best oil for 401 Nailhead

I'm gonna do the first oil change in a while on this engine, and I need a couple confirmations and such.

I'm thinking that either 10w-30 or 20w-50 would be the best, since I live in Florida, but what would you choose?

Also, I'm trying to err on the side of caution with the Zinc thing, and I'd like to use synthetic oil, so are there any synthetics with the proper amount of Zinc? If not, what's the best additive to take care of that, and where can I buy it?

Also, is there such a thing as an "original type" oil filter? I'm not gonna worry about it right now, but it'd be a nice touch later on.

 

http://www.v8buick.com/showthread.php?t=138788&highlight=zddp

 

I used to run 20w-50 synthetic until I spun that rod bearing. :af: I think it is too heavy and shears at high rpm's when the oil is cold. o No: Now I run 10w-40 synthetic and resist temptation until I'm sure she's warmed up enough. ou:

 

viscosity is what keeps the parts from rubbing together.

 

shell rotella diesel oil 10 w 30

 

Rotella T 15-40W and B&G MOA additive. Used to have a nasty lifter tick, then used the MOA. No more lifter tick and she runs niiiiiccce:TU:

Tough to find B&G products, you have to buy them from a participating shop or there is a place on the internet but they pumped up the price some. Just google B&G products

 

Factory manual calls for 10w-30 or straight 20w for temps above 20 deg.
I use 20w.

 

Mine does that when it's hot with 10w-30 dino oil.

 

I'm using 5w-30 semi sythetic and it leaks out the rear main so I'm going to be forced to use regular dino oil. At Wal-Mart of all places, they sell a 10w-40 oil made for pre-1988 cars with a rating of SG I believe and I might try that. The only thing that concerns me with it though is that it says on the bottle that it won't protect newer car engines from sludge build-up, but what about older cars? Especially ones with carburetors where there's bound to be oil contamination just from normal use.

 

Check this web page out. Jim

www.valvoline.com/pages/products/product_detail.asp?product=21

 

I think I'm gonna go with 10W-30, as it is the most readily available. I don't need anything truly special, since it's gonna be only streeting, no racing.

Would it be advisable to use the Valvoline racing oil that already has the ZDDP in it in a street car? Is it not street legal because of the ZDDP, or is it something else?

The car dealership I work at uses Valvoline oil for the lube shop, and the parts manager said he might be able to get me some.

If I do go with the Valvoline racing oil, would that be enough zinc for me? Or should I try to find the BG MOA or some of that new ZddPlus stuff?

 

delo 400 hands down

 

I'm running Castrol 10W-40 High Mileage in mine. Can't comment on it being good or bad but I'm so far happy with it. I somehow doubt its causing the consuption problem I was having, I think thats due to it running hot and having a loose headbolt.

 

Ever heard of Brad Penn oil?

http://www.bradpennracing.com/

I think this will be my first choice.

 

From what I read, any of the Valvoline racing oils should work fine. I wouldn't worry about the "Oil Gestapo" coming to arrest you for using racing oil in a street driven car. Valvoline probably has to put some type of disclaimer on the bottle to appease the all-mighty EPA.