“What oil should I use?” This sentence has launched a million arguments across classic car forums, Facebook groups and anywhere else that classic car owners congregate. But it’s a fair and important question. You don’t want to put the wrong oil in your Corvair. Fear not, we are here to help!
When choosing an oil filter, with Corvairs, we are a bit limited.
Click here for the Clark’s Corvair Oil Filter
Click here for the Purolator, Wix and Hastings Oil Filter
For a more in depth oil analysis, read Richard Widman’s primer here
In our region with our mild climate, there are a few keys to remember when choosing the right oil for your Corvair.
Use a name brand. That means don’t cheap out with Walmart or O’Reilly’s brand oil. Pick a brand that is recognized. Many club members use Valvoline, Mobile1, Castrol & Shell Rotella, for example. These brands are available at every auto parts store.
Viscosity for Corvairs is 10w/30. If you live somewhere hotter or if your engine is more worn, you may want to bump to 10w/40 or 20w/50.
When choosing your oil, look on the back for the circular “donut” label. If the label says API SL (or SJ/SL) or higher, you’re good to go.
If you decide to go full synthetic, stick with 10w/30. Synthetic oil withstands much higher operating temps than conventional oil.
Check your oil often. This is important for a few reasons. Some Corvairs burn oil. Some Corvairs leak oil. It comes with the territory of owning a 1960’s vintage air-cooled engine.
While you will want to make sure that your oil level is full, just as important is the color of the oil. The dipstick should look almost clear or have a light honey color to it. Any darker, and it’s time for an oil change.
Most of us don’t daily drive our Corvairs, so a good rule to remember is to change the oil when it gets dark. If it still has the light honey color and you don’t drive often, you can change the oil twice a year.
SFBA CORSA 