27-2009, 05:48 AM

I use DELO 400 15W-40 in my flat tappet engines, this oil has about 1100-1300ppm of zddp in the mix to help make the cams live.

**truckdude239** · 02-27-2009, 08:04 AM

i run castrol gtx 10w30 or 10w40

spinning wheels · 02-28-2009, 02:22 AM

From what I have been told, by a diesel fool, the motor oils intended for diesels, Rotella, Delo. ect.. Have a higher amount of anti sludge detergents. This is due to the by-product from the diesel fuels. From what he told me, they will clean the inside of a gasoline engine just fine, but chances are that sludge can find it was into the oil pump's inlet and start to plug it up.

Now, I am not sure if has his facts correct. But, I am not willing to test my motors to prove him right or wrong.

In my old '72 truck, I am running 10w-40. How many miles are on the motor is a mystery to me.

In my turbo volvo, it has been running on Mobil 1 since it turned 80k miles. Current milage is 250k and it runs just fine. Trans was rebuilt around the 125k miles, and has been using Mobil 1 trans fluid since. Rear differential also runs Mobil 1 gear oil.

One of my H-Ds has 60k miles on 15W-50 Mobil 1 and the newer H-D has 35k miles. Take into account, that they are air cooled, roller cam engines, and they tend to run hotter than water cooled engines. Amsoil 20W-50 runs great in these engines, but it is more expensive and hard to find.

The old stories of synthetic oil causing leaks, was due to the old synthetic formulas. The newer formulas do not have any noticeable affect on gaskets or seals.

Synthetic oils not only retain their viscosity better than dinosaur juice, it also hold up better under extreme heat conditions, and loads.

Consumer Guide did a test with NYC cabs running rebuilt Chevy 350s. It has been the most intense, non-oil company sponsored test. The conclusion, NO added benefits changing mineral based, motor oil at 3k miles. Mineral oil can last up to 7k, without engine problems, related to oil breakdown. The only benefits to changing oil at 3k, the oil companies will love you more.

I am not sure if the Consumer Guide, motor oil test is available online. It sure debunks a lot of old oil mysteries and stories.

greygoose · 02-28-2009, 02:37 AM

I'm wondering if anybody has tried royal purple in their truck?

cedorris · 03-02-2009, 12:38 PM

AutoZone was running a special for 5 quarts of Mobil Clean 5000 and a STP oil filter for $12.99.

Looks like next time I change oil I'll be running Mobil Clean 5000 10w-30.

Also, do you have any recommendations on filters? I've heard a lot of good things about Wix and I know for a fact that Walmart's SuperTech filters are manufactured by Wix so that's what I've been using. Would you folks recommend anything different?

**leddzepp** · 03-02-2009, 01:34 PM

Amzoil, Mobil one, Royal Purple.

Use any filter except Frahm.

**1970cstblazer** · 03-02-2009, 01:59 PM

WIX and its clones, Baldwin, Delco are good filters, although I don't like the PF-1218 filter now specified for the replacement of the PF-35, so now I run WIX. Pretty much anything but the Frams and clones.

weircc · 03-02-2009, 02:03 PM

I will say this and i think a lot of you will agree everyone has there pro's and con's about oils but i don't think anyone is gonna recommend any brand of walmart oil but that's just my opinion.Myself i prefer castrol 10w-40 all year round

cedorris · 03-02-2009, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weircc

I will say this and i think a lot of you will agree everyone has there pro's and con's about oils but i don't think anyone is gonna recommend any brand of walmart oil but that's just my opinion.Myself i prefer castrol 10w-40 all year round

I been doing a lot of research online and have found may sites agreeing that Walmart SuperTech is generally a good oil. Some sites say it is made by Warren Performance Products and others say Valvoline.

cedorris · 03-02-2009, 04:45 PM

Here is a great post about Oils in general:
http://www.boss302.com/oil.htm

lowbucktruck · 03-02-2009, 05:08 PM

Ditto, I used Castrol 10W40 dino oil in my old truck's stock 350 Goodwrench motor, it liked it. Ran smooth. Unknown number of miles on the truck, odometer tells me 80k (more like 180k I'm sure). I sure don't change the oil in that truck every 3k miles, more like 5k miles.

weircc · 03-02-2009, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cedorris

I been doing a lot of research online and have found may sites agreeing that Walmart SuperTech is generally a good oil. Some sites say it is made by Warren Performance Products and others say Valvoline.

Well as for me ill never run it.But im sure some ppl run it and don't have no problems but IMO there's a reason why you can get a whole oil change labor and all for 19.95.Im a firm believer in you get what you pay for.

spinning wheels · 03-03-2009, 02:39 PM

I finally found the NYCity taxicab oil test. This makes interesting reading and debunks many myths about motor oil.

Hope it helps you folks here on the site.
The first report is from Consumer Reports, not Consumer Guide, as I had thought.
Its web address is.

http://www.moneybluebook.com/article....oilchange.php

Not sure why the link above is not working, seems the address is edited when I post.

This is how it should read, after the thee w's

moneybluebook.com articles consumerreports.oil change.php

add a backslash between the single words. moneybluebook and consumerreports are spelled out as one word.

The second report, but it looks like Amsoil attempted to copy the first report, is.

http://www.pecuniary.com/synthetics/.../taxitest.html

Good info, even if you don't agree with everything in the reports.

02-26-2009, 09:37 AM	#1
cedorris 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 302	Recommended Oil for a factory 350? I know people can argue oil all day long, but what is your recommended oil for a 1972 factory 350? Synthetic, blend, or conventional? Brand? Viscosity? High mileage, truck, or other specialty? I am currently running SuperTech (Walmart's house brand) High Mileage Conventional 10w-30 plus an STP Oil Treatment. I have considered switching to a 10w-40 conventional in a few months for the summer. Your thoughts? Last edited by cedorris; 02-26-2009 at 09:38 AM.

02-26-2009, 09:48 AM	#2
jgreene0717 Jason Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Wetumpka, AL Posts: 152	Re: Recommended Oil for a factory 350? I would say it really depends on the mileage of your motor. I run 10w40 conventional Castrol GTX in my GM Goodwrench crate 350. But have ran 20w50 in higher mileage engines.

02-26-2009, 10:07 AM	#4
jbristo67 resident oilfield trash Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lubbock TX Posts: 1,465	Re: Recommended Oil for a factory 350? Rotella __________________ 1967 SWB C10 396/400 factory air factory tach (sadly had to send to a new home) 1986 Honda 70 Fourtrax 1991 Chevrolet K5 blazer 2wd 1982 Mastercraft Pro Star 190 Stars and Stripes 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe 2011 Nissan Armada

02-26-2009, 10:10 AM	#5
jgreene0717 Jason Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Wetumpka, AL Posts: 152	Re: Recommended Oil for a factory 350? If your oil pressure is ok using the 10w30 and stp oil treatment then I would probably just stick with that setup. My preference is conventional oil but I change my oil every couple of thousand miles. The sythetic stuff is great but I think the only benefit is longer oil change intervals. I am sure some people think differently but that is my opinion. I have always used Castrol brand oil in any and everything including motor cycles and have always had good luck. I am not real sure about the specialty oils because I have never used any.

02-26-2009, 01:22 PM	#6
MyMach5 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 44	Re: Recommended Oil for a factory 350? I use 10w40 GTX in my 350 as well. I think it works great and I change it about every 2k-3k. Synthetics are great oils (I use 0w40 Mobil 1 in my track car) but you have to be careful with our older engines. The oil molecule in a synthetic is smaller than a conventional. If you have small oil leaks now they will only get worse with the Synthetic. You may also start leaking oil with the Synthetic where you didn't have leaks before.

02-26-2009, 02:21 PM	#7
Gumby'sC20 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Binghamton, N.Y. Posts: 116	Re: Recommended Oil for a factory 350? I run Mobil1 Clean 5000 10w30. Seems to run real nice, and it's cheap. $11 for a 5qt. at WalMart. I also use Gunk's Engine Flush every other oil change.

02-26-2009, 03:59 PM	#8
DANTIP Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA Posts: 1,889	Re: Recommended Oil for a factory 350? As discussed in the attached link, the additives are more important than brand and or viscosity. Below is a link to a previous discussion on modern oils available to protect flat tappet engines. Good Luck! http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=2911213

02-26-2009, 06:09 PM	#9
'72customdeluxe Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Tejas Posts: 691	Re: Recommended Oil for a factory 350? Is a stock 350 5 or 6 quarts __________________ '72 cheyenne super step, '05 long bed gmc

02-26-2009, 06:25 PM	#10
jgreene0717 Jason Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Wetumpka, AL Posts: 152	Re: Recommended Oil for a factory 350? My stock replacement GM Goodwrench crate 350 holds five quarts. Four quart oil pan and oil filter holds one quart.

02-26-2009, 06:30 PM	#11
Sinister Between Trucks... Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA. Posts: 3,830	Re: Recommended Oil for a factory 350? I'm actually changing my oil tomorrow morning. 10w30 and a bottle of Compcams engine break in oil additive. I've used EOS in the past, seems to work, cam ain't flat yet. LOL __________________ Beat it to fit, Paint it to match...

02-26-2009, 07:44 PM	#12
thirdstreettito Resident of Here Join Date: May 2008 Location: Wesley Chapel, FL, USA Posts: 7,716	Re: Recommended Oil for a factory 350? Schaefer. __________________ ~Bradley~ 2004 Black GTO LS2/T56 too much to list Miss having a truck

02-27-2009, 05:48 AM	#13
67shortie Green club Join Date: May 2002 Location: Central CA Posts: 1,059	Re: Recommended Oil for a factory 350? I use DELO 400 15W-40 in my flat tappet engines, this oil has about 1100-1300ppm of zddp in the mix to help make the cams live. __________________ 71 short/fleet ECE 4/6 drop, LQ4/700r4/3.42 gears 70 SS396 Chevelle 427/200-4R/3.73posi 61 Lincoln Continental, black on black Son you are going to drive me to drinkin if you don't stop drivin that hot rod lincoln

02-27-2009, 08:04 AM	#14
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,237	Re: Recommended Oil for a factory 350? i run castrol gtx 10w30 or 10w40 __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

02-28-2009, 02:22 AM	#15
spinning wheels Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Hacienda Heights, California USA Posts: 474	Re: Recommended Oil for a factory 350? From what I have been told, by a diesel fool, the motor oils intended for diesels, Rotella, Delo. ect.. Have a higher amount of anti sludge detergents. This is due to the by-product from the diesel fuels. From what he told me, they will clean the inside of a gasoline engine just fine, but chances are that sludge can find it was into the oil pump's inlet and start to plug it up. Now, I am not sure if has his facts correct. But, I am not willing to test my motors to prove him right or wrong. In my old '72 truck, I am running 10w-40. How many miles are on the motor is a mystery to me. In my turbo volvo, it has been running on Mobil 1 since it turned 80k miles. Current milage is 250k and it runs just fine. Trans was rebuilt around the 125k miles, and has been using Mobil 1 trans fluid since. Rear differential also runs Mobil 1 gear oil. One of my H-Ds has 60k miles on 15W-50 Mobil 1 and the newer H-D has 35k miles. Take into account, that they are air cooled, roller cam engines, and they tend to run hotter than water cooled engines. Amsoil 20W-50 runs great in these engines, but it is more expensive and hard to find. The old stories of synthetic oil causing leaks, was due to the old synthetic formulas. The newer formulas do not have any noticeable affect on gaskets or seals. Synthetic oils not only retain their viscosity better than dinosaur juice, it also hold up better under extreme heat conditions, and loads. Consumer Guide did a test with NYC cabs running rebuilt Chevy 350s. It has been the most intense, non-oil company sponsored test. The conclusion, NO added benefits changing mineral based, motor oil at 3k miles. Mineral oil can last up to 7k, without engine problems, related to oil breakdown. The only benefits to changing oil at 3k, the oil companies will love you more. I am not sure if the Consumer Guide, motor oil test is available online. It sure debunks a lot of old oil mysteries and stories. __________________ '72 GMC custom camper 350/350

02-28-2009, 02:37 AM	#16
greygoose Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: N.C. Posts: 250	Re: Recommended Oil for a factory 350? I'm wondering if anybody has tried royal purple in their truck? __________________ If it ain't a chevy,I don't want it



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03-02-2009, 12:38 PM	#17
cedorris 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 302	Re: Recommended Oil for a factory 350? AutoZone was running a special for 5 quarts of Mobil Clean 5000 and a STP oil filter for $12.99. Looks like next time I change oil I'll be running Mobil Clean 5000 10w-30. Also, do you have any recommendations on filters? I've heard a lot of good things about Wix and I know for a fact that Walmart's SuperTech filters are manufactured by Wix so that's what I've been using. Would you folks recommend anything different?

03-02-2009, 01:34 PM	#18
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,023	Re: Recommended Oil for a factory 350? Amzoil, Mobil one, Royal Purple. Use any filter except Frahm.

03-02-2009, 01:59 PM	#19
1970cstblazer All stock and staying that way Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Elkland, PA Posts: 1,692	Re: Recommended Oil for a factory 350? WIX and its clones, Baldwin, Delco are good filters, although I don't like the PF-1218 filter now specified for the replacement of the PF-35, so now I run WIX. Pretty much anything but the Frams and clones. __________________ 1970 K/5 Blazer CST 4WD, Medium Bronze, 93k ACT. miles, 350, 4 speed, rear positraction, 16.5" x 8.25" HD wheel option, tilt, tach, vacuum, AM/FM, manual throttle...Dad ordered and purchased new 4/70. Currently frame off restoration finally getting close to completion.. 1972 Cheyenne Super 20 2WD, DK Blue/White, 90K ACT. miles, 402, TH400, 4.10 open, tilt, tach, vacuum, A/C, AM/FM, manual throttle.. A mostly original paint never rusted Texas survivor... 2017 Sierra 1500 SLT 4WD, Black, 45k miles, 5.3, 6L80E, 3.42 LS, 20" polished wheels, everything but moonroof and 6.2... 2019 Canyon SLT 4WD, White, 62k miles, 3.6, 8L45, 3.23 LS, 18" wheels

03-02-2009, 02:03 PM	#20
weircc Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: richmond, MO Posts: 794	Re: Recommended Oil for a factory 350? I will say this and i think a lot of you will agree everyone has there pro's and con's about oils but i don't think anyone is gonna recommend any brand of walmart oil but that's just my opinion.Myself i prefer castrol 10w-40 all year round

03-02-2009, 04:45 PM	#22
cedorris 1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Oklahoma City, OK Posts: 302	Re: Recommended Oil for a factory 350? Here is a great post about Oils in general: http://www.boss302.com/oil.htm

03-02-2009, 05:08 PM	#23
lowbucktruck Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sacramento, California Posts: 62	Re: Recommended Oil for a factory 350? Ditto, I used Castrol 10W40 dino oil in my old truck's stock 350 Goodwrench motor, it liked it. Ran smooth. Unknown number of miles on the truck, odometer tells me 80k (more like 180k I'm sure). I sure don't change the oil in that truck every 3k miles, more like 5k miles. __________________ "Two rules get you through life: If it's stuck and it's not supposed to be, WD-40 it. If it's not stuck and it's supposed to be, duct tape it."

03-03-2009, 02:39 PM	#25
spinning wheels Registered User Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Hacienda Heights, California USA Posts: 474	Re: Recommended Oil for a factory 350? I finally found the NYCity taxicab oil test. This makes interesting reading and debunks many myths about motor oil. Hope it helps you folks here on the site. The first report is from Consumer Reports, not Consumer Guide, as I had thought. Its web address is. http://www.moneybluebook.com/article....oilchange.php Not sure why the link above is not working, seems the address is edited when I post. This is how it should read, after the thee w's moneybluebook.com articles consumerreports.oil change.php add a backslash between the single words. moneybluebook and consumerreports are spelled out as one word. The second report, but it looks like Amsoil attempted to copy the first report, is. http://www.pecuniary.com/synthetics/.../taxitest.html Good info, even if you don't agree with everything in the reports. __________________ '72 GMC custom camper 350/350 Last edited by spinning wheels; 03-03-2009 at 04:05 PM.

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