Engine oil for 76 Eldorado with 1000 miles

[south280]

Hi All,  Can you please help out a newbie.   What type of oil should I put in my 1000 mile 1976 Cadillac Eldorado.  I am confused by all the options etc.   Thanks in advance 

[76eldo]

David,

You are going to get a lot of opinions here.

Having the older type flat lifters and cam as opposed to today's roller lifters, it's important to use an oil formulated with ZPPD or zinc as part of the oil.  I have been using Lucas Hot Rod oil in my 60's through 80's cars.  It's a bit pricey but I doubt that you will need to change your oil more than once a year.

You can usually find NOS AC oil filters on ebay if you want to maintain the original look.

Brian

[Scot Minesinger]

Brian is right on the money.  I buy a case of the a/c oil filters from Auto zone, I think it is PF24 (not sure), but they are correct and even the right blue color.  For oil I use a 10W40 Pennzoil and ZDDP additive (in 1970 10W40 was not available and shop manual states 10W30).  Driven my 1970 Caddy (same or very similar engine block as a 76 - longer stroke) 39k miles in 11 years, no issues.

[76eldo]

Scott,

It was explained to me that additives sometimes are not compatible with the composition of the oil and that's why I use oil that has the zinc already in it.

It's about 7-8 dollars a quart but if it keeps the cam from wearing it's worth it to me.
My 60 and my 76 both have close to 100,000 miles on them.

I also dump in a bottle of STP which sounds like it contradicts my advice but I'm just so used to using it I can't change the habit. 

I think 10 40 in the older cars with miles is probably best.