oil for 454

Yes, Shell's heavy duty engine oil. I don't know if I'm gainning anything or not by using Diesel Engine oil. I can't imagine it hurts anything.

isn't that shell's brand name?

Dominique wrote: It's not the type of oil, it is the lack of oil, that causes damage.

ya tell that to my buddy Mitch, he replace a 502 BB in his Super Comp dragster after spinning a bearing using mobil 1 in it after about five runs on the motor.

When I first bought my Dominque ten years ago, I used Mobil 1 10 w 30 and found oil leaks that I didn't have before. I switched to Castrol GTX 20w50 and all the leaks are gone. I run 35lbs. pressure at 600rpm. I have not had any problems. I use synthetic oil in my Silverado and at 100k, still runs strong. I believe the rope type seals and cork gaskets in the older Big Blocks are not desinged for the newer type oils. As far as engine damage goes, It's not the type of oil, it is the lack of oil, that causes damage. Put in 5 quarts of oil, and check the level when the boat is in the water.{CC recomends this}.Have been an auto tech. for 32 years{not a rookie}. Happy Boating.

don't use syn oil in an old motor unless you realy want a new motor in the near future. Should be 5 qt with filter start there and check level add as needed use 10w40 or 20w-50 valoline, penzoil or castrol.

I use mobile One synthetic straight 40 weight number of quarts off hand I can't remember. I want to say 6 including filter. I put five in, then turn the motor over without letting it start. I then wait 10 minutes check oil level and add as needed.