What kind of oil does a 1963 Ford Falcon take?
The original specification for most 1963 Falcons called for SAE 30 mineral engine oil. Today, you can use modern multi‑grade oils, but the exact viscosity should be chosen based on climate, engine wear, and how you drive the car. The Falcon line that year included several inline engines (144, 170, and 200 cubic inches), and the oil requirement was generally SAE 30 for standard operation.
Original specifications and engine variants
To understand the baseline, here is how the 1963 Falcon was typically lubricated according to era documentation and common practice at the time.
- SAE 30 mineral engine oil (single-grade) was the standard recommendation for normal operating temperatures.
While the basic oil requirement was SAE 30 across the Falcon lineup, ambient temperature and engine condition could influence maintenance decisions. Always consult the specific owner's manual for your exact model and market, if available.
Modern oil recommendations for a 1963 Ford Falcon today
Today’s classic‑car owners often use modern oils while honoring the spirit of the original specification. Below are practical options that align with contemporary lubrication technology and climate considerations.
- Cold climates or for easier cold starts: use a multi‑grade oil such as 5W‑30 or 10W‑30 (conventional or synthetic), which improves starting and circulation in colder weather.
- Moderate to hot climates or engines with more wear: 10W‑40, 15W‑40, or 20W‑50 can provide better film strength and protection in higher temperatures or with higher mileage.
- Cam and wear considerations for flat‑tappet designs: opt for oils that include adequate ZDDP (phosphorus/zinc) content or add a classic‑car oil additive if using modern low‑ZDDP formulas to protect cams and lifters.
In practice, most Falcon owners today select a modern multi‑grade oil in the 5W‑30 to 20W‑50 range, balancing cold‑start protection, hot‑weather performance, and wear considerations. Always monitor oil pressure and engine noise and adjust viscosity if you notice unusual wear or leakage.
Climate‑based guidance for choosing oil viscosity
Use these general guidelines to tailor your oil choice to your local climate and driving habits. The list helps map typical conditions to common viscosities used in classic cars like the Falcon.
- Cold or temperate climates: 5W‑30 or 10W‑30 to improve cold starts and quicker lubrication after startup.
- Temperate to hot climates: 10W‑40 or 20W‑50 for better high‑temperature protection and reduced oil thinning under load.
- Very hot climates or high‑mileage engines: 20W‑50 or 10W‑40 with careful monitoring of oil pressure and engine wear.
Note: If you opt for a modern oil with reduced zinc/zddp, consider a conservative additive strategy to protect a classic cam and lifter arrangement. Always follow current lubrication guidance and adjust based on engine behavior and local conditions.
Maintenance notes and considerations
- Stick to regular oil changes appropriate for a vintage engine, and don’t extend intervals beyond what your driving uses warrant.
- Use a suitable oil filter compatible with your Falcon’s setup.
- If the engine has known wear or higher mileage, you may benefit from using a slightly thicker viscosity within the recommended range to maintain oil pressure and protection.
Summary
The 1963 Ford Falcon originally specified SAE 30 mineral oil as the standard lubricant. Today, you can use modern multi‑grade oils, with viscosity selected to match climate and engine wear: 5W‑30 to 10W‑30 for cold starts, 10W‑40 to 20W‑50 for warmer conditions or higher wear, and consideration given to zinc/phosphorus additives for flat‑tappet cam protection. Always refer to your specific manual if possible, and tune your choice to how you drive and where you live.
How much engine oil does a Ford Falcon hold?
For the 6-cylinder engines in the Ford Falcon BA, BF, FG, and FGX models, the engine oil capacity is 6.8 litres.
What engine is in a 1963 Ford Falcon?
First generation (1960–1963)
| First generation | |
|---|---|
| Engine | 144 cu in (2.4 L) Mileage Maker inline six-cylinder (I6) 170 cu in (2.8 L) Mileage Maker I6 260 cu in (4.3 L) Challenger V8 (after 1962) |
| Transmission | 2-speed automatic 3-speed manual 4-speed manual |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 109.5 in (2,781 mm) |
What is a 1963 Ford Falcon worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $10,136 for a 1963 Ford Falcon in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1963 Ford Falcon? The highest selling price of a 1963 Ford Falcon at auction over the last three years was $15,400.
What kind of oil does a Ford Falcon take?
SAE Viscosity Grade: 10W-40.
