[Z06] Oil capacity
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 233
Likes: 15
From: Fall City WA
Oil capacity
The owner's manual for my C5Z says to add 1 quart of oil prior to performance driving. Of course, I do as it says. After a day of hard driving, the oil level has just about come back down to the "full" mark. If the engine can operate with an extra quart of oil in it, why only run it that with during performance driving. I suspect the idea is to run a quart high so that it doesn't become low on oil. I still wonder why GM didn't just declare 7.5 qt as capacity vs. 6.5 qt.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,403
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From: Allentown PA & Elk Twp NJ HPDE Addict
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,403
Likes: 31
From: Allentown PA & Elk Twp NJ HPDE Addict
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 233
Likes: 15
From: Fall City WA
I found the answer to this. Under high G lateral forces, oil can get stranded above the valves against the valve covers because lateral the acceleration doesn't permit it to flow back into the oil pan. The extra quart ensures the engine isn't starved of oil if the condition persists for too long.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 880
Likes: 0
From: Bath PA
I found the answer to this. Under high G lateral forces, oil can get stranded above the valves against the valve covers because lateral the acceleration doesn't permit it to flow back into the oil pan. The extra quart ensures the engine isn't starved of oil if the condition persists for too long.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,464
Likes: 32
From: Ocala FL
I've been confused by this as well. Many people on the forum will tell you to run 7 quarts all the time for both. Which is half a quart higher than the manual but half a quart lower than the track guide.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 233
Likes: 15
From: Fall City WA
Worse than that.. if the crankshaft touches the oil, it can whip it into a foam like substance that can't be pumped! The owner's manual suggests using 7.5 qts for track use, which myself and others have done without any problem.
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 15,866
Likes: 196
From: PA
Adding an extra qt for track use sounds like a good idea. The only problem I see is removing it after. Trying to remove extra oil after an oil change usually turns into a cluster f for me. May as well just change the oil again.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,201
Likes: 16
From: SoCal
I have a fuel pump cutout switch (or just pull the fuel pump fuse). Remove the filter, place a drain pain underneath and crank the engine for a few seconds. Between the cranking and the oil you dumped out of the filter, you will remove at least 1 qt.
Race Director
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 15,866
Likes: 196
From: PA
Didnt think of just removing and draining the filter, that seems so obvious. The fuse trick sounds like a good idea as well. Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,507
Likes: 0
From: Wilmington Ca.
On the days I go to the track with my 2002 C6-Z06 I make sure my oil stays 1/4 inch above the "full" mark. I never drain any oil out and always drive my car back home sometimes over 200 miles. I have never had a problem just leaving the extra oil in the engine. As the OP originally asked GM only put the extra oil requirement in for the race track and a standard fill would be more than adequate for general driving.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
that extra oil tends to go out the tail pipe with extended WOT, out of corners.
and yes the best answer is to just change the oil again.
I get about 500 miles to the oil change or two weekends on the track* before the Oil monitor goes from 100% to 30%
M1 15-w50 9 1/2 qts with a 3 qt accu-sump and oil cooler.
* track meaning Road Race course, not drag strip
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 14,406
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From: Cypress TX
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17-'18
Over the course of a hard day on the track, the engine is going to use some oil. Anywhere from 1/2 to 1 qt in my experience. Just because you add an extra qt of oil, don't think you don't need to check the oil level after each run. Just my .02. 
