1981 Chevy 454. What oil do i use??? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

lyrikz · 09-07-2011, 10:39 AM

The engine is new. Its finally going to start driving. I did the joe gibbs break in oil and procedure.. What oil do i run??

delo 400? 10w 40?
Its a standard flat tappet so i should be using something different then just standard oil right?

Dark Knight · 09-07-2011, 12:29 PM

I use "Castroil Edge with Syntec Technology" 20W-50. It says right there on the back of the bottle "for use in classic cars equipped with flat-tappet camshafts". Or, I just saw that Rislone has come out with an additive that will allow you to run whatever oil you like. I might give that a try next time. Synthetics are expensive.

lyrikz · 09-07-2011, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark Knight

I use "Castroil Edge with Syntec Technology" 20W-50. It says right there on the back of the bottle "for use in classic cars equipped with flat-tappet camshafts". Or, I just saw that Rislone has come out with an additive that will allow you to run whatever oil you like. I might give that a try next time. Synthetics are expensive.

Talked to my engine builder and he said to use 3 oils.
Brad Penn
Joe Gibbs Racing
or
Valvoline VR1. It has the zinc in it.

Here is the thing. That Castrol that you use, it says that its for use in that flat tappet cams, but heres what some people arent getting. When they are updating their oiling standards they are "supposed" to back date to older vehicles. But the truth is that it doesnt. This is just coming from my engine builder. I run what he says to run.
Issue with the additive is how much exactly should you use?? Also there is an issue with the calcium in the non zinc oil that interacts with the zinc additive that also wears the cam..

Anywho. My thoughts were that if i ran synthetic i wouldnt have to worry about it... But i didnt get to ask him that. If synthetic is so good, wouldnt it stop premature cam wear???

**leddzepp** · 09-07-2011, 02:53 PM

Just do what the engine builder recommends.

fastwillie 696969 · 09-07-2011, 03:29 PM

i concor with led

Dark Knight · 09-07-2011, 09:07 PM

There's a thread on the engine and drivetrain forum by Ticker that explains the different types of oils safe for use in these engines. My machinist said that the castroil will work fine. He said that Joe Gibbs oil is good too. Bottom line is, as long as you followed the proper break-in procedures on your cam, it should live a long, healthy life. The ZDDP just helps it last a lot longer.

oldblue1968chevy · 09-07-2011, 11:01 PM

Ive started to use valvoline vr1, it was on sale for 2.99 at orielly, i should've bought all they had its around $4.99 qt now.

lyrikz · 09-07-2011, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

Ive started to use valvoline vr1, it was on sale for 2.99 at orielly, i should've bought all they had its around $4.99 qt now.

Whats the oil pressure supposed to be at idle, then at 2500?

oldblue1968chevy · 09-07-2011, 11:34 PM

I have an HD pump, about 50 or something at idle. I dont know.

Whats yours?

lyrikz · 09-07-2011, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

I have an HD pump, about 50 or something at idle. I dont know.

Whats yours?

WOW. 50?? Im 65 ish at 2500, and about 25-30 at idle.. hmmm

So.Cal.Super · 09-08-2011, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leddzepp

Just do what the engine builder recommends.

X3

You should be able to ask your builder how your oil pressure is compared to what he built, and ask if it's a stock pump or HP.

Also A Good Napa Gold filter will help Oil pressure while a Fram will hurt it.

oldblue1968chevy · 09-08-2011, 11:18 AM

Yours is fine. I think Napa filters are WIX

09-07-2011, 10:39 AM	#1
lyrikz PITbut Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: monroe washington Posts: 3,052	1981 Chevy 454. What oil do i use??? The engine is new. Its finally going to start driving. I did the joe gibbs break in oil and procedure.. What oil do i run?? delo 400? 10w 40? Its a standard flat tappet so i should be using something different then just standard oil right? __________________ New project. 1971 Twin Turbo blazer http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=676047 My new YOUTUBE channel.. Videos of my truck and a current walk around. Lyrikz74 Youtube channel *DONE! SOLD!* My 1971 stepside build thread My Build Thread UPDATED 6/11. DONE and sold.

09-07-2011, 12:29 PM	#2
Dark Knight Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Pleak, Texas Posts: 420	Re: 1981 Chevy 454. What oil do i use??? I use "Castroil Edge with Syntec Technology" 20W-50. It says right there on the back of the bottle "for use in classic cars equipped with flat-tappet camshafts". Or, I just saw that Rislone has come out with an additive that will allow you to run whatever oil you like. I might give that a try next time. Synthetics are expensive. __________________ -1967 Chevrolet Fleetside LWB- 350 V8 w/thumpr cam, NV3500, 3.08 gears, A/C, PS -1983 Chevy Silverado C1500- 383 stroker, TH400 -1989 Chevy Silverado K1500 SWB- 5.3L swap, 700R4, 3.42 gears -And a '66 Ford Mustang- 200 I6, C4 trans, rust bucket "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." -FDR (and maybe rust too) You've gotta be able to stop and steer before you can go fast!

09-07-2011, 02:53 PM	#4
leddzepp Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Southern Cal Posts: 20,036	Re: 1981 Chevy 454. What oil do i use??? Just do what the engine builder recommends. __________________ 1972 C/10 Cheyenne Super SWB. Restored, loaded, slammed. 1968 C/10 50th Anniversary LWB. Unrestored, stock, daily driver/work truck. RIP ElJay RIP 67ChevyRedneck RIP Grumpy Old Man RIP FleetsidePaul

09-07-2011, 03:29 PM	#5
fastwillie 696969 ~Rest In Peace~ Join Date: May 2005 Location: CALIFORNIA NOR CAL Posts: 9,707	Re: 1981 Chevy 454. What oil do i use??? i concor with led __________________ is it fast ? it has a lighting bolt donut? B___H please, I can remove 90% of your so called "beauty" with a kleenex

09-07-2011, 09:07 PM	#6
Dark Knight Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Pleak, Texas Posts: 420	Re: 1981 Chevy 454. What oil do i use??? There's a thread on the engine and drivetrain forum by Ticker that explains the different types of oils safe for use in these engines. My machinist said that the castroil will work fine. He said that Joe Gibbs oil is good too. Bottom line is, as long as you followed the proper break-in procedures on your cam, it should live a long, healthy life. The ZDDP just helps it last a lot longer. __________________ -1967 Chevrolet Fleetside LWB- 350 V8 w/thumpr cam, NV3500, 3.08 gears, A/C, PS -1983 Chevy Silverado C1500- 383 stroker, TH400 -1989 Chevy Silverado K1500 SWB- 5.3L swap, 700R4, 3.42 gears -And a '66 Ford Mustang- 200 I6, C4 trans, rust bucket "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." -FDR (and maybe rust too) You've gotta be able to stop and steer before you can go fast!

09-07-2011, 11:01 PM	#7
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: 1981 Chevy 454. What oil do i use??? Ive started to use valvoline vr1, it was on sale for 2.99 at orielly, i should've bought all they had its around $4.99 qt now. __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

09-07-2011, 11:34 PM	#9
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: 1981 Chevy 454. What oil do i use??? I have an HD pump, about 50 or something at idle. I dont know. Whats yours? __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

09-08-2011, 11:18 AM	#12
oldblue1968chevy Grandpa in the rustmobile... Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Spokane WA/Viola TN Posts: 11,422	Re: 1981 Chevy 454. What oil do i use??? Yours is fine. I think Napa filters are WIX __________________ John Goose-1968 C10 355,9.32-1CR, Vortec Heads ,262 voodoo, 3.73:1 3OTT (HS ride/beater/farm truck) http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=317684 Grams 53-1953 Chevrolet Belair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post4327784 1969 Chevy C10 Shortbed 4.5/6?" Frame off resto http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=548136 1999 Toyota Tacoma 4x4



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.