Quote:
Originally Posted by wh33lman
Even with the 3:08 gears it runs at about 2800-3000 cruising on the highway with the T350 and a 2800-3000 stall. The 20W50 was recommended by the previous owner.
It came with a 7qt pan, but it never fit right (leaked) over the rear main (1/2" gap) and had elongated holes (leaked) for the timing cover because he ran a motor plate. So I replaced it since I already had the pump and pickup for it. He said it never leaked for him, but as I found out later, it had not been tracked in 30 years, just trailered to shows.
I use Dougs headers (1 7/8") , but have no problem re&re the mini-starter.
I am a bit paranoid as both his recommended transmission guy and machine shop guy totally screwed me and I had to send both to other shops to be rebuilt. I have not been able to enjoy the car for 5 years.
|
OK, so the prev owner didnt own the car with the current engine build and may or may not know much about oil... if its a street car, in canada, with average tolerances... 20/50 is not needed, especially with a 80psi pump. If its a race car with loose tolerances then by all means use a thicker oil. Being in canada you probably drivbe the car in 40-50 degree temps, that 20/50 is not doing the engine any favors at cold start up or when running, cold start causes the most wear & too thick of oil or too high of psi creates more stress on the pump shaft & dist gear that a thinner weight for the engine/temps/usage.
What MPH is that 2800-3000 highway cruise at? Seems kinda high rpm for average highway speeds with a 3.08 gear unless you have very short tires or a converter that is slipping a lot. I have 3.08s in one car & it will cruise at 65-70 at about 2500 rpms, have 3.23 in another car that does about 2500 at 60. but even at those rpms there is not justification for 20/50 oil in a street car in cool temps.
The milodon pan uses the older style 3 tab rear U seal that is notorious for leaking, mine leaked there too at first, the remedy is to use a 1/4" cork gasket & a good sealer like ultrablack, once I did that the leak was gone. Its been mentioned on here a few times.
My starter issues with the 7qt pan are probably because i have round port 2" super comp headers that come very close to the pan kickout, even with a mini starter the header has to be loosened & swung out a bit to remove the starter... the other side is fine for full size filter though.
Just wanted to provide some info on the oil weight & pump based on my experience with this living in colder climates as well as what my very experienced builder suggests for oil weight in a street/strip car.