Motor oil is easy. I use Maxlife Synthetic blend 10-40. You can use almost anything, you will get a lot of different opinions on this. Maybe have to use a Zinc additive? Use a good filter, I use Napa Gold (can't remember the #)

 

thank you!

 

I use Napa gold 1061 oil filter made by Wix, 10-30 or 10-40 (does it snow where you live? don't want something too thick) oil try to find something good for flat tappet cams or use an additive, rear end lube - do you know if you have a posi ? you can jack the rear wheel off the ground and turn 1 wheel if the other wheel turns the same direction it's a posi IIRC, if the other wheel turns a diff way it's an open rear end, IIRC they use different oils

 

yes it snows where i live and ill have to give that a try thank you !

 

A 454 has a bigger bore than a 396. To figure out what you have, find the casting number
It's located along the top rear edge of the drivers side

 

If you are looking to start off fresh, go with a diesel oil like Rotella that will have better but not great additives for a flat tappet cam, for the rear gear oil, get one that says for limited slip differentials. It will have the additive in it, and even if it is an open rear, it won't matter then. For the spark plugs, it is best to pull the valve cover and get the head casting. Then you can figure out what year heads they are. The plugs will vary based on the heads moreso than what engine it is. Like mine for example has 1966 heads on a 454 block from the mid 70's.

 

The balancers are different on a 454 versus 396. If you can get a good look at the back of the balancer you may be able to see visually the difference.

 

What you will have to do is figure it out one question at a time. The car is not stock, so the question will be for what year. 454 or 396, it will not matter until replacing parts. Valve covers and gaskets are mainly the same. But not really, it will depend on year of engine parts. Keep records on what you find out and WRITE it down. You do know of course that a Chevelle is a money pit? Now good side is that everything can be had, unlike other cars.

 

Hey guys does a 396 427 have a 7" balancer and 454 8" ? maybe an easy way for him to tell between 396/402 and 454 ?

 

Rockauto says they all had 8" balancers in 1970.

 

differential oil, GL 5 80-90, if limited slip, get a bottle from your local GM dealer. Spark plugs, take one out and post a picture if it please!!

 

I'm no pro but like Leo I use straight GL5 and a bottle of GM limited slip lube. I know that some already has it in it, but I stick to known procedures.

454s are EXTERNALLY balanced unlike 396/427 so the balancer will have a slug of metal around its circumference somewhere, as viewed from behind. Same with the flexplate/ flywheel.