oil for 454

just bought a 81 bf nautique with a 454
wanted to change the oil wondering how many quarts of oil and what brand should i use.

thanks

I'm not sure you want to put synthetic in an 81.    My 454 in my Supra I just put straight 40w. You're probably going to get 4-5 quarts out of it depending on whether you pump it out or drain it. Put back in whatever you took out.

Here's a post that discusses mob1 oil in older engines...sudden oil pressure loss

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.

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

Not any more, do some research on cam failures from lack of zinc-d, ZDDP, etc.

About a year ago I switched Rotella Diesel Engine oil 15W40 in my boat ('84 351W). The only thing I'noticed is the oil get dark faster and I seem to be using more oil. I'm thinking of changing to SAE 30 at the next oil change (Still Rotella).

79nautique wrote: isn't that shell's brand name?

Yup. Ive heard good things about Rotella- so Im currently running their 15w40.

http://rotella.com/products/index.php

well somethings the heavier oils are a little tough on the oil pump and starter when cold on older engines it's propably a good call on a fresh rebuild I would use 10w40,, 20w50 valvoline or castrol racing oil is what I use in mine.