Best Oil for Camaro 396, Brand / Weight

[67since67]

Originally Posted by AnthonyS

So, I have a question... I'm reading that synthetic isn't highly thought of for this application, but that VR1 is... I don't believe that both comments have come from the same members but I did want to call this out and open a discussion on VR-1 being synthetic... thoughts?

I use the non-synthetic VR1.

[danachevroletfor1967]

Originally Posted by AnthonyS

So, I have a question... I'm reading that synthetic isn't highly thought of for this application, but that VR1 is... I don't believe that both comments have come from the same members but I did want to call this out and open a discussion on VR-1 being synthetic... thoughts?

I wasn't even aware VR-1 came as a full synthetic. When I have used it (10-30) it didn't even state on the label that it was a blend. I always assumed it was totally conventional. I would use a VR-1 10-30 blend but not a full synthetic.

[AnthonyS]

^ thanks guys! That’s what came up on The Google for me originally; I didn’t know it came in a conventional formula as well! That makes more sense, for me. Cheers friends.

[cook_dw]

Another Brad Penn oil user here. Also used Lucas Hot Rod & Classic oil.

[NorCam]

Brad Penn Conventional (The Green Stuff)
Joe Gibbs Driven Series
Lucas Hot Rod Series

Those are the only "conventional" or "petroleum" based oils that I'll ever pour into my engine/s, and "Never" will I run a synthetic blended oil.

[olredalert]

----All I use in the old stuff is Brad Penn. For that matter I also use it in my boats (some big blocks and some small blocks). Two of the 383 small blocks are fairly stout at around 475hp. The boat is an old Magnum 27 Sport race boat named Short Circuit and runs around 80mph. I'm putting iot up for sale soon if anyone on the sight wants to scare themselves to death...LOL....Bill S

[7TL34]

Saw this on another site. Anyone used it? Is it still available in USA? Never saw it here in Canada.

[MYSTERYCHEVELLE]

I’m a Brad P user!!

I think it’s now $1000 a quart but tomorrow it may be more

[x33rs]

Brad Penn, the Lucas Hot Rod, Joe Gibbs, is all good stuff. I like the green Driven oil but I primarily use Amsoil Hot Rod oil.

The VR-1 is pretty decent but even that has had some Zinc pulled from it in recent years. I read from a different source that the 20-50 will have more Zinc than the 10-30 because they catagorize the 20-50 differently as an off road oil, stating the 10-30 is what most consumers will end up buying. Don't know how much truth there is to that but one thing is for sure, oil formulations are constantly changing and hard to keep up with. For sure don't use the diesel oils, they have had the Zinc removed to very low levels for several years now so it's not really a good option anymore.

I've never had any issues with synthetics leaking in the classics and I've been using them for 30+ years in multiple cars. I don't have anything that leaks.
My thought is as long as the engine has been gone through and has modern day gaskets and sealers used, the synthetics shouldn't pose a problem. If you have an original survivor engine with 50 year old gaskets, or even something 20-30 years old, it might be a different story, but I would think an engine like that would be prone to some seepage anyway

[x33rs]

Originally Posted by X77Z28MP

Not trying to change this discussion. But any oil recommendations for a stock rebuilt 69Z survivor. thanks

I use the Amsoil Z-rod in our 69Z that is daily driven. I rebuilt that engine nearly 6 years ago now. Basically a stock build, solid flat tappet cam, etc....and have now logged over 50k miles on it without complaint.
I did a few oil analysis early on, basically to get an oil change interval routine ironed out and to see how things were doing inside. Also checked valve lash routinely looking for any wear signs. Happy to say I haven't had to touch the lash since the cam was broken in almost 6 years ago. It's been perfect.