Okay, so I have a few questions actually. I was running 10 w30 for about a week, and everything seemed fine. Someone recommended I use 20 w50, but now, it seems a bit sluggish under acceleration, and valve noise is definitely more noticable. Cold starts make me grit my teeth with the valve clatter! Any thoughts? Also, I've ordered my '02 Restoration book, but was wondering if anyone would be so kind as to post valve clearance specs. ('74 Tii) The car smokes a bit, and spits a decent amount of oil through the valve cover breather under hard accelaration...will the valve adjustment cure this or is there more? Also, what would you recommend for tranny/diff fluids (320i 5 speed and LSD)? Sorry for the loaded question(s), but I appreciate the help nonetheless.

-Erik

Sounds like the topend isnt getting much lubrication. Whats the air temp by you? You shouldn't use a heavy oil when the outside temp. is cold. The oil gets thicker as it gets colder.

I was burning oil with 10w30 or 40, now that I switched to high milage 20w50, it doesnt burn any oil. Runs good, and my valves are set looser than reccomended, from when I was diagnosing a misfire.

Most people use Redline products in the trans. the most popular is redline MTL. I think they use something similar in the diff too. Im not sure, because I use amsoil gear oil. I'm using ATF in the trans, but im going to switch to amsoil and see how that goes.