Posted on 5/30/2025
Classic cars are different from modern vehicles in more ways than looks alone. Their engines require a completely different level of care. Whether you’re maintaining a fully restored showpiece or a vintage weekend cruiser, the reality is that these engines were built with older materials, looser tolerances, and systems that predate today’s technology. Treating a classic engine like a modern one can lead to costly mistakes. Here’s why engine maintenance for classic cars should always be approached with extra caution and expertise. Materials and Tolerances Are Not the Same Engines built 30 or 40 years ago use different materials and have wider tolerances between moving parts. This affects how oil flows, how components wear, and how heat is managed. Many classic engines rely on higher zinc content oils that provide extra protection for flat tappet camshafts and other friction-heavy parts. Using the wrong type of oil can lead to premature wear, even if ... read more