> Oil:
> So what type of oil do you LBC owners use out there? (oh great,
> another controversial issue...) Right now, I'm using Castrol 20W-50,
> and I'll probably run 10-40 later this year. Anyone running Mobile 1?
> I called their R&D 800 number, and asked if there was a problem using
> Moble 1 in an "older" engine. They assured me that the oil wouldn't
> be any problem whatsoever. I'm still not sure it's worth $4 a quart!
Castrol 20w-50 is a generally good organic oil, and I've used it in
street engines and in race engine break-in (up to the first two oil
changes, at 20 minutes and then to a few hundred miles) with no problems.
However, once you've run an engine at high temperatures between 4,000
and 6,300 rpm constantly for a couple hours and have had something
with the consistency of water come out of your crankcase, you'll quickly
get the Red Line religion. Andy and I run Red Line exclusively in our
MGB race cars, in the tranny (Red Line MTL) and differential (Red Line
hypoid gear oil) as well as the engine (I use 10w-40, Andy uses 20w-50).
For us, at least, it is well worth the $7 to $8 per quart. For street
applications, however, the Castrol has worked fine. Note that you'll
see a drop in engine temperature with the synthetic oils, which might
be a consideration if you have cooling problems. Note that Red Line
also makes a coolant additive (comes in a clear plastic bottle - it's
pink crystally stuff) that increases the thermal conductivity of the
coolant and raises the boiling point further; note that antifreeze
reduces the thermal conductivity of the coolant, so altho it becomes
harder to boil it isn't as able to move heat from the engine to the
radiator. Synthetic oils are more slippery, in addition to having
higher break-down temperatures, so you'll lose a bit less energy to
friction. Whether the affects on your engine's power output and
internal stress level is worth the increased price pretty much depends
on how hard you flog your engine. If your engine leaks oil, it'll be
a rather expensive proposition. I've never used Mobil One.
> Parts:
> So what are the best places to get LBC parts? I know of Moss and The
> roadster factory, but those are the only ones I know about. Can
> someone forward a list of places?
Avoid British Parts Direct like the plague. I think that Moss is
overpriced. I distrust and dislike Victoria British, but occasionally
they have the best price on one thing or another. Seven Enterprises
is great, but I'm not sure if they sell parts for your particular car;
their order number is (800) 992-7007.
> -Scott (I've got Ragtop fever) Paisley
-Sam
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