What is the best type of oil to use?

Castrol GTX 20/50, it came in new BMWs in the US in the 70s as part of an engine warranty program and I use it in all my vintage vehicles.

Edit: Steve, great minds think alike!
 
Anyone have experience running Castrol Syntec 0w30 European Formula in a coupe, aka "German Castrol?" It's what I run in all of my modern cars, with good results. It's a group IV synthetic and close to a 40 weight. I figure even a 40 year old car can benefit from an appropriate modern synthetic oil.
 
I have Castrol 20W50 in mine as well, but the previous owner of my 2002 liked Diesel oils in old engines because of the extra Zinc. Older formulations apparently had more. I don't think O2 sensors like Zinc, so not much in newer formulations.
 
i used to use castrol gtx (in the 70's / 80's) - i found that for some reason it vapor stained the inside of things (valve cover, inside of air filter box), etc. i have been using valvoline since - with no issues.
 
Does Valvoline VR-1 have the same life that the other street oils do? I see that VR-1 NSL only is 3 months/500 miles due to no anti-sludge additives. Anyone know the ZDDP level of Castrol - according to the article they don't publish it.
 
Louis- good to see you get the intermarque news letter. Are you gonna do the classic car Hill Climb in Waumandee this fall?

As for oil, Shell Rotella.
 
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E911 (name?): I now live in Milwaukee but continue to receive and follow that group. The Twin Cities has a great classic car scene. I'd like to get up for one of the "Cars and Cafe" events at the AutoMotorPlex. Do they still hold them?
 
Yes, first Saturday of the month so if you're going to make it up for one let me know. Just took the CSL out to the intermaque spring kickoff show this weekend - you're pretty much assured of being the only Coupe in the mix here in Minnesota and I'm guessing it's not much different in Wisconsin. The hill climb in Waumandee looks like it could be a lot of fun but it's actually closer to me than you by quite a bit.

Sorry for hijacking this thread- Rotella 15w40 diesel oil for the extra zinc...

Regards- Richard
 
I can't resist sharing that the best tasting and healthiest oil is Extra Virgen Olive Oil of a type of olive called Picual. Some day I will post some 250ml bottles for sale and find a way of claiming they are E9 related.
 
I originally used Duckhams 20W-50 because Crevier BWM recommended it. When it became hard to obtain, they recommended Valvoline 20W-50 synthetic, so I switched to it. I have used the VR-1 version too. I have used Valvoline synthetic of various viscosities in all my vehicles.

My highest mileage vehicle is my 02 Ford Ranger with the 4.0 SOHC engine. I have put 311K miles on it since new and started with 5W-30 Valvoline synthetic and am now using 5W-40 Valvoline synthetic European blend. It still runs like new and uses no more oil than it ever did.
 
Interesting that the gurus like HB Chris prefer non-synthetic. I would think Mobil 1 would be ideal. What's the thinking? Not from being critical ,but from a learning standpoint! Thanks!
 
adawil2002 said:
Use VR1 20/50 in the Packard. It has a very high zinc content for an off the shelf oil and is good for valves of older vehicles. I plan to start using it in Vern and Athena.
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With high zinc oil, factor in taking your plugs out every other month to clean them because zinc buildup will cause electrical continuity that degrades the spark. Don’t believe me? Check them with a multimeter.
 
Valvoline VR-1 20W-50. I use this in my E3, E9, 2X E24. Started based on multiple posts within the E24 community.
 
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