Valvoline VR1

[plee4139]

My mechanic has recommended this oil for my just rebuilt 289, but I'm not sure of the weight I should get.

[Kurt]

I have been running 10w-30 in my 289 And I am happy with the oil pressure and the results.

[Jeffry Cassel]

I've been using 20-50.

[jimmijim8]

I use the VR-1 10/30 jimmijim

[wdills]

I run VR1 10-30 in my rebuilt engine as well. Oil pressure is just fine.

[colt45sa]

I use the VR-1 10/30 jimmijim

The right choice. So after selling that gorgeous '55 President you bought yourself a GT Hawk~!!!! I was sick when I missed that '55.

[Dick LeRoux]

I was told to use straight 50W VR-1 '63 R-2 Avanti 289

[jackb]

must be something special about the viscosity of that 50W...... biggest wear factor on a normally operating engine....start up...

[Studebakercenteroforegon]

20W-50 or straight 50 will not make the engine happy. I say it is to make the driver happy since he thinks he needs to see high oil pressure readings. 10W-30 would give much quicker lubrication on a cold start.
Personally I use 5W-40 synthetic, intended for turbo diesel truck engines.

[Skip Lackie]

10W-30 now. 10W-40 in summer once you reach 50K miles. 20W-50 once you reach 100K miles.

[jimmijim8]

The right choice. So after selling that gorgeous '55 President you bought yourself a GT Hawk~!!!! I was sick when I missed that '55.

I've had the Hawk 14 yrs. now. Owning and maintaining 2 Studes was a bit much for me. That is why the 55 went bye-bye. cheers jimmijim

[Bud]

There is no way I would use a straight SAE 50 oil in a street driven Studebaker engine. 50 is meant for racing engines with large internal engine clearances and high internal pressures. I use 15W-40 in my engines, but I live in a warm climate. In colder areas 10W-30 or 5W-40 is what I would use. Bud

[plee4139]

Now that I know which weight to use, i'm finding it hard to get the VR1 on Long Island. A local store recommended using a high zinc formula additive to any good quality oil. I'm waiting to hear from my rebuilder on this.

[StudeRich]

Just ORDER the Valvoline 10W/30 VR1 and be DONE with it, Min. 7 Qts. (a Case is better), you still need Cam and lifter break-in ZDDP Additive; ZDDPlus, Lucus or Redline.

NEVER use heavier than 20 Wt. or 10W/30 in a NEW Engine!

[bensherb]

20W-50 or straight 50 will not make the engine happy. I say it is to make the driver happy since he thinks he needs to see high oil pressure readings. 10W-30 would give much quicker lubrication on a cold start.
Personally I use 5W-40 synthetic, intended for turbo diesel truck engines.

I think it depends on where you live. It's 87F here right now, and very rarely ever gets below the mid 40's. I've always used 20-50 in everything, but have switched to 10-40; only because I can't find 20-50 around here anymore. The problem I have with 10-40 is I don't like seeing the oil pressure drop an extra 10-15lbs when everything gets warmed up.