Recommended AMSOIL Products
- AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – The top-tier choice for unsurpassed engine protection, offering up to 25,000 miles of performance and superior resistance to horsepower loss and wear. Ideal for drivers who want the maximum protection available.
- AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Provides 37% more cleaning power to keep the engine running smoother and longer, with a guaranteed service interval of up to 20,000 miles for normal service conditions.
- AMSOIL OE 5W-30 100% Synthetic Motor Oil – Outperforms conventional oils while delivering factory-like protection, specifically designed to fight sludge and deposits with a 100% synthetic formulation.
- AMSOIL 5W-30 100% Synthetic High-Mileage Motor Oil – Formulated specifically for engines with over 75,000 miles, featuring boosted detergents and reduced sludge to help older engines last longer and perform better.
- AMSOIL Oil Filter – Delivers 99 percent filtering efficiency at 20 microns with greater capacity for contaminants than competing filters, ensuring maximum protection for your engine’s critical components.
- WIX Oil Filter – Offers premium media that provides improvements over original equipment manufacturer-branded filters, serving as an excellent OEM replacement for this vehicle.
- AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant – A unique poly-organic acid (OAT) formulation providing up to 150,000 miles of protection for all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses without phosphates or nitrites.
- AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant – A concentrated solution that protects up to 150,000 miles in passenger cars, designed to greatly surpass standards for metallic corrosion and erosion.
- AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Withstands heavy towing and elevated temperatures while remaining fluid in sub-zero conditions, providing reserve protection during heavy use.
- AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid – Protects against wear and sludge with excellent cold-weather performance and promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts for the A413 or A525 transmissions.
- AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid – Delivers excellent ABS and traction-control responsiveness with a stable viscosity over a wide temperature range for safe braking performance.
- AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid – Reduces friction and helps seals remain soft to prevent leaks, offering strong anti-wear protection and low-temperature performance.
Engine Oil Recommendations for the 1985 Dodge Charger 2.2L
Maintaining the health of the 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine in your 1985 Dodge Charger requires a lubricant that can handle the specific demands of older engine designs while providing modern levels of protection. The engine calls for a 5W-30 viscosity grade to ensure proper flow during cold starts and adequate film strength at operating temperatures. The system holds a capacity of 4.0 quarts when the filter is included. Always check the oil level after refilling to ensure the correct amount is present.
AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 is the premier choice for owners seeking maximum durability. This 100% synthetic motor oil offers 75% more engine protection against horsepower loss and wear compared to conventional oils. Its advanced additive package is trusted by professional engine builders and provides a guaranteed service interval of up to 25,000 miles or one year. For those looking for a balance between performance and value, the AMSOIL Extended-Life 5W-30 provides 20,000 miles of protection and features enhanced cleaning power to keep the engine interior free of sludge and varnish.
If you are on a budget but still require the benefits of synthetic technology, the AMSOIL OE 5W-30 is an excellent option. It outperforms conventional oils while maintaining the specifications required for original equipment manufacturers. This oil fights sludge and deposits effectively, ensuring that the engine runs clean. For vehicles that have accumulated significant mileage, the AMSOIL 5W-30 High-Mileage Motor Oil contains a unique chemistry designed for engines over 75,000 miles. It features boosted detergents and reduced sludge, helping older engines perform better and last longer.
Proper filtration is just as critical as the oil itself. The AMSOIL Oil Filter (EA15K51) is engineered to provide filtering efficiency of 99 percent at 20 microns. It allows for lower restriction, which keeps engine parts lubricated even during high-flow conditions, and offers greater capacity for small, wear-causing contaminants. For drivers who prefer a well-known aftermarket brand, the WIX Oil Filter (51348) offers premium media that improves upon the original equipment manufacturer filters, ensuring clean oil circulates through the engine to minimize friction and wear.
Transmission and Differential Fluids
The transmission system in the 1985 Dodge Charger is equally important to the longevity of the vehicle. For the automatic transmission, specifically models identified as A413(31TH) or AP4, the total fill capacity is 8.9 quarts, with an initial fill of 4 quarts. Keeping the transmission fluid fresh is crucial for smooth shifting and protecting internal gears from wear.
The AMSOIL Signature Series Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid is the ideal choice for this application. It is formulated to withstand the rigors of heavy towing, elevated temperatures, and challenging terrain. The fluid remains fluid in sub-zero temperatures, ensuring that shifts remain smooth and responsive regardless of the weather. For a cost-effective yet high-performance alternative, the AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid provides excellent cold-weather performance and resists harmful sludge buildup. It guards against leaks and promotes smooth, shudder-free shifts, making it a reliable choice for maintaining the automatic transmission.
For manual transmissions, specifically the A525 (5-SPD) or AF2 models, the system requires approximately 4.4 pints of fluid. While specific manual transmission fluids were not highlighted with distinct product links in the primary listing, the AMSOIL OE Multi-Vehicle 100% Synthetic Automatic Transmission Fluid can also serve effectively for these manual applications in many cases, offering the necessary protection for the gears and synchronizers. Always ensure the fluid level is correct to prevent damage to the transmission components.
Cooling, Brake, and Steering Systems
The cooling system in the 1985 Dodge Charger holds a capacity of 9 quarts. A robust antifreeze and AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant mixture is essential to prevent overheating during summer driving and freezing in winter. The ready-to-use 50/50 ethylene glycol pre-mix protects all cooling system metals, gaskets, and hoses. It is phosphate-free, nitrate-free, and nitrite-free, reducing the risk of corrosion and silicate dropout. For a more concentrated option that can be mixed with distilled water, the AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant offers up to 150,000 miles of protection and surpasses standards for metallic corrosion and erosion.
Brake safety should never be compromised. The 1985 Dodge Charger requires a DOT 3 hydraulic AMSOIL DOT 3 and DOT 4 100% Synthetic Brake Fluid that meets specific manufacturer specifications. This fluid provides excellent responsiveness for both ABS and traction-control systems. Its stable viscosity over a wide temperature range ensures consistent braking power, whether you are stopping on a hot summer road or a cold winter morning.
AMSOIL 100% Synthetic Multi-Vehicle Power Steering Fluid also plays a vital role in the driving experience. It is formulated for quiet operation and reduces friction within the steering system. It helps seals remain soft to prevent leaks and resists heat for long fluid life, ensuring that steering remains smooth and effortless throughout the life of the fluid.
Seasonal Storage and Additional Protection
If you plan to store your 1985 Dodge Charger for an extended period, such as during the winter months, using the right additives can prevent fuel degradation and engine corrosion. The AMSOIL Gasoline Stabilizer helps keep fuel fresh for up to 12 months, protecting against varnish and gum buildup caused by ethanol corrosion. This is ideal for seasonal equipment and classic cars that may not be driven frequently.
For engines that have been sitting or are being stored, the AMSOIL Engine Fogging Oil provides a highly effective rust preventive to protect internal components. This is particularly useful for long-term storage. To keep the vehicle running at peak efficiency during operation, the AMSOIL P.i. Performance Improver Gasoline Additive can restore up to 14% horsepower and clean GDI fuel injectors, improving fuel economy and preventing carbon buildup.
About the Vehicle
The 1985 Dodge Charger is a model that holds a unique place in automotive history, particularly within the lineage of American muscle cars and coupes. While the original Charger nameplate is legendary from the late 1960s, the 1985 iteration represents the K-car platform era, a time when Chrysler was redefining its lineup to focus on efficiency and practicality without completely abandoning performance appeal. The 2.2L four-cylinder engine, often associated with the “Omni 024” or similar platforms of the time, was known for its compact size and fuel economy, making it a practical choice for daily driving and commuting.
Owners of this vehicle typically appreciate its unique blend of classic styling cues combined with modern engineering of the mid-80s. The 2.2L engine provided a decent balance of power and efficiency, often delivering respectable acceleration for its size while maintaining good fuel mileage. This period marked a transition in American automotive design, where aerodynamics began to play a larger role, and the Charger’s design reflected this shift with smoother lines and reduced drag compared to its predecessors.
The vehicle’s reputation is often tied to its durability and the reliability of its mechanical components. The 2.2L engine is a robust design that, with proper maintenance, can last for many miles. It is a vehicle that appeals to enthusiasts who value the simplicity and directness of older automotive technology. Regular maintenance, including the use of high-quality synthetic lubricants, can help preserve the character and functionality of this classic vehicle for years to come. Whether used as a daily driver or a project car, the 1985 Dodge Charger remains a cherished piece of American automotive history.