Which fluids to use ?

[Kai]

My car is a 57 Country Sedan with the original 312 YB.

1. Engine Oil. I already discussed this in another forum as well as with members here. The result was that I need an oil with high ZDDP (Zinc) like the Shell Rotella 15W40. Any other suggestions ?

2. Which brand / type of Anti Freeze / Coolant should I use ?

3. Which brand / type of brake fluid should I use ? I guess DOT3 is right. Or ?

4. Which brand / type of gear oil should be used in the rear end ?

I am not including the gear oil for my tranny in this list as I first need to find out which tranny I have. Someone put a 5-speed in and I was told by the previous owner it is a T800. I cannot find info on such a tranny and need to see it in order to identify what I have.

[rmk57]

Shell Rotella, Castrol 10-30 high mileage have around 800-900 ppm which should be more than adequate for a stock flat tappet 312. 

I use regular Prestone ( the green stuff) in all my vehicles and it does a great job.

Gear oil, same thing, I use Castrol, Quaker state or whatever 90 weights on sale. If you have a posi rear a small bottle of friction modifier also.

Lots of talk about the zddp levels and I can only say that on stock flat tappet engines with low valve spring pressures I haven't had any problem with those two oils.

[Marc]

I've used Quaker State Defy 10W-40 for the last few years in my 60 pickup (stock 292) and have had no problems. The zddp level is supposed to be around 1220 ppm.
Lots of discussions here and pretty much on every other classic car forum you can name. From what I've seen the level of zddp is not as important as the load capacity carrying rating, which is about 90,000 psi for this oil.

Coolant - Prestone.

Gear oil - usually Castrol 90W

Brake fluid - DOT 3, but I still end up replacing my brake light switch at least once a year. Not sure if the switches just suck or what. Even tried the HD switch that ron francis sells. Not much difference.

[hiball3985]

I've used Quaker State Defy 10W-40 for the last few years in my 60 pickup (stock 292) and have had no problems. The zddp level is supposed to be around 1220 ppm.
Lots of discussions here and pretty much on every other classic car forum you can name. From what I've seen the level of zddp is not as important as the load capacity carrying rating, which is about 90,000 psi for this oil.

Coolant - Prestone.

Gear oil - usually Castrol 90W

Brake fluid - DOT 3, but I still end up replacing my brake light switch at least once a year. Not sure if the switches just suck or what. Even tried the HD switch that ron francis sells. Not much difference.

Agreed, I don't think the zinc myth will ever go away.

[Contibob]

I use Royal Purple HPS 20/50 in all my cars. It is a little pricey, but because it doesn't need to be changed as often price works out. Prestone extended life anti freeze. Royal purple multi grade rear end lube.

[slumlord44]

Valvoline Racing oil is what Isky recomends. I have been using silicone brake fluid for many years with no problem. The old manual transmissions require GL4 85-90 weight so as to not damage brass syncro rings. GL5 can damage brass syncro rings. Rear ends can use GL4 or 5. I am using GL4 with additive to break in my new Traction Loc but will go with GL5 synthetic and aditive after 500 mile break in. The newer 5 and 6 speeds are another issue that I don't have info on.

[Kai]

Thank you all for your replies. Great help to make the right selection of fluids for my 57.