Oil Type for 96 LT4
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Warner Robins GA
Oil Type for 96 LT4
The 96 LT4 CE I am considering purchasing has been run for the first 57,000 with Castrol non-synthetic oil. I plan to use Mobil 1. Don't know why the original owner did not use it. Will this create any problems or could problems have already been created. The engine had no engine noises when I test drove it.
Thanks
Thanks
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,896
Likes: 3
From: New Bern NC
Re: Oil Type for 96 LT4 (scorned1)
Mobile-1. I think 5-30 or 10-30 either one would be fine. Most likely the engine is ok, however it would worry me that non-synthetic had been used since the synthetic handles heat much better and provides less wear. It would have to be a great deal for me to get serious about it. Sid.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Warner Robins GA
Re: Oil Type for 96 LT4 (6 speed Sid)
It was bought new by a 66 yr old man. He passed away a year and half ago and left the car to his 19 year old niece. She has driven it since that time. Her father did the oil changes and did not use Mobil 1. From talking to him again, the uncle had all maintenace done by Chevy dealer. So I would assume that the non-synthetic was used only while the niece had the car.
I can get it for $19,500. All it needs is front tires, the rear are new.
I can get it for $19,500. All it needs is front tires, the rear are new.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,526
Likes: 0
From: Warrick County IN
CI 3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
Re: Oil Type for 96 LT4 (scorned1)
5W30 Mobile 1. They don't use oil coolers in the 96's is why they went with the synthetics if I remember correctly. The dino oil won't hold up under the heat load.
Sounds like a good deal.
Sounds like a good deal.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,160
Likes: 1,733
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: Oil Type for 96 LT4 (scorned1)
It should be fine, not many miles on it.
Do switch to 5w30 Mobil when you get it though.
Do switch to 5w30 Mobil when you get it though.
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Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 4
From: Hinckley Ohio
Re: Oil Type for 96 LT4 (scorned1)
New rear tires only at 19K miles???? LT4's are fun aren't they!!!!!
Love my LT4 and you will love yours too, go for it!!!
[Modified by LT4BUD, 8:44 AM 2/6/2003]
Love my LT4 and you will love yours too, go for it!!!
[Modified by LT4BUD, 8:44 AM 2/6/2003]
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 8,991
Likes: 2
From: Hanger 18 Taxachusetts
Re: Oil Type for 96 LT4 (6 speed Sid)
Mobile-1. I think 5-30 or 10-30 either one would be fine. Most likely the engine is ok, however it would worry me that non-synthetic had been used since the synthetic handles heat much better and provides less wear. It would have to be a great deal for me to get serious about it. Sid.
Mobil1 was originally put in to better handle the heat of these engines so it's hard to say what may have happened that just hasn't shown up yet.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 3,418
Likes: 1
From: NW Chicago Suburbs
Re: Oil Type for 96 LT4 (scorned1)
Because most of my Vette's miles are accrued when the temp is above 32*F, I run 10W-30 instead of 5W-30 (Mobile1). The additives used to extend the weight range replace lubricating oil. On my daily driver (Impala SS) I use 5W-30 (in the winter only) because it has to start when the outside temp is as low as -10*F :cry
Eric
Eric
