dale007 Report post Posted March 11, 2012 Have 454 1985 with 38000 MILES-- need to know if I need a certain type of oil because of age. Should I change to synthetic? Thanks. Dale007 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wolfe10 Report post Posted March 11, 2012 Dale, Start by looking in the owners manual/consulting Chevy for the oil viscosity they recommend for that engine for the ambient temperatures you will be experiencing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest BillAdams Report post Posted March 11, 2012 It's unlikely that you need a synthetic (almost no one really does) but you should find out what the engine manufacturer recommends and use that blend. My Chevy Van "requires" 5/30 in all conditions. That is NOT what my last van recommended and not what my RV requires and not what my generator requires. Find out what should be used and use that. Synthetics claim extended oil change intervals but if you check with a manufacturers warranty the oil change intervals are not changed whether you use regular or synthetic. The only thing that changes is that you paid a whole bunch more. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dale007 Report post Posted March 11, 2012 Thanks for info-- no owners manual will call Chev going to install oil temp gauge. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dale007 Report post Posted March 11, 2012 Thanks for the rapid response. DALE Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deacon Report post Posted March 11, 2012 dale007, I just sold my 86 Mallard with a 454. Mfg called for 10/30 oil. I used synthetic blend from Firestone. It is Kendall. I use that oil in the last 4 vehicles with no problem. Deacon Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
