I'm quite the "dummy" when it comes to Corvettes (so far). My recently purchased 1971 LT-1 is my first Corvette (after 40+ years of lusting). I'm about to change oil for the first time, and wonder if synthetics (like Mobil 1) are OK for this type of high-performance engine, and if so, what specific formula. Any thoughts or recommendations from the C3VR membership?

 

[QUOTE=Sportivo]

I'm quite the "dummy" when it comes to Corvettes (so far). My recently purchased 1971 LT-1 is my first Corvette (after 40+ years of lusting). I'm about to change oil for the first time, and wonder if synthetics (like Mobil 1) are OK for this type of high-performance engine, and if so, what specific formula. Any thoughts or recommendations from the C3VR membership?

 

[/QUOTE]

Your only a dummy if you don't ask questions. I have heard that synthetic in an older engine may cuase some oil leaks. I just checked the owners manual and went by GM's recommendation on my BB for oil weight. I would go with a very good filter ( not the $3.98 kind) and a very good grade of oil. Do it yourself and save money and greif. Taking to a quik lube place may not be the best way to go. They make there money on lower grade products IMHO.

 

Anyway its good to get all oily once ina while.

Silver69 is right...    take it from me!   I use a premium quality 10W-30 like Quaker State or one of the other top brands...   Invest in a good oil filter. I keep an Autolite on hand for shows where originality counts, but run a Fram on the street.

Congrats on your first purchase.. you picked a heck of a good car to start with.. hope it's documented and has a trackable history... There are quite a few LT1's on the C3VR pages!

My 72 left a nice puddle of Redline synthetic after it's first oil change under my care. It's plenty hot down here in southern FL so I go with regular 10w-40 Valvoline. Last change I used a K&N Performance Gold filter (expensive sucker), but then again, I've been pampering this thing alot more than the "old lady" even. So what's a few bucks more.

JR

P.S. Redline synth sells for $7.98/Qt.

jredding38513.4774305556

Whatever oil you decide on try & stick to the same brand...don't be switching from one brand to another. I use Mobile 1 in 3 of my newer cars including the vette , but it's a fairly new engine. Mobile1 or others like it will cause leaks in older engines. As long as you change your oil & filter when the engines hot every 90 days or 3000miles whichever comes first with  good oil & filter you'lll be fine. Asking questions is the only way to learn & the more I ask the less I know.

Alan

I've picked up from other threads that the synthetic oils have smaller and more uniform molecules along with a more aggressive detergent component. 

While the smaller molecules is a good thing, because they can get into tighter places than regular oil and lubricate better, it is a not so good thing because they will find, and exit through, gaps in gaskets easier. 

And while the detergent component is a good thing from the standpoint of keeping the engine parts a bit cleaner, in an older engine with some sludge buildup the detergent scrubs away the sludge allowing for the exiting issue mentioned above.

So if you know that all the gaskets have been changed out recently going with the synthetic oil will do a better job of lubricating and cleaning.  I've been blending (4 quarts regular and 1 quart synthetic of the same brand and weight of oil) for a couple of years and haven't noticed any measureable increase in the dripping or consumption.  When I get around to pulling the engine and going through it I'm planning on making the switch to all synthetic.

Thanks to all for the great replies! It sounds like the common theme is quality, quality, quality.

I may go to my ol' stand by, Castrol Racing oil, which I used in my 289 high performance Mustang (alas, a Ford - but that was many moons ago). And the K&N filter idea sounds like a good one.

This is definitely a do-it-yourself job; no Jiffy-Lube for me!

The race shop that rebuilt my engine and my restoration shop both recommended 20-50 for my LT-1 - but to stay away from synthethics for the reasons mentioned above.

I have to pipe in here that I purchased my LT-1 about 21/2 years ago and the pervious owners were using mobil 1 15/50 one in the red cap.

And i have been only using that brand and grade since then.  I just and the intake gasket replaced and i have had no problems.

just my two cents, not worth that much either with inflation and all.

Heck i have no vette or any car knowledge either, thats one I began a lifer, lots of time to learn. Larry

[QUOTE=1BadLT1]

I have to pipe in here that I purchased my LT-1 about 21/2 years ago and the pervious owners were using mobil 1 15/50 one in the red cap.

And i have been only using that brand and grade since then.  I just and the intake gasket replaced and i have had no problems.

just my two cents, not worth that much either with inflation and all.

Heck i have no vette or any car knowledge either, thats one I began a lifer, lots of time to learn. Larry

[/QUOTE]



I have been using Mobil1 15W50 in my '69 350 for three years now and I am very pleased with it - good stuff.  Doesn't leak any more than the Dino did before it - but that's what happens when you use a cheap, chrome oil pan like the PO did. Going to be changed to a correct pan real soon now!!


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