Oil viscosity

[Jeff G 78]

Hey gang, I haven't posted much at all here since I moved to Arizona from Michigan a few years ago. My '78 280Z has been parked in my garage while I am remodeling my house. Before I moved to AZ, my Z was stored for 10 years. I got it running right before the move and I was able to drive it around before it shipped and after I got here, butit has only been around the block a few times in the past two years. Since I moved, it has decided to leak from the rear main seal, trans output shaft seal, and speedometer cable O ring.

This past weekend, I pulled the trans and replaced all the bad seals. Back in Michigan, I was able to get Valvoline VR1 10W40 at my local Napa store, but I haven't found anywhere here that sells it. Even on Amazon, there is no 10W40 VR1. I can either get 10W30, 20W50, or 40 Wt. I still have three quarts each of VR1 20W50 and 40 Wt. that I had for my 260Z race car in MI. I will be driving it quite a bit for the next few months and then on and off until it gets hot next summer. For the Fall and Winter months here, what would you recommed? The engine has only about 5,000 miles since I rebuilt it. The engine is a typical 10:1 CR L28 with stock EFI and a header. I think the mornings will be too cold for 40 Wt. and maybe even 20W50. Should I get 10W30? I have no idea why I can't find 10W40 VR1 anywhere.

I've had this Z for 33 years and it's very clean, but it needs paint. I did the powertrain and suspension years ago. Someday, I will get around to doing the body. Once I get it going, I might be able to join in on some of the drives.

Thanks.

[Randalla]

Jeff, sounds "old school" but I have always run 10W30 in all my early Z cars. With a newer build, I would not see a need for heavier weight oil, regardless of our temperature range here in AZ. Just my 2 cents. Hope to see you out with your Z sometime soon. Would be good to compare notes with another Michigander

[Jeff G 78]

Thanks Randy. Do you run VR1, or something else?

I didn't realize you came from Michigan too. How long have you been here?

[L320-Dale]

Just for another data point, I'm running Valvoline VR1 10w-30 in my Z.

Dale

[Randalla]

Been here since 1994. I'm not brand loyal when it comes to oil. I don't drive my cars hard enough or put a ton of miles on them so usually buy what's on sale, though I know that is heresy to some. I also change my oil very regularly. I am however brand loyal with regard to oil filters, usually Microguard, Wix or Mobile1. Never Fram or STP.

[Jeff G 78]

Thanks guys. VR1 10W30 it is. I always buy Wix filters for my Datsuns.