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Oiling plans

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mtrosclair View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mtrosclair Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Oiling plans
    Posted: Mar/20/2023 at 8:13pm
The 199 in my car is just passed 300 miles on the break in oil and I'm thinking about what to put in it when the first oil change occurs which I believe should be around 500-1000 miles.  I have five quarts of the valvoline VR1 racing conventional oil in 20/50, and was inclined to use that unless there is a "best" option.  I also have a Wix filter but my understanding is that they are not preferable because of the quality of the drainback valve and that I should get a Purolator. 
1963 Rambler Classic 550
Originally a 196, this one has a 199 from a 69 American.
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bikerfox View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote bikerfox Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Mar/20/2023 at 10:38pm
i'm guessing that your tsm says to use 10-30 or 10-40, so imo vr1 20/50 is overkill
for that motor, in addition to the price of that oil.  oil and filters are like the perennial
question of "who has more fun, blondes or brunettes?" i prefer less expensive oils and
unless you do an oil analysis at least once a year, you'll never know the diff.  i don't
skimp on filters, however, and have mostly used baldwin oil filters.  it's your money,
so you'll spend it as you wish.
1969 Rebel SST (1970-1987)
1968 AMX (2005-2011)
1969 SC/Rambler (2011-2019)
1970 Javelin (2019 to ?)"Jane"
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mtrosclair View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mtrosclair Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Mar/21/2023 at 7:28am
Originally posted by bikerfox bikerfox wrote:

i'm guessing that your tsm says to use 10-30 or 10-40, so imo vr1 20/50 is overkill
for that motor, in addition to the price of that oil.  oil and filters are like the perennial
question of "who has more fun, blondes or brunettes?" i prefer less expensive oils and
unless you do an oil analysis at least once a year, you'll never know the diff.  i don't
skimp on filters, however, and have mostly used baldwin oil filters.  it's your money,
so you'll spend it as you wish.

I don’t actually have the TSM for this engine, because it is a swap. But I assume you were probably right with the oil recommendations. I already owned the VR one oil that’s why I was wondering if it could be useful. I am not opposed to using anything that is recommended.

I am not familiar with Baldwin oil filters I have used Purolator and wix in the past with no issues, but the quality of Fram has gone down significantly over the years.
1963 Rambler Classic 550
Originally a 196, this one has a 199 from a 69 American.
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73Gremlin401 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 73Gremlin401 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Mar/21/2023 at 7:40am
20/50 is a pretty thick oil for a fresh motor, unless it was assembled with large tolerances.  I'd move down to 10/40 on the 1st change and listen for rattles.  If it stays nice and quiet, then going down to 10/30 may be OK, and help with fuel mileage.  Modern 10/30, while more stable than the 10/30 that was available when these motors were new does seem to allow these motors to make more valve train noise in particular, so I'd just use your ears and make the best judgement.  Having an oil pressure gauge would be handy too, but if not, remember that the OE AMC oil pressure light is typically keyed to illuminate at 15-20 PSI or less.  So long as the light stays out, you're fine.  Hope this helps.

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77 Matador Wagon 360/727.
81 Jeep J10 LWB 360/4-spd
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Trader Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Mar/21/2023 at 11:40am
If the VR 20W50 are unopened, try exchanging them for the VR 10W30. Just something you may be able to do and not cost you any more.
Agree with the other opinions, 20W50 is likely overkill and may actually be too hard on the motor for cold starts.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mtrosclair Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Mar/21/2023 at 11:53am
Originally posted by Trader Trader wrote:

If the VR 20W50 are unopened, try exchanging them for the VR 10W30. Just something you may be able to do and not cost you any more.
Agree with the other opinions, 20W50 is likely overkill and may actually be too hard on the motor for cold starts.

It’s unopened so I will try to exchange it. 
1963 Rambler Classic 550
Originally a 196, this one has a 199 from a 69 American.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mtrosclair Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Mar/22/2023 at 1:07pm
Does the 199 require the zinc additive?
1963 Rambler Classic 550
Originally a 196, this one has a 199 from a 69 American.
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73Gremlin401 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 73Gremlin401 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Mar/22/2023 at 1:09pm
Originally posted by mtrosclair mtrosclair wrote:

Does the 199 require the zinc additive?


When these cars were new, zinc was part of the oil. Since zinc no longer exists in modern oils, yes, you do need a zinc additive, unless you are using a specially formulated oil that clearly states that zinc is part of the formulation.
73 Gremlin 401/5-spd.
77 Matador Wagon 360/727.
81 Jeep J10 LWB 360/4-spd
83 Concord DL 4-dr 258/auto

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mtrosclair View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mtrosclair Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Mar/22/2023 at 2:15pm
Originally posted by 73Gremlin401 73Gremlin401 wrote:

Originally posted by mtrosclair mtrosclair wrote:

Does the 199 require the zinc additive?


When these cars were new, zinc was part of the oil. Since zinc no longer exists in modern oils, yes, you do need a zinc additive, unless you are using a specially formulated oil that clearly states that zinc is part of the formulation.

Thanks for the quick answer, I will make sure to add some.
1963 Rambler Classic 550
Originally a 196, this one has a 199 from a 69 American.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Trader Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: Mar/22/2023 at 2:38pm
If you use the VR racing oil 10W30 you do not have to add ZDDP. It already has 1400 ppm in that oil.
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