[fastnloud]

I have a built 350 SBC flat tappet. I've been using Valvoline VR-1 10w30. Are there any advantages going to 20w50, weight?

Thanks guys.

[327NUT]

Not really but it depends on what type of climate you live in and the clearances in your engine.....among a few other things. Why do you want to go to 20w50?

[fastnloud]

Originally Posted by 327NUT

Not really but it depends on what type of climate you live in and the clearances in your engine.....among a few other things. Why do you want to go to 20w50?

Well, I was just thinking about it, I was reading on another site, and it seemed that most guys were running 20w50 in hot rod engines. Climate wise, I'm in the southern U.S.

Will a thicker oil bring oil pressure up?

I'm having some weird oil pressure readings, but I think it's the gauge itself,not the motor. Sometimes, that gauge says like 5 LBS of oil pressure, I don't think my motor would be running fine with that low of pressure.

[327NUT]

I would change gauges first to eliminate that possibilty and yes 20/50 will increase the oil pressure a little, again it depends on your clearances....have any idea or how many miles on it?

[fastnloud]

Originally Posted by 327NUT

I would change gauges first to eliminate that possibilty and yes 20/50 will increase the oil pressure a little, again it depends on your clearances....have any idea or how many miles on it?

Maybe about 30K on the motor. When I bought it, it was suppose to be a pretty much fresh build, and a few months ago when I had cam, lifters, etc installed, my mechanic said the motor looked quite fresh.

It seems like my oil is getting darker too quick, but I could be wrong.

I have all my engine specs if that would be helpful?

[327NUT]

Change the gauge and see what you get. Then if it's still fluctuating and reading low then there's a problem and a band-aid fix isn't the solution.

[fastnloud]

Originally Posted by 327NUT

Change the gauge and see what you get. Then if it's still fluctuating and reading low then there's a problem and a band-aid fix isn't the solution.

Alright thanks. The truck is an 82 GMC Sierra, the previous owner sloppily installed an oil pressure gauge under the dash, and there is a line running from it and you can see oil running in the tube, I don't really think its the proper way to install the gauge which may be causing strange readings, I'll have to change locations.

[PatM]

Perhaps pointing out the obvious . . .but the location of the tap into the engine is much more critical than the location of the gauge in the cab. Relocating the gauge will do no good if the engine end is improperly located/installed or if the gauge is defective. I strongly suggest replacing the gauge, they're cheap.

PatM

[Richiehd]

[QUOTE=fastnloud;1649875]

It seems like my oil is getting darker too quick, but I could be wrong.

QUOTE]

The ZDDP in the VR 1 may be making that oil black. Have an oil analysis done. That will tell you if you have something going on.

FYI I have 2 skiff motors, I use 10-40 in the one with tighter clearances and 20-50 in the other.