Oil, but not the typical subject

zx9rmal · 05-24-2021, 10:14 AM

I thought I would post this experience. I'm a very knowledgeable car guy. I no longer change my own oil. At 73, I'm not as inclined anymore.

So, I've been reluctantly using the dealer, who makes sure their hi perf guy does it. I've had no problems so far and I don't leave the dealer without checking the oil level.

I used a well known, well respected performance shop a while back to dyno my car, so I thought I'd let them do the oil change. I asked what oil they use. I was told AC Delco. I asked why. I was told it was "because Mobil 1 isn't very good". Huh? Interesting. Then, I asked exactly what AC Delco oil they use. He said 5W-30. I told him the owner's manual calls for 0-40.

Here's what he said:

"We use 5w30 being it is a much better choice over the recommended 0w40 that the dealership uses, especially for our hot environment."

Is it me, or does this not make sense?

avalonandl · 05-24-2021, 10:22 AM

Your shop is living in the 80's......

0-40w is the new spec for these Zl-1's. 5-30w is the older spec.

And Mobil 1 is about as good an oil as you can get. Its what's filled at the factory for the LT4.

I'm 66 and don't do my own oil changes.

Z OH 6 · 05-24-2021, 10:22 AM

Doesn't make sense to me. The OEM Mobil 1 0-40 is top notch.

SFV1LE · 05-24-2021, 10:54 AM

My advice is dont let that shop do your oil change, and never go back there for anything.

It may seem like an over-reaction, but I have a lot of experience with many performance shops in so cal (where there are so many) over the last 20 years, multiple sportscars and brands... shops that make multiple weird/stupid comments like that in a short period of time will definitely make mistakes and break something in the long run, and/or rip you off. Delco 5w30 is probably just the oil they have in stock and allows them to maximize profit.

ZED SLED · 05-24-2021, 11:18 AM

I don't change my own oil anymore either. However, the dealer I use lets me provide my own oil and filter. They just do the work. Many of them will. Just ask.

ZX-10R · 05-24-2021, 11:52 AM

The actual viscosity difference is relatively small, "0" weight oils are more of a marketing gimmick

M1 is ok, M1 EP has a vastly improved add pack. For the money, I like Castrol Edge.

Most people don't actually research oils, it comes down to "my hick buddy said this is better and my engine hasn't blown up yet" (or similar) - very few actually get their oil tested or review standardized test results.

Vigilante375 · 05-24-2021, 12:13 PM

5w will do better in warmer environments (above ~30 degree's) compared to 0w. 0w will be better in colder environments (below ~30 degree's) than 5w.

I run the recommended 0w40 and I live in GA. Notice no difference in temps but I really don't pay attention. If anything, the 5w would make the oil temp run 10 degree's cooler from normal driving. Track driving, I'm unsure.

I'd tell the place that's changing my oil that either they change it to the recommended type or take your business elsewhere, like the dealer.

LT4Greg · 05-24-2021, 12:46 PM

Mal, use the recommended oil grade for your ZL1 but you can use any brand that is Dexos rated. I noticed the Carquest oil is Dexos approved now and of course the major brands like Mobil 1, Valvoline, and others. The last time I changed the oil in my 2017 I used 5w30 Lucas synthetic oil with a Mobil 1 filter and everything seems to be okay. I have noticed with Lucas my engine doesn’t use oil whereas with the Valvoline I had to add a quart between changes. Lucas claims it’s oil is compatible with all makes of vehicles so I guess I will continue using it.

Camaro1973 · 05-24-2021, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LT4Greg

Mal, use the recommended oil grade for your ZL1 but you can use any brand that is Dexos rated. I noticed the Carquest oil is Dexos approved now and of course the major brands like Mobil 1, Valvoline, and others. The last time I changed the oil in my 2017 I used 5w30 Lucas synthetic oil with a Mobil 1 filter and everything seems to be okay. I have noticed with Lucas my engine doesn’t use oil whereas with the Valvoline I had to add a quart between changes. Lucas claims it’s oil is compatible with all makes of vehicles so I guess I will continue using it.

0w40 is the recommended fill, but you can and the dealer still will use 5/30 as a substitute. They did this to me once and I made them drain it and refill it back with 0w40. Now when they see my face, they instantly pull the Mobil 1 boxes

I’m cammed and 40 i think Is just better esp when hot, however right on the manual of 19+ it says you can use 5w30 if there’s no 0w40.

Stephen12ZL1 · 05-24-2021, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZX-10R

The actual viscosity difference is relatively small, "0" weight oils are more of a marketing gimmick

M1 is ok, M1 EP has a vastly improved add pack. For the money, I like Castrol Edge.

Most people don't actually research oils, it comes down to "my hick buddy said this is better and my engine hasn't blown up yet" (or similar) - very few actually get their oil tested or review standardized test results.

Good answer...

SteveV · 05-25-2021, 05:49 AM

Didn't someone post that most of the oil pump failures have occurred with the 0w40 oil?

I had been running the 0w40 in my ZL1 for 2 oil changes when my pump failed. When the dealer replaced my pump, they put 5w30 back in it.

So, I am not convinced that 0w40 is the correct oil.

LT4Greg · 05-25-2021, 06:28 AM

That’s why I haven’t switched to 0w40 in my 2017! It calls for 5w30 and that’s the oil I will put in while available even though GM has said that you can substitute 0w40 for 5w30 now.

zx9rmal · 05-25-2021, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LT4Greg

That’s why I haven’t switched to 0w40 in my 2017! It calls for 5w30 and that’s the oil I will put in while available even though GM has said that you can substitute 0w40 for 5w30 now.

My '17 SS 1LE used 5W-30. I'm a believer in using the lightest weight oil recommended by the manufacturer. I just think the 0W-40 would be better in the summer down here in S. Florida where it can get extremely hot and humid.

Plasar · 05-25-2021, 09:37 AM

People: for high temperature operation of an engine, you consider the high number in a multi-grade oil.

Thus in the 5W-30, it's the 30 weight that is significant. In the 0W-40, it's the 40 weight that is significant.

So the tech's contention that 5W30 is better at high temperatures than 0W40 is exactly wrong.

Quote:

For a SAE 5W-30 multi-grade oil, the first number (5W) is the 'cold' viscosity rating of the oil, the 'W' stands for winter, and the last number (30) is the 'hot' viscosity rating of the oil. Therefore, when the oil is cold (e.g. in sub-zero temperatures) it has a rating of '5W'. When the oil is hot (e.g. circulating in a hot engine) it has a rating of '30'.

Which Oil Viscosity Grade Should I Use In My Vehicle?

.

05-24-2021, 10:14 AM	#1
zx9rmal Drives: '20 ZL1 M6 Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: FT. Lauderdale, FL Posts: 731	Oil, but not the typical subject I thought I would post this experience. I'm a very knowledgeable car guy. I no longer change my own oil. At 73, I'm not as inclined anymore. So, I've been reluctantly using the dealer, who makes sure their hi perf guy does it. I've had no problems so far and I don't leave the dealer without checking the oil level. I used a well known, well respected performance shop a while back to dyno my car, so I thought I'd let them do the oil change. I asked what oil they use. I was told AC Delco. I asked why. I was told it was "because Mobil 1 isn't very good". Huh? Interesting. Then, I asked exactly what AC Delco oil they use. He said 5W-30. I told him the owner's manual calls for 0-40. Here's what he said: "We use 5w30 being it is a much better choice over the recommended 0w40 that the dealership uses, especially for our hot environment." Is it me, or does this not make sense? __________________ Mal Ft. Lauderdale, FL '20 Camaro ZL1 M6 '22 Kawasaki ZX-14R

05-24-2021, 10:22 AM	#2
avalonandl Drives: 2019 ZL-1 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Troy, MI & Naples, FL Posts: 2,018	Your shop is living in the 80's...... 0-40w is the new spec for these Zl-1's. 5-30w is the older spec. And Mobil 1 is about as good an oil as you can get. Its what's filled at the factory for the LT4. I'm 66 and don't do my own oil changes. __________________ 2019 ZL-1 Acquired 4/23/21 at 6300 miles. Riverside Blue, A10, PDR. Traded in 2017 2SS with 6M and 32k miles. Continental Extreme Contact Sports. Now has 10,000 miles... 2012 Yukon XL Denali w/ 6.2 AWD

05-24-2021, 11:18 AM	#5
ZED SLED Drives: 2017 Mosaic Bk ZL1 M6 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: South of Raleigh, NC Posts: 9,622 View My Garage	I don't change my own oil anymore either. However, the dealer I use lets me provide my own oil and filter. They just do the work. Many of them will. Just ask. __________________

05-24-2021, 12:46 PM	#8
LT4Greg Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 Coupe Join Date: May 2016 Location: Georgia Posts: 5,875	Mal, use the recommended oil grade for your ZL1 but you can use any brand that is Dexos rated. I noticed the Carquest oil is Dexos approved now and of course the major brands like Mobil 1, Valvoline, and others. The last time I changed the oil in my 2017 I used 5w30 Lucas synthetic oil with a Mobil 1 filter and everything seems to be okay. I have noticed with Lucas my engine doesn’t use oil whereas with the Valvoline I had to add a quart between changes. Lucas claims it’s oil is compatible with all makes of vehicles so I guess I will continue using it. __________________ ZL1 Coupe, PDR, Exposed carbon fiber hood insert, My Link with Nav, M6 6 speed and Silver Ice Metallic. Mods done: ceramic window tint, GM Accessories Camaro floor mats and Roto-Fab CAI.

05-25-2021, 05:49 AM	#11
SteveV Drives: 2018 ZL1 Camaro 6M Red Hot Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Cary, NC Posts: 1,139 View My Garage	Didn't someone post that most of the oil pump failures have occurred with the 0w40 oil? I had been running the 0w40 in my ZL1 for 2 oil changes when my pump failed. When the dealer replaced my pump, they put 5w30 back in it. So, I am not convinced that 0w40 is the correct oil. __________________ People are a lot like slinky's: not very helpful most of the time, but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs...

05-24-2021, 10:22 AM	#3
Z OH 6 Drives: 2024 CT5-V Blackwing Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: GA Posts: 3,557	Doesn't make sense to me. The OEM Mobil 1 0-40 is top notch.

05-24-2021, 10:54 AM	#4
SFV1LE Drives: 2018 Hyper Blue ZL1 1LE Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: CA Posts: 1,365	My advice is dont let that shop do your oil change, and never go back there for anything. It may seem like an over-reaction, but I have a lot of experience with many performance shops in so cal (where there are so many) over the last 20 years, multiple sportscars and brands... shops that make multiple weird/stupid comments like that in a short period of time will definitely make mistakes and break something in the long run, and/or rip you off. Delco 5w30 is probably just the oil they have in stock and allows them to maximize profit.

05-24-2021, 11:52 AM	#6
ZX-10R Drives: 2019 ZL1 Riverside Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 1,139	The actual viscosity difference is relatively small, "0" weight oils are more of a marketing gimmick M1 is ok, M1 EP has a vastly improved add pack. For the money, I like Castrol Edge. Most people don't actually research oils, it comes down to "my hick buddy said this is better and my engine hasn't blown up yet" (or similar) - very few actually get their oil tested or review standardized test results.

05-24-2021, 12:13 PM	#7
Vigilante375 Drives: 2018 Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Georgia Posts: 1,419	5w will do better in warmer environments (above ~30 degree's) compared to 0w. 0w will be better in colder environments (below ~30 degree's) than 5w. I run the recommended 0w40 and I live in GA. Notice no difference in temps but I really don't pay attention. If anything, the 5w would make the oil temp run 10 degree's cooler from normal driving. Track driving, I'm unsure. I'd tell the place that's changing my oil that either they change it to the recommended type or take your business elsewhere, like the dealer.

05-25-2021, 06:28 AM	#12
LT4Greg Drives: 2017 Camaro ZL1 Coupe Join Date: May 2016 Location: Georgia Posts: 5,875	That’s why I haven’t switched to 0w40 in my 2017! It calls for 5w30 and that’s the oil I will put in while available even though GM has said that you can substitute 0w40 for 5w30 now. __________________ ZL1 Coupe, PDR, Exposed carbon fiber hood insert, My Link with Nav, M6 6 speed and Silver Ice Metallic. Mods done: ceramic window tint, GM Accessories Camaro floor mats and Roto-Fab CAI.

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