The Dodge Challenger Message Board

not had my 440 challenger long not sure what oil it takes always used 20/50w vr1 valvoline race oil in my mustang, is it the same grade as i have loads .would much appriciate the info thanks

Yes that grade is fine. These old engines like a heavy oil.

thank you very much dave cheers

Hi All

further to this please can someone tell me how many (in litres) will a 440 hold and would you always go Mineral or Semi?




Cheers

Depends upon what type of oil pan you have and if the engine has the original bearings,(Mains and rods), in it. If it has the original bearings and crankshaft and NO machine work has been done to the main caps or the crank pins,(line hone/bore or crankshaft has been cut turned or polished) then I would use a 10W-40W Multi-Viscosity oil in it. If there has been machine work done and the engine wont be drag raced, I would still use a 10W-40W! Too heavy an oil will require more power to overcome windage losses. Modern oils made today are way better than than the crude we used in the 60's and 70's and unless it's drag raced or road raced the 20W-50W is much too heavy for all but the most extreme conditions. Especially if conventional oil is used. The production oil pans held 5 quarts plus 1 additional for the filter. The Hemi oil pans which were used on 440 magnums used 6 quarts plus 1 additional for the filter. Synthetics have a much lower pour point than convetional oils and can flow better when the engine is cold reaching the bearings quicker. This is when most engine wear occurs. As far as the camshaft is concerned, flat tappets, either hyd. or solid require some high pressure additives such as Zinc,(ZDDP), to last a good long time. I personally use Amsoil Z-Rod Synthetic in 10W-40 plus a Wix/Amsoil eAO Filter for my 440 but there are other good Oils&Filters too! Dont overfill!! I use 6.5 Quarts total in my Hemi oil pan.

Thanks Eddie!