Clarification on Mfr Requirements for Oil Change

LeeGen6 · 04-24-2021, 04:07 PM

Ok, so I searched for this first, but what I found was a bit confusing. Can anyone tell me what GM recommends for our first oil change on a 2021 ZL1 Convertible M6 that will not be tracked?

I checked the manual, which seems like it says that if not tracked, just follow the oil life monitoring system. Well that could be thousands of miles, is that really right? I checked the high-performance supplement and again, if not tracked, it appears that it points me back to the normal manual.

So, from GM's perspective, at what interval should I do my first oil change and what about the rear diff on the convertible? Isn't it different? Does it need anything different?

I realize there are a lot of opinions on this, but am I correct that GM doesn't feel that a non-tracked ZL1 needs anything different from what the life monitoring system says?

SFV1LE · 04-24-2021, 05:14 PM

GM says change the oil at 500, I would change the diff at the same time or at 1k miles. The diff goes through a lot of break in and first change you’ll see a lot of silvery material. After that it goes away. The convertible diff is different but I would follow same reco.

https://my.chevrolet.com/content/dam...tion-guide.pdf

ZRacerLE · 04-24-2021, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeGen6

Ok, so I searched for this first, but what I found was a bit confusing. Can anyone tell me what GM recommends for our first oil change on a 2021 ZL1 Convertible M6 that will not be tracked?

I checked the manual, which seems like it says that if not tracked, just follow the oil life monitoring system. Well that could be thousands of miles, is that really right? I checked the high-performance supplement and again, if not tracked, it appears that it points me back to the normal manual.

So, from GM's perspective, at what interval should I do my first oil change and what about the rear diff on the convertible? Isn't it different? Does it need anything different?

I realize there are a lot of opinions on this, but am I correct that GM doesn't feel that a non-tracked ZL1 needs anything different from what the life monitoring system says?

Your first oil change is free at any dealer if you bought it new.

LeeGen6 · 04-24-2021, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SFV1LE

GM says change the oil at 500, I would change the diff at the same time or at 1k miles. The diff goes through a lot of break in and first change you’ll see a lot of silvery material. After that it goes away. The convertible diff is different but I would follow same reco.

https://my.chevrolet.com/content/dam...tion-guide.pdf

I appreciate the response, but all of the recommended intervals in that document reference track preparation. Are those intervals necessary if you aren't tracking it?

LeeGen6 · 04-24-2021, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZRacerLE

Your first oil change is free at any dealer if you bought it new.

I'm not worried about the cost or anything like that, I'm just curious what GM recommends. Im not a fan of having any dealer around here touch the car unless absolutely necessary (warranty repair), so will just do it myself. I already have the oil and the filter, but as I was preparing to do this, I thought I would check the manual. I just can't find anything in there that suggests changing it this soon.

I'm Ok just doing it anyways, I realize it can't hurt. Again, just curious what the mfr recommended; it's not real clear.

Snowwolfe · 04-24-2021, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeGen6

I'm not worried about the cost or anything like that, I'm just curious what GM recommends. Im not a fan of having any dealer around here touch the car unless absolutely necessary (warranty repair), so will just do it myself. I already have the oil and the filter, but as I was preparing to do this, I thought I would check the manual. I just can't find anything in there that suggests changing it this soon.

I'm Ok just doing it anyways, I realize it can't hurt. Again, just curious what the mfr recommended; it's not real clear.

GM recommends 7500 miles. Sooner if the oil "computer" tells you to which will be about 1 year if you dont drive more than 7500 miles. Most people feel that a 650 hp motor deserves a 500 mile oil/filter change. If you dont agree, then dont do it.
No big deal if your not worried about the costs. I went to the dealer and they did mine for free and then paid them to change the diff fluid as well. For my peace of mind it was worth it.

ZRacerLE · 04-24-2021, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeGen6

I'm not worried about the cost or anything like that, I'm just curious what GM recommends. Im not a fan of having any dealer around here touch the car unless absolutely necessary (warranty repair), so will just do it myself. I already have the oil and the filter, but as I was preparing to do this, I thought I would check the manual. I just can't find anything in there that suggests changing it this soon.

I'm Ok just doing it anyways, I realize it can't hurt. Again, just curious what the mfr recommended; it's not real clear.

Do it at 500 miles for peace of mind then is my advice. GM does call that out in the track day prep guide, so that would be the earliest "official" recommendation.

SFV1LE · 04-24-2021, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LeeGen6

I appreciate the response, but all of the recommended intervals in that document reference track preparation. Are those intervals necessary if you aren't tracking it?

It’s an ultra high performance car, with a 650 hp 6.2 L motor. In my opinion that guidance applies track or no track, so yes 500 is the right interval.

Up to you if you agree, 500 can’t hurt but beyond that could. Your new high performance motor is breaking in, it’s a good idea to flush out any loose mfg and break in material.

pnoman · 04-24-2021, 07:05 PM

Same engine as my C7 Z06, engine oil and filter at 500 miles also GM recommends not to go over 4000 RPM until after the first oil change. Why not do the diff. And transmission if its a Manuel also cheap insurance.

Clavery1322 · 04-25-2021, 08:53 PM

Did mine at my dealership at 950 miles and the tech said the oil was "shimmery". Take that for what its worth but i think 500-1000 is a pretty good spot.

SFV1LE · 04-25-2021, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clavery1322

Did mine at my dealership at 950 miles and the tech said the oil was "shimmery". Take that for what its worth but i think 500-1000 is a pretty good spot.

Shimmery diff fluid at first change is normal.

Enough metal in motor oil to cause visible shimmer, even in the first oil change, is not normal as far as I know. Have you considered oil analysis?

If there was metal in the oil, it might continue. If the analysis is healthy now, whatever they saw is just break in residue.

Vigilante375 · 04-26-2021, 05:29 AM

For any vehicle, whether it's a Koenigsegg 1:1 or a Honda Fit. You should change the oil in the first 500 to 1000 miles and follow what the break in procedure in the manual. AFTER that first oil change, either go off the oil monitoring system (if equipped), a certain mileage (5000 to 7500 is good depending on how you drive) or 1 year regardless of how many miles it's been since your last oil change.

Break in procedures generally all be the same. No constant RPMs, no hard braking, no hard accelerations, etc.

04-24-2021, 04:07 PM	#1
LeeGen6 Drives: 2021 ZL1 Convertible M6 Join Date: Apr 2021 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 3	Clarification on Mfr Requirements for Oil Change Ok, so I searched for this first, but what I found was a bit confusing. Can anyone tell me what GM recommends for our first oil change on a 2021 ZL1 Convertible M6 that will not be tracked? I checked the manual, which seems like it says that if not tracked, just follow the oil life monitoring system. Well that could be thousands of miles, is that really right? I checked the high-performance supplement and again, if not tracked, it appears that it points me back to the normal manual. So, from GM's perspective, at what interval should I do my first oil change and what about the rear diff on the convertible? Isn't it different? Does it need anything different? I realize there are a lot of opinions on this, but am I correct that GM doesn't feel that a non-tracked ZL1 needs anything different from what the life monitoring system says?

04-25-2021, 08:53 PM	#10
Clavery1322 Drives: 2020 Callaway ZLE 1LE /\ 2019 GT350 Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Saline, MI Posts: 16	Did mine at my dealership at 950 miles and the tech said the oil was "shimmery". Take that for what its worth but i think 500-1000 is a pretty good spot. __________________ Chris Lavery Parts Director Lafontaine Automotive Group

04-24-2021, 05:14 PM	#2
SFV1LE Drives: 2018 Hyper Blue ZL1 1LE Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: CA Posts: 1,365	GM says change the oil at 500, I would change the diff at the same time or at 1k miles. The diff goes through a lot of break in and first change you’ll see a lot of silvery material. After that it goes away. The convertible diff is different but I would follow same reco. https://my.chevrolet.com/content/dam...tion-guide.pdf

04-24-2021, 07:05 PM	#9
pnoman Drives: 2021 ZLE Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: ontario Posts: 99	Same engine as my C7 Z06, engine oil and filter at 500 miles also GM recommends not to go over 4000 RPM until after the first oil change. Why not do the diff. And transmission if its a Manuel also cheap insurance.

04-26-2021, 05:29 AM	#12
Vigilante375 Drives: 2018 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,419	For any vehicle, whether it's a Koenigsegg 1:1 or a Honda Fit. You should change the oil in the first 500 to 1000 miles and follow what the break in procedure in the manual. AFTER that first oil change, either go off the oil monitoring system (if equipped), a certain mileage (5000 to 7500 is good depending on how you drive) or 1 year regardless of how many miles it's been since your last oil change. Break in procedures generally all be the same. No constant RPMs, no hard braking, no hard accelerations, etc.

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