What motor oil for 1987 V8 305 High Mileage Engine? (Florida)?

Question

With all the different types of motor oil I don't know how people keep track, is there a good souce of information on which ones to use on which types of engines in which weathers?

I recently bought a 1987 Z28 Camaro, its a 305ci 4bbl with over 100k miles. I live in Florida, so cold starting is not an issue to consern with, but gas milage and optimal engine operating are. Does the high humidity factor in anywhere?

You see the 10W-40 and 20W-50 a lot, but I also see some with only SAE 30 with no W/ indication, what factor does bit of information play? Thanks...

I got the inital idea about maybe using a single weight oul from here http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesArticle/id-428.html where it actually seemed to suggest older cars commonly used it? I don't know anything about what the former owner used, I just don't want to mess something up picking wrong.

Answer 1

if you want the engine to last good and hold up better switch it to a synthetic oil ,its a lot better oil and will help the engine last a lot longer,and you don't have to change it as often either,i use Mobil one synthetic oil in everything i own,and never have had any problems from it,all my vehicles are use,bought them that way and switched them to synthetic oil ,use a 10-w-30 in it,or a 10-w-40,for warmer climates its the best thing you can do for that car,good luck with it,and have a good holiday.

Answer 2

Any 10-30 or 10-40, labelled as a high-mileage oil will do. Your original manual likely called for 10-30. Single grade oils are used in very few road vehicles. The high-mileage labels mean the oil is formulated specifically for engines with some wear on them. Many top oil suppliers market high-mileage blends.
http://www.pennzoil.com/products/motor_oil/hi_mileage.html
As far as straight 30-weight oil, i suggest if your engine will ever see temperatures below 60 degrees or above 100 degrees, it's important to have a multi-weight oil.

Answer 3

If your car doesn't burn any oil between oil changes you are good to go, I would use what is recommended in your owners manual if you still have it, if not I would go with 10w-30w oil seeing you live in a warm climate and if you find it does use some oil between oil changes you can go to a heavier oil the next time such as 20w-40.

Answer 4

to add to what dodge man said, I'd recommend a High-Mileage synthetic oil (not mentioning brand) I switched and I've been very happy with it. 117,000 miles on my V6 and still running strong.

Answer 5

straight sae 30 is for lawn mowers and other outdoor power equipment. for an older engine a thicker motor oil is better i suggest 10w40

Answer 6

I had a hi milage dodge, switched to Valcoline Hi-Milage oil, and it quit smoking, quitburning (well most of it), and lasted to 235K, before I sold it!!

Answer 7

5 or 10W 30 or 40 would be ok.