This is really a PM for Greg

[bbfreeburn]

But since I can't send PM's here (or can I?)...
My wife is thinking of buying an older car (late 60's to early 80's). If you were to buy a car like this, just to get around in and have a little fun, what would you buy? Something you can get parts for easily, etc..

 

[MI2AZ]

You can start a Conversation which is like a PM. At the top right of the page you should see an envelope symbol. Click on that and you can start or continue a Conversation with whomever you wish.

 

[MI2AZ]

You can start a Conversation with someone which is like a PM. Look at the top of the page, right side, and you should see an envelope symbol. Click on that and you can start or continue a Conversation with whomever you wish.

 

[Greg T.]

But since I can't send PM's here (or can I?)...
My wife is thinking of buying an older car (late 60's to early 80's). If you were to buy a car like this, just to get around in and have a little fun, what would you buy? Something you can get parts for easily, etc..

Personally, I would stay older than 72 because of the smog era crap. Cam timings , and lobe designs, along with lower compression ratios and piss poor head design drastically decreased the efficiency of the 72 and up engines. I would stay with Chevrolet as these engines we're pretty much plug and play and the parts where interchangeable between a multitude of engines and transmissions. Your best bet would be midsize Chevys with a small block v8. Parts are in extreme abundance to this day and these complete engines and transmissions can be found for a dime a dozen. On a second note mid-sized Pontiacs and Oldsmobiles, and some Buicks can also accept small block Chevy engines. Hope this helps.

 

[bbfreeburn]

Thanks a ton.

 

[Greg T.]

Keep in mind that if you choose a pre 90s vehicle you'll need to use either racing oil or a ZDDP additive. The EPA forced the removal of zinc and phosphorous from motor oils which is a vital antiwear component for flat tappet cams. If you use oil off the shelf in a flat tappet engine you'll run the risk of wearing the lifters and the lobes off the cam.

 

[Brickguy221 (R.I.P.)]

Keep in mind that if you choose a pre 90s vehicle you'll need to use either racing oil or a ZDDP additive. The EPA forced the removal of zinc and phosphorous from motor oils which is a vital antiwear component for flat tappet cams. If you use oil off the shelf in a flat tappet engine you'll run the risk of wearing the lifters and the lobes off the cam.

Greg, what about Synthetic oils?

I've been using Mobil 1 more years than I can count and have never to this day had an engine problem of any kind nor use oil, wear out, and etc to this day.

 

[Greg T.]

Synthetics are hit and miss on FT cams. I've seen them run forever and I've seen some go flat during break-in. That's why I will never build another engine with a flat tappet cam. All roller for me, and I still use Valvoline VR1 in my hot rods and Valvoline SynPower in my Daily.

EDIT: Some companies DO make synthetics with a full load of ZDDP.