Engine Oil for 283

[Richard G.]

I now have 500 miles on my rebuilt 283-270hp. I ran a break in oil for these miles. My local auto parts here in Perth, Western Australia suggested I now use Penrite HPR 30 which is a SAE 20W-60. I would appreciate some assurance that this oil will be suitable for my car. Pretty basic question but none of my reference books seemed to go into this. Thank you for your comments. I just read zinc phosphate in oil posted yesterday. Maybe I should use Shell Rotella 15-40.

[Gary C.]

Re: Engine Oil for 283

Richard, oil in U.S. was reformulated to minimize Zinc (ZDDP). Do a search of the TDB archives as there's lots of information about this. ZDDP is required for mechanical lifter which you have. I'm using diesel oil such as Shell Rotella T 10-40. Gary....

[Stuart F.]

Re: Engine Oil for 283

Thanks Gary for jumping in to help Richard. I think his thread came in when many of were asleep, particularly our west coast experts. So, I'll just comment in general regarding what he should find and take from the archives on the subject;

Richard; Look for the "API CJ-4" on the label which should get you the ZDDP protection that you need with your 270 hp. As to the weight, a lot will be determined by your ambient conditions there. What would you normally use at this time of year?

Stu Fox

[Richard G.]

Re: Engine Oil for 283

Even though it is winter down here it doesn't get real cold where I am down here- a cold night is 3 or 4 C which is around 38- 40 F, most winter days 18 - 20 C or around 60F.

[Larry M.]

Re: Engine Oil for 283

Richard:

I would recommend the Shell Rotella 15W-40. I think that it will be more suitable for your car. There is a lot of info in the archives. Search under Duke Williams or ZDDP. The 15W is okay down to around 20 F ambient temperature, and the 40 will provide good protection during the summer heat. Look for a rating of API CI-4 or CJ-4, which will ensure adequate ZDDP. Info in my files shows Shell Rotella CI-4 has 1390 ppm Zinc and 1265 Phosphorous, and CJ-4 (latest formulation) has 1210 ppm Zinc and 1110 ppm Phosphorous. Either one should be acceptable, but more is better.

I think that 20W-60 weight oil will be too heavy for normal operation, unless your engine has really hugh bearing clearances (as in racing engines).

Larry

[Duke W.]

Re: Engine Oil for 283

I don't think Australia uses API certification. I expect it is ILSAC, and many oils are certfied to both sets of standards and may carry the respective ratings from both institutions.

I believe the current ILSAC spec for spark ignition engines is GF-4, but I don't know the HD diesel designation. Perhaps you could fill us in. Being as how we have a number of vintage Corvette owners in the Eurozone and Down Under, it would help for us to know.

In any event, use whatever oil is certfied for use in heavy duty diesel engines in your market. There is no need to search out a specific brand- just buy the least expensive oil that carries the desired certification.

Given your mild low temperatures, a winter grade of up to 20W is okay. Your winter climate sounds about the same as Southern California. In fact if the lowest anticipated cold start temperature is not lower than about 40F (4C) a straight SAE 30 is fine according to most GM owners manuals of that era.

Duke