79Camaro_Vic
Member
- May 16, 2023
- 48
Anyone know what kind of engine oil, how many quarts and how often should I do an oil change?
It's a stock 79 camaro 350 5.7 V8 engine
It's a stock 79 camaro 350 5.7 V8 engine
Engine oil
- Thread starter 79Camaro_Vic
- Start date
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- engine oil oil change
ACD PF-35 oil filter, or equivalent, too.
Factory oil change spec, after we got unleaded gas, went to 7500 miles back then. BUT that was for the non-severe use spec. Which was mainly "trips of greater than 10 miles/trip" and where the engine got plenty warm to cook out any condensate which might accumulate in the crankcase each time. "City driving", mainly, was NOT in that mix.
OTOH, FEW Chevy small blocks, back then, would make it to that greater interval on just one quart, especially after they got some miles on them, by observation.
If the car is new to you, after the oil/filter change, document the mileage. Then check it every 1000 miles to check how consumption might be going, just to see. Hopefully, it should be at or greater than 3000miles/quart. Which will allow the 3000miles change interval without having to add oil to it. Also check to see how dark the oil has become. Smell it too, checking for a gasoline-type smell.
IF, at that time, you are doing mostly freeway driving (not stop-and-go freeway driving), then you have the option of adding another quart and then changing it at 5000 miles. But for now, plan on 3000 mile changes to get a good idea of how things are in the motor.
Just some thoughts,
FS87LT
Factory oil change spec, after we got unleaded gas, went to 7500 miles back then. BUT that was for the non-severe use spec. Which was mainly "trips of greater than 10 miles/trip" and where the engine got plenty warm to cook out any condensate which might accumulate in the crankcase each time. "City driving", mainly, was NOT in that mix.
OTOH, FEW Chevy small blocks, back then, would make it to that greater interval on just one quart, especially after they got some miles on them, by observation.
If the car is new to you, after the oil/filter change, document the mileage. Then check it every 1000 miles to check how consumption might be going, just to see. Hopefully, it should be at or greater than 3000miles/quart. Which will allow the 3000miles change interval without having to add oil to it. Also check to see how dark the oil has become. Smell it too, checking for a gasoline-type smell.
IF, at that time, you are doing mostly freeway driving (not stop-and-go freeway driving), then you have the option of adding another quart and then changing it at 5000 miles. But for now, plan on 3000 mile changes to get a good idea of how things are in the motor.
Just some thoughts,
FS87LT
79Camaro_Vic
Member
- May 16, 2023
- 48
Thank you guys for all the great information. I will be sure to document it. Ive had the car for about 6 months but havent used it. I'm currently working on some small floor pan rust holes and getting the interior back together. I installed a whole new AC system, fixed any electrical issues I found and installed all the weather stripping.
Only conventional oil can be used?
Only conventional oil can be used?
If it’s original and not rebuilt within the last 20 or so yrs, stay with conventional b/c today‘s gaskets are synthetic compatible whereas old gaskets are not and may leak like a siv.
Mine was rebuilt in 2012 and I have used both types of oils with no leaks.
Mine was rebuilt in 2012 and I have used both types of oils with no leaks.
79Camaro_Vic
Member
- May 16, 2023
- 48
Nice, thanks for the info.
FWIW,I was running castrol full syn 5-w50 in my ft 468.Has the same oil pressure as 10-40,but it's all syn,has the zinc package already,and it starts out at 5 for cold,and goes up.
The only reason I stopped using it was availabilty and cost.I used to get a deal on it at my advanced auto because it used to sit,and they wanted to move it.
The only reason I stopped using it was availabilty and cost.I used to get a deal on it at my advanced auto because it used to sit,and they wanted to move it.
dickeymoore
Veteran Member
If you have a flat tappet camshaft use Lucas hot rod classic oil 10w-40, it contains zinc and a k&n oil filter part # HP 2003.
hd_cat
Veteran Member
Depending upon engine age, a higher viscosity might be warranted, I've used 20w-50 Pennzoil when they made it, now 10w-40 Pennzoil 5 quart (Home Depot), recommended filters below;
- Wix 51061 5.18" length
- Wix 51794 7.82" length
Depending on driving frequency, you might change the oil at the recommended intervals, but since classics aren't driven as regularly, you might just change it yearly if less than 3000miles are driven
