69 912 Engine and transaxle synth. oil reccomendations?

[69-912-PNS]

Hello, probably a tired question, but does anyone have reccomendation for synthetic oils for 69 912 engine/trans with about 30k miles? Car is a weekly driver in moderate climate, currently hot! Seldom below freezing
Thanks for any info

[WFBowen]

This is JMO, but I'd stick to a conventional, straight-weight oil. Synthetics are great oils, but their benefit is really that they allow extended drain intervals. With an early, non fuel-injected/electronic mixture management car like a 912, the motor oil will be contaminated with fuel long before a synthetic can be of any real benefit. Then there's the discussion of zinc additives taken out of modern oils since they don't get along with catalytic converters on today's cars. The old formula used to be straight 30 in winter/cold climates and straight 40 summer/hot.
I think that one of the best buys in motor oil for an older technology engine is Shell Rotella straight 30w. You can buy a jug at Walmart for almost nothing and, since it's intended for big-rig diesel motors, it still has some of the good additives in it. For a milti-weight, Chevron Delo (another big-rig oil) is available in 15w-40.
With the low price of these and similar conventional oils, you can change the oil more frequently for peace of mind. I know several 911 racers who stick to this formula and have had excellent results.
For more info, take a look at http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ , but be prepared for every opinion in the universe especially ones from those who have never seen failed bearings in a 912 or 911 motor.
JMO, Bill

[Matt Monson]

Put Swepco in your gearbox.

[rothschild]

I use 20W50 Shell Rotella T in NorCal. Like the additives and my old motor in my '67 just seems to run smoother and better with it