[FollowMyLine]

Hey everyone,

I put together a video to help clear up some of the confusion around the different oil types for the LT1 & LT4. I worked with some of my friends at GM to get more specific information on oil types, why the manuals all have different information from 2016 - 2023, and why the correct oil filter is important.



Added for context:

LT1 / LT4 Oil Info:

Long read coming your way regarding oil types and usage on the LT1 and LT4.

I was recently involved in a conversation with the Assistant Chief Engineer of the small block program at GM, around engine oil for track use.

The conversation revolved around Mobil 1 Supercar 0W-40, 15W-50 oil for track use, and the 5W-50 Supercar oil recently developed by Mobil 1 for the C8 Z06 LT6.

Regarding the Dexos R certified oils, the Mobil 1 0W-40 Supercar oil is still the recommended oil, and the factory fill on the current Gen V LT1 & LT4 engines. This oil has been certified for both street and track use by GM. My personal recommendation is to continue to follow your manufacturers recommended guidelines and use this oil.

Now that I have that out of the way, here is what was discovered during that conversation. The 15W-50 oil that is recommended for track use on the ZL1 1LE is recommended because the thicker/heavier weight oil provides better protection for the engine during high-G loads when the car is being pushed to the limit during track use. Because the LT1 and LT4 in the Camaro is a wet-sump system, the thinner weight 0W-40 provides less long term protection on the internals, such as bearings, rings, etc. when used on track, especially with a sticky tire like the 3R or Slicks.

GM recommends changing back to 0W-40 after track use because they LEGALLY MUST DO THIS. The car is certified by GM and the EPA with the fuel mileage that is done using the 0W-40, and not the 15W-50. Because of this, they have to classify that the 15W-50 is for off-road use ONLY.

So, what if you have an SS 1LE with an LT1 and you run the SC3R, Trofeo R, or a slick tire? Great question, I’m glad you asked.

The recommendation here is the same as the ZL1 1LE. Switch to a 15W-50 oil for track use, especially if you push your car hard on track. The added protection is cheap insurance to ensure your LT1 doesn’t sound like an action scene out of a Michael Bay movie.

So, what happens if I leave the 15W-50 in the car and do not switch back to 0W-40? Another excellent question. I’m so glad you brought your thinking cap.

There is absolutely NOTHING wrong with leaving 15W-50 in your car, depending on where you live. The downside to this is that you get less cold-weather protection, and your fuel mileage will suffer minimally and in theory, you’ll lose a tiny bit of horsepower. Think less than 1 mile per gallon or a hand full of horsies. However, depending on environment, your mileage may vary.

This leads me to the next topic. Mobil 1 Supercar 5W-50. After a lengthy discussion around the oils development for the Z06, the ACE and I determined that for my situation (a 3-season vehicle or a vehicle in warm climates year-round, who tend to push their cars harder than most, but remain on street tires), the 5W-50 seems to be the magic elixir. It’s heavy enough to add the additional protection needed in higher-G loads (but not quite SC3R or other high-grip tires) and as long as the car isn’t being driven in cold climates, it will work just fine. In the rare instance you may be running a cold track day (think less than 40°F) you just need to let the oil warm up for 5-10 minutes first.

As far as oil filter is concerned, the GM / ACDelco PF64 is still the filter to use. It has the correct bypass valve pressure rating (22 psi) for the LT1 and LT4. The other aftermarket option for a filter with the correct bypass valve psi rating is the WIX WL10290XP. The Mobil 1 M1-113A is NOT recommended because it's bypass rating is ~12-15 psi. The ACDelco UPF64R is also NOT recommended because it's bypass rating is 35 psi.

After further discussion with the Small Block ACE, the safe range for oil filter bypass valve is 22-30 psi.

The part number for the 5W-50 oil cap is 12697069, for those interested.

So, in conclusion, the Mobil 1 Supercar 5W-50 is what I will be running from here on out. If you live in cold climates and daily your car, or if you never track it, or if you don’t really push it hard on street tires, 0W-40 is perfectly fine and you should stick to that. Got a ZL1 1LE, or track your SS 1LE with SC3R or slicks? Go 15W-50.

Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk.

[CamaroRSOnt]

My 2023 manual still says 5W-30 is ok to use if your not tracking the car, most folks aren't putting their SS on the track.


Here from the manual pg 238...my question would be why would Dexos2 5w-30 (which is widely available) not be ok for non-track vehicles?

I get the whole EPA thing but from a warranty point of view and what works for a street driven car, why are these difficult to find oils the focus? Most people here worry about their warranty more so than the EPA. GM has really muddied the waters on this.

[dmcmahan60]

Great video and thanks. My question is, I have 117,000 miles on my 2017 1SS and have always run full synthetic oil in it and changed as required. Does it or will it make a difference to start running the high mileage oil in it or stay with what I have been running? 5W30 and it is a daily driven car that does not see track time. Thanks in advance

[FollowMyLine]

Originally Posted by CamaroRSOnt

My 2023 manual still says 5W-30 is ok to use if your not tracking the car, most folks aren't putting their SS on the track.


Here from the manual pg 238...my question would be why would Dexos2 5w-30 (which is widely available) not be ok for non-track vehicles?

I get the whole EPA thing but from a warranty point of view and what works for a street driven car, why are these difficult to find oils the focus? Most people here worry about their warranty more so than the EPA. GM has really muddied the waters on this.

Yeah, that appears to be a misprint, because there are only 2 DexosR certified oils currently. The Supercar 0W-40 and the Supercar 5W-50. It may have meant to say Dexos2. For non-track use vehicles, the Dexos ESP certified 5W-30 should be ok.

[FollowMyLine]

Originally Posted by dmcmahan60

Great video and thanks. My question is, I have 117,000 miles on my 2017 1SS and have always run full synthetic oil in it and changed as required. Does it or will it make a difference to start running the high mileage oil in it or stay with what I have been running? 5W30 and it is a daily driven car that does not see track time. Thanks in advance

I would stick to the ESP 5W-30 because it is designed for the detergent burn off rates that won’t harm the catalytic converters in the exhaust system. While the levels of phosphors and zinc are the same for the high-mileage, the ESP is designed for our particulate filters in the cats. If you haven’t been using ESP oil at all, then at this point it doesn’t matter and you can either continue to use what you have been.

[Canyonero]

Thanks for posting this!

Is Mobile 1 the only 15w-50 option?

[triggerjerk]

Do any of the oils you mentioned meet ILSAC-GF6?

[FollowMyLine]

Originally Posted by Canyonero

Thanks for posting this!

Is Mobile 1 the only 15w-50 option?

Mobil 1 isn't the ONLY option, but it's the most commonly available. Driven Oils and Redline also make a variety of different 15W-50 oils, but typically has to be ordered.

[FollowMyLine]

Originally Posted by triggerjerk

Do any of the oils you mentioned meet ILSAC-GF6?

All of the Mobil 1 Full Synthetic Oils meet or exceed ILSAC-GF6.

[Iconic]

I enjoyed the video, thanks for putting it up.

[CamaroRSOnt]

Originally Posted by FollowMyLine

Yeah, that appears to be a misprint, because there are only 2 DexosR certified oils currently. The Supercar 0W-40 and the Supercar 5W-50. It may have meant to say Dexos2. For non-track use vehicles, the Dexos ESP certified 5W-30 should be ok.

Thanks ! I kinda thought that GM meant to say Dexos2 in the manual given I couldn't find any DexosR 5w-30's anywhere. Amazing how complex putting oil in a Camaro can be

[CamaroRSOnt]

Originally Posted by FollowMyLine

All of the Mobil 1 Full Synthetic Oils meet or exceed ILSAC-GF6.

I was looking at the Castrol Edge Dexos2 certified oils , namely their 5w-30 and it also meets ILSAC-GF6 standards. They are widely available , more reasonably priced, seem less hassle than looking for the harder to find viscositys. Thanks for that video !!



https://www.castrol.com/en_ca/canada...html#tab_5w-30

[SSShark]

Thank you for taking the time to post this video

[pauly1119]

Good video, thanks for sharing.