TVR 350i

[novio]

Hi I'm new to this forum so go easy on me,I am wondering what is the best engine oil to put in my 1985 350i engine as I am putting it away until spring so thought it best to change the engine oil, I will be starting it up once a month and just running it up and down my drive to keep everything free, I'm not sure what specification to use as I have always used synthetic oil in the past. I only do approximately a 1000 miles a year with it and have owned it for 20 years now so it is only done 41000 miles 22000 was done by the previous owner.Thanks for taking the time to read this and to anyone who can give me the info.
David

[Number 7]

Hi and welcome - that looks to be in lovely condition. The 350 handbook of that era says 20W / 50. I recall using stuff like Shell Helix semi-synth in my old 350. I currently use Motul 300V 15W / 50 in my 400, but that's ott for a 350. Have a quick look at the Opie Oils website. They post on PH, and are very helpful. I think you need to avoid anything less than 10W, and want something with a high detergent content.

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

7.

[mike.williams]

I use Castrol Magnatec.... don't think I've spelt that right, but I'm away from home so can't check!.....
Always liked the idea of it 'sticking' to the surfaces while the car is sat around.....

As far as viscosity goes, Christopher Neils told me to keep putting in the good stuff (like ESSO superlube) and to just accept that it will use some as the valve collars will not hold the thin oil back.... old engine design...

Nice looking car by the way

[novio]

Thanks Wedgenut and Mike for your replys, I will get a semi or synthetic 15/50 or 15/40 oil tomorrow and change it along with the filter.

[chedder]

novio said:

Thanks Wedgenut and Mike for your replys, I will get a semi or synthetic 15/50 or 15/40 oil tomorrow and change it along with the filter.

Wouldn't really recommend going fully synthetic on a 15/40 as oil pressure will drop when the engine is hot and probably rattle like Marleys ghost on start up too.
For what its worth, I use Valvoline VR1 20/50 in my 350.

Chedder

[Druid]

novio said:

owned it for 20 years now

That looks in fantastic condition, I do suggest you might be the expert!!!!

Edited by Druid on Sunday 10th January 19:55

[GV]

White is the Wedge colour or is it Red....?

[SEvans]

GV said:

White is the Wedge colour or is it Red....?

It's definitely white.....

David, fantastic looking Wedge.

Edited by SEvans on Monday 11th January 08:36

Edited by SEvans on Monday 11th January 08:37

[rev-erend]

QAnother vote for Valvolive VR1 Racing here..

[mightymouse]

SEvans said:

GV said:

White is the Wedge colour or is it Red....?

It's definitely white.....

David, fantastic looking Wedge.

Edited by SEvans on Monday 11th January 08:36

Edited by SEvans on Monday 11th January 08:37

I use Mobil 1 in mine.

[BadRed]

mightymouse said:

I use Mobil 1 in mine.

TOOOOOO thin Jez, and far to expensive, Im with the Rev

[Number 7]

BadRed said:

mightymouse said:

I use Mobil 1 in mine.

TOOOOOO thin Jez, and far to expensive, Im with the Rev

Unless it's the 15W 50 motorsport version of course. Still damned expensive though.

7.

[HOTTY]

david
that is a great looking car but it looks like my 350 in styling ,are you sure about 85, maybe it's newer than you think.
Would that make difference in oils ?
cheers
Stephen
p.s. god what why I am typing this the guys had it 20 years he should know.

[novio]

Yes Its definitely 1985,I live very near the old TVR Factory at Bispham so I had a few updates fitted, it has the twin exhausts on each side of the rear it also has a rear spoiler fitted as well and has different mirrors from the originals that were fitted rest of the car was on when I bought it in 1989.Can I thank you all for your replys been most helpful.

[gwood]

hi was reading your last post about the exhausts and the different mirros, mine is an 86 model and mine is the same as yours with exhaust at either side, i have never seen one the same as mine before they either have twin exhausts on one side or one on the right side.mine apparently was used by tvr for some european motor shows in 86 i wish i could find some pictures of that though. cant wait for summer too...