Hey guys, I got a 1950 shoebox with a flatty, what kind of oil are some of ya'll using. I think mine has a lot of miles but still runs good,been running 10w30 with a quart of lucas.
several threads here on oils. try a search. basically you need oil with a high zinc content or an additive with zinc.
I have had best results with 50wt Valvoline racing oil and a qt. of Rislone zinc additive. The car is driven primarily when the temperatures are in the 80's or higher with normal driving patterns. I prefer the straight oil weight as it seems to hold up better against oil consumption and blow by on my stock motor that has about 25000 miles on it.The motor shows good oil pressure and is quiet with no lifter clatter and does not smoke. I change it at 2000 miles and run the stock filtering system. One old timer told me the straight weight oil is better for the flattys from his experience and the zinc is needed for the cam lubrication by some peoples standards. You can get all kinds of perspectives from different people but this formula has worked for me.
I use 20/50 with a zinc additive in my cars...two flatheads, a 261 inline, and a 283. I just bought a case of Brad Penn but at 7.00 a quart I don't know how long I'll be using it.
anything slick and slippery seems to work for me.lol just kiddin. i use 20w50 in about everything i own including my 8ba.oh yea and its bradd penn at 6.00 a quart..if thats not available then a zinc additive with valvoline 20/50.the old flathead cold at around 50 lbs. hot at idle 5lbs and run down the road 35 to 30 lbs..dont know if thats right but it runs good and i dont think its knockin,cant hear it for the damn pipes.
I use Valvoline racing also but never as multi grade. The old motors like 30-40-50 weight and multi grade in Texas is a joke. I know a lot use multi here but in our heat it's like water once heated up and the best way to find it out is buy a viscosity guage and test your own oil. Its all in the line of bearing protection and good lubrication.
Amsoil has a oil that comes in 10w-30 and 20w50 with a high zinc content. They make good oil but I havent tried this yet.
Valvoline 10W-30 VR-1 Racing Oil. Has 1400 PPM of Zinc and 1300 PPM of Phosphorous. Just whats needed for a flat tappet cam.
Anyone that has a 37 Ford makes me stand up and listen! I absolutely agree with this man's recommendations.
Go to the local machine shop and ask them what to use.. You'll end up more confused reading suggestions on internet..
Castrol Syntec Specially Made for Classic Cars Link - http://www.castrol.com/castrol/genericarticle.do?categoryId=82915470&contentId=7032644
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