Motor Oil for a 1963 327/300HP

[Gerald C.]

Okay, I've read many of the articles in the archives and tried to understand the various components of the make-up of motor oil. I'm a finance person, not a scientist!

I just had this motor built and I was told to put about 500 miles on the car and then change the oil. The new oil also needs to include zinc.

I've looked a Joe Gibbs Racing Oil and once I got over the sticker shock, I started looking for alternative brands that are more cost sensible.

Can anyone provide me with the oil and weight they use for a similiar engine?

Thanks,

Jerry

[Duke W.]

Re: Motor Oil for a 1963 327/300HP

Did you read this article?

http://stlouisncrs.org/news_files/St_Louis_NCRS_Chapter_July_2011.pdf

It was written by an MBA (UCLA), so I'm sure any finance person can understand it.

Given your NCRS membership number, you should have also seen it in The Corvette Restorer three years ago.



Duke

[Donald L.]

Re: Motor Oil for a 1963 327/300HP

The cheapest CJ-4 or CI-4 API rated brand. 10W-30 if you can find it. 15W-40 is okay to 15*F starts.

[Dan D.]

Re: Motor Oil for a 1963 327/300HP

Our local Advance Auto Parts store carries Rotella T in 10W-30 ($16.99). -Dan-

[Michael W.]

Re: Motor Oil for a 1963 327/300HP

Dan, I hope that's for a 4qt jug...............

[Joe R.]

Re: Motor Oil for a 1963 327/300HP

Okay, I've read many of the articles in the archives and tried to understand the various components of the make-up of motor oil. I'm a finance person, not a scientist!

I just had this motor built and I was told to put about 500 miles on the car and then change the oil. The new oil also needs to include zinc.

I've looked a Joe Gibbs Racing Oil and once I got over the sticker shock, I started looking for alternative brands that are more cost sensible.

Can anyone provide me with the oil and weight they use for a similiar engine?

Thanks,

Jerry

Jerry,

In addition to the previous recommendations for API CJ-4 oil, I am also planning to use a can of GM E.O.S. (Engine Oil Supplement) during break in. I believe Duke recommended doing that in another thread.

Joe

[Duke W.]

Re: Motor Oil for a 1963 327/300HP

I think adding a bottle of EOS to CJ-4 for break-in is a good idea.

Also, most liberally use "assembly lube" on cam lobes, lifters, and other valvetrain components. The solids in this grease will get trapped by the filter, so I think it's a good idea to change the filter after a couple of hours of operation, and just top off the oil as required.

Run the EOS laced CJ-4 for 500 to 1500 miles. Then do an oil and filter change with CJ-4, but there is no need to add EOS for this first or subsequent oil changes.

Duke

[Dan D.]

Re: Motor Oil for a 1963 327/300HP

That's for a gallon. Its more than Walmart's price for 15W-40, but it is not outrageous. Depends how bad you want 10W-30, and its not enough money to break anyone's bank. -Dan-

[Domenic T.]

Re: Motor Oil for a 1963 327/300HP

Jerry,

In addition to the previous recommendations for API CJ-4 oil, I am also planning to use a can of GM E.O.S. (Engine Oil Supplement) during break in. I believe Duke recommended doing that in another thread.

Joe

Joe,
Good advise.
When I replaced a engine under warranty back in the late 60's and early 70's that was in every engine crate at the dealership.

It was a VI (viscosity improver) STP was the same along with a few other brands but GM put it in their cans and it is a must. It was only 3.50 a gallon in the 60's.

There was a screw driver test that most oils failed. You dip the tip of the screw driver in the oil and see if you can hold it with your finger tips, (you can with most).Then dip it in the VI (GM or STP) and see that you can't.

DOM

[Dale M.]

Re: Motor Oil for a 1963 327/300HP

Gerald, There seems to be more companies producing oil with more zinc/phosphorus for our flat tappet cam cars. We recently noticed that Valvoline has VR-1 Racing oil, (non-synthetic) that has 0.14% zinc and 0.13% Phosphorus (ADDP). It states that this oil is for flat tappet cams. You can verify this at Valvoline's web site: http://www.valvoline.com/products/co...ng-motor-oil/6. Download the product Info to see all of the specifications.

[Gerald C.]

Re: Motor Oil for a 1963 327/300HP

Thanks for everyone's feedback. Yes, Duke, even as a finance person, I understood your article.

I had not seen it previously

Jerry