What oil to use for my 1500 1979 spit

[stevepage3]

Hi

I am nearly at the end of restoring my 1979 1500 Spitfire, what oil would you guys recommend for the engine, has done about 85,000 and not been on the road for the last 6 years.

Thanks

Steve

[jonnyk5614]

If you've done any engine work, you'll need to run it in on some cheap junk - £5 from the local motor factors (20w50).
Once the engine is sweet, use something like Castrol Classic 20w50 (e.b. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Castrol-Classic-20w50-/180435169713?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2a02c631b1).

[Steady Rolling]

Sorry for hijacking your thread Steve, but I recently bought some of Castrol's high-mileage stuff in over-enthusiastic anticipation of having mine ready - it's a reconned Herald engine and am not sure what the mileage is though. Any thoughts on the use of this after running it on cheap stuff as above, anyone?

[drofgum]

Steady Rolling,
If your recon engine has had new seals fitted the high mileage oil may not be the best thing to use, One of the features of high mileage oils is an additive intended to rejuvenate old, hardened seals which may not be good for new seals.
                                                                              Good luck,
                                                                              Paul

[Steady Rolling]

Well, assuming it does have new seals (it came with the car, so I'm unaware of its history) the engine probably hasn't been run for 20 years or so. But I think I'll keep the High Mileage for the daily driver to be safe - cheers...