914 with Solid Lifters Oil Recommendation

[RSOHC]

What is the oil recommendation for start up and long term use for a 914-4 with a solid lifter camshaft?

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Lots and lots of opinions on this subject.

I believe that a decent non-synthetic oil with high levels of ZDDP is best. Brad Penn, Joe Gibbs Driven, Valvoline Racing VR-1, and others all fit the bill.

Some feel that synthetics are better; I think most of them lack the proper levels of ZDDP for our cams.

The original weight specified for the car was straight 30-weight. I feel that this is probably because multi-weight oils were rather new in the 60s when our engines were designed, and the designers didn't feel that they were up to the rigors of air-cooled engines. Most people seem to run 20W50 these days, but that isn't universal.

--DD

[Fly Mach .86]

I have been using Mobil 1 10w50 in my steel push rod engine since was built 15 years ago. But my engine has ceramic lifters, so that's a different story. Dave of course is correct about the high content ZDDP oils being best for your car. He is also correct that there are many opinions about oil. You would be wise to follow his.