Using modern oils in 1960s motors

DON5716

MEMBER
1962 CHEVROLET IMPALA
V8
AUTOMATIC
180,000 MILES

Can I use 10w30 oil in my 1962 chevy impala 283 motor (180,000 miles)?

Sunday, April 3rd, 2011 AT 2:34 PM

6 Replies

CADIEMAN

MECHANIC
3,544 POSTS

I put 20-50 in mine but its a matter of opinion

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Sunday, April 3rd, 2011 AT 5:04 PM

DON5716

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Your reply leaves a lot to be desired. GM called for 30W in this engine. Some say that 10W30 is too thin in hot weather, like we have in Texas for 5 months a year, for this motor. I need to know definitively if I can use 10W30 in this motor, without any problems or repercussions, year round. Please advise.

Aslo, you should have elaborated on why you use 20W50 and what motor you use it in.

Thank you.

Don5716

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Sunday, April 3rd, 2011 AT 5:17 PM

CADIEMAN

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I would use 30w be cause u have no cold wheather. Most oils for higher mile engines are thicker due to engine wear. Or u can buy oil for high mile engines. Gl

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Sunday, April 3rd, 2011 AT 6:00 PM

DON5716

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3 POSTS

I live in North Texas and we do have winters here, with subfreezing weather and lows that sometimes get down into the teens. What about 10W30 for high-mileage engines? Nothing personal, but I am not sure that your expertise extends to oil questions for early 60s motors. However, I would appreciate your additional input.

Don5716

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Sunday, April 3rd, 2011 AT 8:06 PM

CADIEMAN

MECHANIC
3,544 POSTS

Yes you can use 10/30w oil year round but you'll just have to change your oil more often. I would suggest NO LATER then 3k miles. But with sintechnic 10/30w oil will last till 5k miles safely. Base of my professional option.