Engine oil and t-5 oil recommendation for Newbie

[Yrag]

302 HO with supercharger...driven in northeast Florida. What weight oil for engine and tranny. Synth or reg. Newbie to this high performance engine. Thanks for your help.

[edwardb]

Tremec T5: From Tremec service manual (their caps): "APPROVED LUBRICANT. Most T5 transmission models use Dexron automatic transmission fluid. Do not mix different bands or types of transmission lubricant. DO NOT USE GEAR OIL IN THE T5 TRANSMISSION SINCE THIS MAY DAMAGE THE BLOCKING RING MATERIAL." In their FAQ's: "For all TKO 5-speed models, TREMEC recommends GM Synchromesh (GM Part # 12345349). For all other aftermarket models we recommend Dexron III ATF." Note they also specifically say NOT to use synthetic fluids. I've used the actual branded GM Syncromesh product. Not real easy to find though. Found it at Summit Racing as Chevrolet Performance Synchromesh Transmission Fluid 88900333. Same thing.

Engine Oil: I'd start with plain old 10W-30. See how your oil pressure runs. For really hot weather you may want to look at 20w50. Either conventional or synthetic. You'll get lots of opinions on that one. For my SBF, I change the oil each season so just use a name brand conventional oil. It's nowhere near worn out when I change it. Still looks clean.

[KDubU]

I believe I picked up some compatible Tremec fluid at Autozone or Napa. I don't recall the brand but it's the same as GM Synchromesh as it states it on the back of the container.

Yes you will get plenty of opinions on the engine oil. My engine came from Forte and I believe he had 10-30 in there (Dino not synthetic). I recently changed it at 500 miles and didn't know what to do, considered Mobil1 which a lot use and Valvoline. Eventually went with Royal Purple break-in as that is where I am still at. Yes it is more expensive but I have spent enough on the roadster, what's another $50?

[edwardb]

I believe I picked up some compatible Tremec fluid at Autozone or Napa. I don't recall the brand but it's the same as GM Synchromesh as it states it on the back of the container.

I used the same thing with my first Mk3 and T-5. It was a name brand product (Penzoil or whatever) and said it was GM Synchromesh compatible on the label. All I could find at the usual local stores. Sounds like the same as you. I ran it in my T5 and it seemed OK, but I didn't have anything to compare it to. When I picked up the TKO600 for my first Mk4 build, the Tremec dealer was adamant about using actual branded GM Synchromesh, and not anything else even if it claimed to be compatible or equivalent. I've followed his advice since then, even though ironically I can't find the actual GM Synchromesh labelled product. Just the Chevrolet Performance Synchromesh Transmission Fluid 88900333, which GM themselves claims is the same thing. FWIW.

[Yrag]

Was told by a mechanic that since it's had Dino in running in the engine, must be old school guy, that I should continue with Dino in engine and not synthetic..I,ve heard that a lot, but from what others say not sure. Opinion on good quality Dino engine oil? Something that keeps engine clean.

[edwardb]

Was told by a mechanic that since it's had Dino in running in the engine, must be old school guy, that I should continue with Dino in engine and not synthetic..I,ve heard that a lot, but from what others say not sure. Opinion on good quality Dino engine oil? Something that keeps engine clean.

Pretty old school advice IMO. For the older tech engines most break-in schedules will say use dino oil for a while at the start. But then a switch to synthetic is an option many choose. Nothing wrong with it.

As for brands, there are whole websites and forums that discuss and analyze if you really want to get into it. But I don't think you can wrong with any of the big name brands.