72 454 oil recommendation

[Gregory H.]

[Joe L.]

Re: 72 454 oil recommendation

I’ve been told best oil is real oil with zinc. What is the recommended oil for a 72 big block 454 automatic?

Gregory----


Assuming that it's completely stock, I'd probably use 10W-30 Shell Rotella or Chevron Delo.

[Mark E.]

Re: 72 454 oil recommendation

Welcome to the TDB, Gregory. You chose a well discussed and somewhat controversial topic for your first post. You'll find a variety of threads discussing oil if you do a search. Look for the article by Duke Williams on this subject; several threadshave the link.

Some recommend an inexpensive diesel oil, some use synthetic oil, others racing oil. The concensus is choose one with Zn and P >1000 ppm for flat tappets, so check the specs of what you'reconsidering. I personally use Mobil 1 15w-50.

[Duke W.]

Re: 72 454 oil recommendation

Go up to the "sticky" section and open the "restoration documents" thread, second from bottom.

Scroll down to keyword "oil", download and read the oil articles and data.

There is nothing "controversial" about choosing engine oil for whatever application, but there are countless "opinions" that lack any basis in the science of engine oil formulation, and countless repetition of various myths and misinformation.

Duke

[Joe R.]

Re: 72 454 oil recommendation

Gregory,

Here is a link to a newsletter that has Duke’s engine oil article on page 3:

http://stlouisncrs.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/St_Louis_NCRS_Chapter_July_2011.pdf#page3

I would recommend following Duke’s advice whenever possible. The man is a veritable genius!

Joe

[Duke W.]

Re: 72 454 oil recommendation

Thanks for the compliment. I'm no genius, but spending six years in universities studying IC engines means I know my way around them pretty well, especially Chevy small blocks since those are the ones I've been playing with for 60 years.

Duke

[Joe R.]

Re: 72 454 oil recommendation

You’re welcome Duke. Thanks for all you do.

Joe