72 Charger 400 First Oil Change

[dodgechrgrMD]

Hi All-

Doing my first oil change on my charger, trying to do these things on my own instead of having someone else touch the car.

Looking for advice on what filter to buy and type of oil to use. This is an all original 400 big block.

Thanks!

 

[66Satellite47]

Gee, I'd go with a NAPA Wix filter. I've use Castrol GTX most of the time. Pensoil too. My wife & sons Subaru get Mobile 1 0 -20.

 

[Dennis H]

I run Amsoil 10-40 in the big block. Make sure that the o-ring is on the filter when removed, not stuck where it adheres. If you buy the WIX at the store, remove it from the box at the counter to check for dents. Expect and prepare to spill some oil. Don't go underneath without jack stands. Take your time. I fill the filter with a bit of oil before installing to reduce the dry time at first start. Start and run and go downstairs to be sure that everything is ok. Hand tight only on the filter. If this is the first synthetic change, shorten it a bit. Have a beer when it is back on the ground. 5 or 6 quarts? Depends on the pan. Mine is 5.

 

[66Satellite47]

I run Amsoil 10-40 in the big block. Make sure that the o-ring is on the filter when removed, not stuck where it adheres. If you buy the WIX at the store, remove it from the box at the counter to check for dents. Expect and prepare to spill some oil. Don't go underneath without jack stands. Take your time. I fill the filter with a bit of oil before installing to reduce the dry time at first start. Start and run and go downstairs to be sure that everything is ok. Hand tight only on the filter. If this is the first synthetic change, shorten it a bit. Have a beer when it is back on the ground. 5 or 6 quarts? Depends on the pan. Mine is 5.

 

[wannadrag]

I use penn grade as it made for flat tappet cams,oil from your local box store is made for the new cars and doesn't have the zinc the old engines require.

 

[66Satellite47]

I'm using Penn Grade 20-50 per my builders suggestion for my new motor with the Wix racing filter, flat tappet cam.

 

[Daves69]

Whichever filter you choose, I recommend you fill it half way prior to spinning it on quickly. Less chance of pump loosing prime. Quicker filter fill time. Less run time with zero pressure.

 

[dodgechrgrMD]

Thanks for all the info, this is very helpful

 

[66Satellite47]

You really do need to fill the filter halfway up & make sure you oil the threads, & the gasket. Oil choice is really a tough one. I said in a previous post I will use Penn Grade 20-50, but that's for a high HP bracket style motor. For something tamer, you would use something that matches your bearing clearance and rod side clearance, for something more stock, 10-30 or 10-40, I always liked Castrol GTX. But the issue is what has the proper composition for the cam you are running. The flat tappet cams need a different oil than is what is standard for oil today. The engine builder would know.

 

[Bb70charger500]

I use mobile 1 15-w50 full synthetic in anything old school my new cars get a lighter blend .
Filters are basically all the same the one filter brand that I found was actually different (better ) was the red Baldwin brand we were put threw a filter training at work and was invited out to Nebraska(I think it was ) to see the Baldwin facility they took and cut open ten filters I picked up at the local parts store one was a Baldwin of course and we looked threw them I was surprised that. 7 of the 10 were exactly the same inside same paper same everything two were way crappier (these were an off brand ) and the Baldwin was by far the best with 3 times as much filter paper we also go to run a few filters on a metal filled motor the reg brands had left over metal still in the oil the Baldwin had almost nothing in the metal and what it did have was not visible by a naked eye .it was a very cool trip but I did learn don't go cheap but don't pay threw the noise ether it's all the same basic stuff I run frams on my every day stuff Baldwin on my high end stuff

 

[66Satellite47]

I use mobile 1 15-w50 full synthetic in anything old school my new cars get a lighter blend .
Filters are basically all the same the one filter brand that I found was actually different (better ) was the red Baldwin brand we were put threw a filter training at work and was invited out to Nebraska(I think it was ) to see the Baldwin facility they took and cut open ten filters I picked up at the local parts store one was a Baldwin of course and we looked threw them I was surprised that. 7 of the 10 were exactly the same inside same paper same everything two were way crappier (these were an off brand ) and the Baldwin was by far the best with 3 times as much filter paper we also go to run a few filters on a metal filled motor the reg brands had left over metal still in the oil the Baldwin had almost nothing in the metal and what it did have was not visible by a naked eye .it was a very cool trip but I did learn don't go cheap but don't pay threw the noise ether it's all the same basic stuff I run frams on my every day stuff Baldwin on my high end stuff

Interesting.

 

[hawkeye]

I run Baldwin filters on all my personal vehicles, farm trucks and tractors. High quality, good price, American made.