oil change frequency
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 147
Likes: 15
From: New Jersey
oil change frequency
I bought a 1982 corvette 8 months ago and had the oil changed when i purchased it
ive put less then 800 miles on it since. My question the sticker says change oil at 72k
should i change it sooner does the oil degrade even if your mileage is low
ive put less then 800 miles on it since. My question the sticker says change oil at 72k
should i change it sooner does the oil degrade even if your mileage is low
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Joined: Sep 2013
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From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Members say it is moisture/sulfur/acids that build up in the engine and degrades the oil when a car is driven only a few hundred miles a year.
(I think you meant 7.2K)
Last edited by doorgunner; Jul 25, 2019 at 11:22 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2014
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From: Central UT
^^^^ Doorgunner and team are right on. Use one of the synthetics with high zinc content and change once/year. You'll be good. The old 3 month/3000 miles is loooooong gone. Enjoy your C3!! 
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Who changed your oil and what did they put in it? You need oil with high levels of zinc and phosphate or you'll be investing in a new cam soon. If they used an oil designed for flat tappets then you can change it when you want 3k or 5k or the 7k they said. Just keep an eye on the dipstick, make sure it stays full and when you start to see it getting dark change it if its before the higher mileage marks these oils can go to. I change mine once a year but I only put on about 5k a summer and I keep topping it off.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: Little Rock AR
Oil change businesses are in the business of changing oil SO many years ago they "created" the 3000 mile oil change interval to keep you coming back as frequently as possible. They have been doing it so long that many people now BELIEVE THEM that 3000 miles is the correct interval. Your owners manual has oil change service interval advice and you should take a close look at that.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
Regular 'organic' oil will oxydize, just sitting in the oil pan. If your car only gets a couple of thousand miles use per year (or less), you should use full-synthetic oil, which doesn't degrade with time like organic oil. I use full-synthetic and change it once a year. If I reach 3000 miles during the year, I only change the oil filter and add another quart of full-synthetic....THEN change it all when the year is up.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,778
Likes: 2,304
From: Central UT
^^^^ Here is a good thread with lots of info. IMO, higher zinc levels are good for all older engines. I run Mobil 1 15-50 in my solid lifter 427. I also ran it in my '72 SB. Lots of good choices. Hope this helps.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...t-oils-10.html
https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2012/1...older-engines/
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...t-oils-10.html
https://www.hemmings.com/blog/2012/1...older-engines/
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
Zinc component is important with flat-tappet cam systems...especially if you wind them up tight and often! For low performance stock engines (hydraulic lifters), you don't need to add zinc, if you use decent oil.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Saskatchewan, Canada
Old school way of thinking but my father used to say - "oil is cheap - an engine isn't". All my rides/toys have frequent oil changes. Never had any engine issues.
Last edited by bkvette3; Jul 28, 2019 at 10:10 AM.