Lucas Classic Car oil

[olddog67]

I am changing the oil in my '67 Charger and going with the Lucas Classic oil as it has a high zinc level. The motor is a stock 383, it will only be drive during the summer, I was planning on using their 10w30 and just wanted some feedback on the 10w30 or would you recommend another grade like 10w40 or 20w50.

Thanks guys.

 

[BeeKool]

I would think you could run 10w40 if you wanted. Not sure if there's a whole lot of difference. If it's a motor with high mileage I wouldn't change viscosity of the oil.
It's also apt to burn some oil initially due to changing the formulations.

 

[olddog67]

I really have no idea on the millage but assume its never been rebuilt. I just purchased the car in the fall so dont know what the PO was using for oil.

 

[AR67GTX]

FWIW - my theory is that most cars have rebuilt or replacement engines built to who knows what tolerances anymore. I like to have at least 20 psi of oil pressure at hot idle and use the lightest weight oil that will achieve that.

 

[Ranger16]

I run 10W30 in my 383.

 

[PurpleBeeper]

FWIW - my theory is that most cars have rebuilt or replacement engines built to who knows what tolerances anymore. I like to have at least 20 psi of oil pressure at hot idle and use the lightest weight oil that will achieve that.

I agree. I run my bearings very loose 0.003"/0.003" so I run thicker oil to keep my oil pressure up and protect my bearings. However, I could lubricate my top end better if I ran a thinner oil (and my bearings were tighter so I still got decent pressure at hot idle).

High zinc level is a good thing for high mileage engines that don't have catalytic converters (prolongs engine life). I want to say that factory-fill oil was either straight SAE-30W or SAE 10W/30, but I can't remember for sure....have to check my owner's manual.... it's in there for sure.

 

[GetX'd]

I use Lucas Racing Oil in my stroked 440. 10w30

 

[Hemiwes]

anybody heard of using Rotella 15W40? My engine builder recommended using it for my 493 build.

 

[Dreamcatcher]

anybody heard of using Rotella 15W40? My engine builder recommended using it for my 493 build.

I have a friend that has a machine shop. That is all he recommends 15/40 Rotella. He builds all kinds of engines but insists that is the best for older flat tappet engines.

 

[Hemiwes]

Mine is a hydraulic roller motor. My Engine builder said the same thing though for this engine