The mythical 0W-40 Dexos2
 

Oh no not an oil thread... let's stick on topic, LOL

I am picking up my ZL1 next week and have been reading through the performance manual. They suggest 0W-40 or 5W-40 Dexos 2.

A lengthy search online only revealed Motul 8100 X-Clean 5W-40 as my only reasonable option here in North America. My dealer has never heard of it and doesn't have it on any list that they can order (either weight). They are going to look into it for me.

I know I can find 5W-30 in Dexos1 or Dexos2. I'm sure you guys have seen this but here is the list I was using to find approved Dexos2: http://www.centerforqa.com/dexos-brand2/

What have you guys been doing to find 0W-40 or 5W-40 Dexos 2?

That's interesting that there is a Mobile1 synthetic 0w-40 that meets Dexos2 but it only seems to be available in Europe?

http://www.mobil.co.uk/UK-English-LC...esp-0w40.aspx#

There is also a Castrol Edge that is in the same boat.

Amsoil has a 5w-40 "European Car Formula" that meets dexos 2.

https://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-produ...tic-motor-oil/

I don't see any restrictions to buy in the U.S.

Yep, I saw that but can get the Motul easier. Still haven't found a 0W-40

http://www.bestsyntheticoilfilter.co...complete-list/

This article was a damm good read very informative in my decision

Going with Castrol 0w40 with titanium blah blah here in the us...
It's cheap [more frequent changes] , high on the list, available everywhere...

*oh and Castrol WARRANTIES your engine if you professionally have the oil changed & documented

As a technicality, AMSoil is famous for their misleading verbiage on their datasheets. "engineered for use in gasoline or Diesel vehicles that requires any of the following specifications", is not to be confused with the actual specification approvals. In the case of their 0W-40, it's designed to meet those specifications, but doesn't have the actual approvals. The 5W-40 (AFL) is designed to meet Dexos 2, but actually has LL-04, 229.51, and A40 approvals.

I know it's frustrating, but for those trying to follow the letter of the factory warranty, it's important to note. It seems one of the very few Dexos 2's that's an xW-40 to buy in the USA is the Motul XClean 5W-40 on Amazon.


Has anyone asked their dealership what specific oils they're OK with when going to the track?


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Ok, the other side of the coin is; what you're trying to do is have a rational viscosity [ergo HTHS] at the temperature your oil is on the track. I'm not sure if the LT4 uses a different oil cooler than the LT1, but the LT1 runs its oil very hot on-track in the Camaro, around 270°F. This is exactly why GM specifies an xW-40 for track work, the elevated temp puts the 40 weight even thinner at the high temp, thus bringing the viscosity in line with what's rational.

If your setup has more comfortable oil temps, say 230°F, then running a 5W-30 makes sense as the viscosity will be roughly the same at 230°F as a 5W-40 at 270°F.

I hope that helps,
Ryan

Makes total sense, and I did notice that they weren't on the GM approval list. I know they fall behind here. I like their stuff and use it (the extended drain intervals are great with my 110-120 mile a day commute) but I understand the frustration with their marketing ploys on licensing...that can be a headache in the warranty department, as you said.

There was a thread earlier; cant remember if it was this forum or another. A member sent me this link for a listed Dexos 2 5w40 . Seems like a good price for 24 qts.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/VAC861430

Valvoline SynPower MST 5W-40 is Dexos 2 and specifically called for in the Performance Supplement (Page 15), so it's an easy pick. Also given it has a whole slew of OEM approvals, including the tough LL04 and A40, it's a solid pick.

At $6.13 a quart, that box of 24 really is a good deal. Thanks for sharing!

I do see it being listed on their product information sheet as Dexos2 but not sure why it isn't on the packaging I can find online. When I called they said it is not approved yet for 2017 year vehicles.

I guess we are up to two options so far:

• Motul X-Clean 8100 5W40 - Licensed Dexos2: https://www.motul.com/us/en-US/produ...0-x-clean-5w40

Here is a list that we can keep of 0W40 or 5W40 that likely meet requiremnts but are not licensed Dexos2 (aka on your own vs GM Service)

• Amsoil 5W40 European - Not Dexos2 Licensed: https://www.amsoil.com/lit/databulletins/g3395.pdf
• Valvoline SynPower MST 5W40 - Dexos2 licensed (doesn't show Dexos2 symbol on packaging, not approved for 2017 vehicles - Per phone call with valvoline): http://content.valvoline.com/pdf/synpower.pdf

I've not seen any of the oils mentioned (except for the motul 8100x-clean) that have dexos 2 on their labels. Is it because the dexos 2 is a newer spec and they haven't got the dexos 2 logo on the labels yet? I just picked mine up this past weekend, so I've got time before my 1st oil change. But I always like to be prepared ;)

just updated my previous post #11, Valvoline SynPower MST 5W40 is not Dexos2 approved for 2017 vehicles (per phone call with valvoline)

Sooo, the datasheet is from later 2015. Did they revise their formula and not tell GM or submit the new formula for approval, so therefore it got left in the Performance Supplement by accident?

Dexos 2 is not a new standard, it's been in EU for years. We're just not used to it in the USA because there are so few applicable Diesel engines here.