Best oil at 80k.

[Vettepirate]

I really think these simple "how to" issues should be added to the the how to articles section.

For the huge wealth of knowledge on these forums, there is a definite lack of how-to articles in that respective section. Its usually the first thing i check out when i need to know something. Its easy to do a forum search, but it can be very hard to find exactly what you need to know in point-form when you check the results.

Just my suggestion.

 

[Evolution1980]

Your avatar says you're in California...It doesn't get that cold there, except for recently, I'd run the 10/30 Mobil1. Iuse that in my C-5 for the summer, and change it to 5W/30 for "winter storage".

Leadfoot, I had a conversation with one of our resident gurus, Hib Halverson. Here's what he told me about switching oils for winter storage: It's not cold enough where you park the car in the winter to need a 5W30. For best performance and durability, stick with a 10W30.

Leadfoot & Zagger, Your engines, even at 80K miles, the newer gen engines still likely have closer tolearances than my ZZ4 (which regularly gets hard runs on it.). I'd stick with 5W30 as recommended by GM. Absolutely do not run 15-40 weight...WAY to heavy an oil!

 

[leadfoot4]

Leadfoot, I had a conversation with one of our resident gurus, Hib Halverson. Here's what he told me about switching oils for winter storage: It's not cold enough where you park the car in the winter to need a 5W30. For best performance and durability, stick with a 10W30.

Leadfoot & Zagger, Your engines, even at 80K miles, the newer gen engines still likely have closer tolearances than my ZZ4 (which regularly gets hard runs on it.). I'd stick with 5W30 as recommended by GM. Absolutely do not run 15-40 weight...WAY to heavy an oil!

Evolution, in the first part of your response, you say that I should use 10w-30, as my garage doesn't get that cold. (Right now, it's about 20 degrees, but if the outside temp drops, so does the garage) In the next paragraph, you say to stick with the 5w-30. OK................

 

[wishuwerehere82]

Ther are many varied opinions on the topic of winter storage. My opinion, one that has worked for the past 30 years, is to start the car and allow it to warm up, around every 3-4 weeks. I don't like the idea of gaskets drying out due to lack of oil, a/c compressor seals drying up for the same reason, and most importantly, I don't like valve springs, especially the ones holding valves open, to stay in one position for months at a time.

Because of that, I start the car once in a while, and want light oil, so it starts circulating as quickly as possible. Actually, I used to use 0W-20, however I couldn't find any gallon jugs of it this year, and I was too thrifty to pay the extra $3-4 it would have cost to buy the 6 individual quarts.

BJ's used to have the 5 Qt. packages of 10W30 on Holt Rd. but I don't see them this year. But Wal-Mart at Baytown on Empire Blvd. has the 1 Gal. jugs and 1 Qt. bottles of 5W and 10W30. That's where I got mine this year. If that's any help. Nice to see another local member here.

 

[RED903L]

Run what got you there......stick with Mobil 1.

I agree with the above!!! IF you feel you need to "do something", you might consider just bump it up to 10-30W... (weather pwemitting..)

 

[leadfoot4]

BJ's used to have the 5 Qt. packages of 10W30 on Holt Rd. but I don't see them this year. But Wal-Mart at Baytown on Empire Blvd. has the 1 Gal. jugs and 1 Qt. bottles of 5W and 10W30. That's where I got mine this year. If that's any help. Nice to see another local member here.

"Wish", as a matter of fact, that's where I bought my oil! I was hoping to get a gallon jug of the 0w-20, and then just 2 individual quarts, however they were out of stock on the 0w-20 gallons. I suppose I could have just bought 6 individual quarts, but surprisingly, with their pricing structure, there is a significant difference in cost by doing it that way.

As a side note, the last time I bought Mobil1 was about 2 years ago, when PepBoys ran the "buy one, get one free" coupon in the calendar they had in conjunction with MADD. Another 'Vette buddy of mine and I ran down to the Greece Ridge PepBoys store on our lunch hour and bought a bunch of the calendars, and a TON of the oil. They were glad to see us leave! I've got enough Mobil1 for another couple of years!

 

[Evolution1980]

Evolution, in the first part of your response, you say that I should use 10w-30, as my garage doesn't get that cold. (Right now, it's about 20 degrees, but if the outside temp drops, so does the garage) In the next paragraph, you say to stick with the 5w-30. OK................

Basically, If ya got a C5, I would think that 5w-30 will always be the correct oil for the car, up until maaaybe 150K+ miles. But even then, I don't know that 10w would be necessary unless you are living in a desert area.

 

[Vettefan87]

Basically, If ya got a C5, I would think that 5w-30 will always be the correct oil for the car, up until maaaybe 150K+ miles. But even then, I don't know that 10w would be necessary unless you are living in a desert area.

I remember somebody telling me one of the only reasons for using 5w30 in the C5s, was just for better emissions. I used to run 5w30 in my Escort, and I did not like how thin it looked. I will stick to 10w30 in all my vehicles. But either way you go I doubt you'll have any problems.

 

[zagger]

For now I'm going to stick with 5/30. It appears there is nothing to gain by switching. I think that when I reach 150k I'll check the compression and evaluate weather to switch then. Is there anyone out there using Royal Purple or Red Line, if so what made you switch. Royal Purple is making some strong claims about reducing friction and preventing wear. It sounds pretty appealing for extending the life of ones engine.

Also a special thanks to Patric for the pictures of his beautiful black Z06. You have just cured me of any ideas about moving back east, I cant believe all that snow. I can only imagine the pain of looking at the vette and not being able to drive it anywhere.

 

[leadfoot4]

I remember somebody telling me one of the only reasons for using 5w30 in the C5s, was just for better emissions. I used to run 5w30 in my Escort, and I did not like how thin it looked. I will stick to 10w30 in all my vehicles. But either way you go I doubt you'll have any problems.

Actually, I think it was more for gas milage reasons, however I agree with your observation about how "thin" 5w30 looks, especially when it's hot. That being said, I'll stick with the 10w30 in the summer....

 

[DRTH VTR]

I remember somebody telling me one of the only reasons for using 5w30 in the C5s, was just for better emissions. I used to run 5w30 in my Escort, and I did not like how thin it looked. I will stick to 10w30 in all my vehicles. But either way you go I doubt you'll have any problems.

I think Vettefan87 hit it on the head. I believe that Paul, one of our experts on the CAC, said essentially that very thing. I run 10-30W year around in Idaho.

 

[Vettefan87]

I think Vettefan87 hit it on the head. I believe that Paul, one of our experts on the CAC, said essentially that very thing. I run 10-30W year around in Idaho.

Ahh yup that is who it was. I couldn't remember if it was Hib, or Paul.

 

[Vettefan87]

Actually, I think it was more for gas milage reasons, however I agree with your observation about how "thin" 5w30 looks, especially when it's hot. That being said, I'll stick with the 10w30 in the summer....

Yeah only reason I ran it in my Escort was for maximum fuel mileage, and efficiency. But now with my 99 Alero, and the vette I stick with 10w30.