Oil Change
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,643
Likes: 167
I hope you are not talking to me... you seem to think my 30 years at GM and my two engineering degrees was wasted on flying paper airplanes in the office.. You are so quick to jump on an obvious typo...you are argumentative and have no place quoting me.. If you have an opinion and you want to express, post it to the op please do so. But don't quote me with your silly and childish typo catch as if that was important to the fact of my post. BTW I worked exclusively on the code for the OLM in 95 and finalized it in 96, Im an absolute expert on its function. I also have seven proprietary designs in every C5 on the planet.. so you keep catching my typos and Ill keep posting what I know about a C5.
And BTW I was talking to you, if you didn't catch that before.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
Likes: 3,841
From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
Excuse me, ET, but it wasn't just a typo of the oil analysis firm name. It was an obvious relatively large error in the pricing by Blackstone that you made, but I guess you didn't want to acknowledge that. And you can talk all you want about your 30 years at GM and your two engineering degrees and your exclusive work on the code for the OLM and your seven proprietary designs in every C5, but you didn't address the subject of my second paragraph. Why was that, ET? Overlooked perhaps? Or just didn't have an answer?
And BTW I was talking to you, if you didn't catch that before.
And BTW I was talking to you, if you didn't catch that before.
The simple bottom line is use the OLM and change your oil atleast once a years.. that's it .. simple stuff that you choose to try to get in my pants.. if some one wants an oil analysis be it 35 dollars or 80 dollars.. if that's going to be a deal breaker then I guess they should not own a Corvette. 80 dollars is about the cost of dinner for two and a movie. its pocket change for most people. You make it seem like 80 dollars is a significant amount of money. I made an estimate of the cost.. unlike you, I don't have to look at helm's manuals or do an internet search, which BTW I am capable of doing. the Fact that I didn't care what the cost was is reflected in the fact that I did not look up specific costs. I truly feel sorry for you. You defend the forum against typo's and unimportant specifics and Ill take care of those who want to know something about a C5.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,643
Likes: 167
Its a shame that you pick on such petty things.. 'Ive never used Blackstone nor has GM.. I was making a quess-timate of the cost. My point was that a general or a simple analysis from anywhere usually does not include an acidity test... most people do not even know one exists. the facts that oil turns acidic is a fact. I could care less what people pay for their test.. I was not talking specifically about cost of testing or places to send testing. I was saying oil turn acidic when exposed to combustion and fuel.
The simple bottom line is use the OLM and change your oil atleast once a years.. that's it .. simple stuff that you choose to try to get in my pants.. if some one wants an oil analysis be it 35 dollars or 80 dollars.. if that's going to be a deal breaker then I guess they should not own a Corvette. 80 dollars is about the cost of dinner for two and a movie. its pocket change for most people. You make it seem like 80 dollars is a significant amount of money. I made an estimate of the cost.. unlike you, I don't have to look at helm's manuals or do an internet search, which BTW I am capable of doing. the Fact that I didn't care what the cost was is reflected in the fact that I did not look up specific costs. I truly feel sorry for you. You defend the forum against typo's and unimportant specifics and Ill take care of those who want to know something about a C5.
The simple bottom line is use the OLM and change your oil atleast once a years.. that's it .. simple stuff that you choose to try to get in my pants.. if some one wants an oil analysis be it 35 dollars or 80 dollars.. if that's going to be a deal breaker then I guess they should not own a Corvette. 80 dollars is about the cost of dinner for two and a movie. its pocket change for most people. You make it seem like 80 dollars is a significant amount of money. I made an estimate of the cost.. unlike you, I don't have to look at helm's manuals or do an internet search, which BTW I am capable of doing. the Fact that I didn't care what the cost was is reflected in the fact that I did not look up specific costs. I truly feel sorry for you. You defend the forum against typo's and unimportant specifics and Ill take care of those who want to know something about a C5.
Last edited by thisMSGgood4me; Oct 2, 2013 at 02:02 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 3,842
Likes: 5
From: Enid Ok
St. Jude Donor '13-'14
Insulting the man and wanting a answer to your question is like a bad joke.
Show just a little respect for the man that spends countless hours helping the members here while answering many times the same question over and over again.
The op and I both got a great lesson on what else goes into structure of oil etc and available testing if we were ever curious.
Thanks again.
Show just a little respect for the man that spends countless hours helping the members here while answering many times the same question over and over again.
The op and I both got a great lesson on what else goes into structure of oil etc and available testing if we were ever curious.
Thanks again.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,643
Likes: 167
Insulting the man and wanting a answer to your question is like a bad joke.
Show just a little respect for the man that spends countless hours helping the members here while answering many times the same question over and over again.
The op and I both got a great lesson on what else goes into structure of oil etc and available testing if we were ever curious.
Thanks again.
Show just a little respect for the man that spends countless hours helping the members here while answering many times the same question over and over again.
The op and I both got a great lesson on what else goes into structure of oil etc and available testing if we were ever curious.
Thanks again.
Now as far as accusing me of insulting him, I hardly think so. And if so, not ANYWHERE NEAR the level he slung. I certainly didn't intend to insult him. Just question his position on the subject.
Finally, why wouldn't I expect an answer? If he's so eager to display his vast automotive knowledge, then I would think he'd want to defend his opinion on the subject. Do you think there is something wrong with my thinking that?
PS I'm glad you and the OP learned something from ET. That's a good thing. But it's not so good when someone acts the way he does when his feathers are even slightly ruffled. I wish that wasn't the case, but unfortunately it happens a little too often.
Last edited by thisMSGgood4me; Oct 2, 2013 at 02:37 AM.
Drifting
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,371
Likes: 1
From: Somerset Kentucky
Well, I've never had the oil in my Vette tested. I changed oil every 3K in all my other vehicles over the years until I got my Vette and discovered it had the DIC with that dandy little oil life monitor. I drive mine so infrequently I only change the oil on the exact same day in January every year. In the last three years I don't think I've put more than 2K miles on it and that would lead the uneducated to think the oil was still OK. Fortunately there were people like ET on the forum to guide new Vette owners in the proper direction of changing oil at least once a year. My Vette runs great and with Techron splashed in every once in a while to keep the engine happy I know my oil is in good shape. Let us have peace. 
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: Toronto ON
Part of the oil additive package is an acidic neutralizer (TBN ). The problem is most people do not get a TAN test because it cost 36 dollars by itself. ( TAN = Total acid number ) Blackwell and others offer this test as an option. many people use the TBN to determine how much additive is left in the package. GM did Outside testing on oil over time and spared no expense in doing this. I know most people just want to see the heavy metals numbers and the extraneous minerals. If you don't ask for and pay for a TAN you wont get it. the Blackwell standard test I believe is around 40/45 dollars.. add the TAN to it and its about 80 dollars. Most people change their oil too much, especially those who are concerned enough to have their oil analyzed. People who are lazy about their oil changes usually are tight with a dollar and would never spend 80 dollars on a proper oil analysis. The additive package ( TBN ) wears very thin after a year. That's why we tell people to change it every year. Its pretty simple insurance. I find it always funny how construction workers and city municipal water workers can determine that GM engineers don't know what they are doing and just throw out these numbers as if they pulled them out of a hat.. I also find it interesting when I see the occupations of some of the people that refute the maintenance schedule and recommendations just to save a buck and interpret these maintenance schedules any way they see fit. Like its ok to run 87 octane all the time, run your engine cold, don't use the OLM, etc. Thousands and thousands of dollars were spent in the development of this engine, yet many people are willing to listen to a maintenance man at a bank, or a retired postal worker, instead of the guys who built this car.
Now use an non- spected GM oil in your LSX engine and you wont have the High temp additive that helps to keep the oil stable at high temps found in an LSX engine. Its there for a specific purpose, to increase the flash point temperature, to reduce the chance of high temp thermal breakdown which destroys the additive package.
Now use an non- spected GM oil in your LSX engine and you wont have the High temp additive that helps to keep the oil stable at high temps found in an LSX engine. Its there for a specific purpose, to increase the flash point temperature, to reduce the chance of high temp thermal breakdown which destroys the additive package.
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
Likes: 47
From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
Simple, In the bottle it is sealed, When in the motor it is exposed to the elements like condensation and such.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 356
From: Iowa
I would certainly show respect to anyone who deserves it. Unfortunately, the way ET acts up many times, he doesn't deserve it (at those particular times). His mannerism in response to ANYONE who challenges him in ANY WAY is unacceptable IMHO. And this happens quite regularly with him. To be honest, I'm really sick of seeing it. He needs to grow up and quit thinking insults are okay to sling at those who even slightly rub him the wrong way.
Now as far as accusing me of insulting him, I hardly think so. And if so, not ANYWHERE NEAR the level he slung. I certainly didn't intend to insult him. Just question his position on the subject.
Finally, why wouldn't I expect an answer? If he's so eager to display his vast automotive knowledge, then I would think he'd want to defend his opinion on the subject. Do you think there is something wrong with my thinking that?
PS I'm glad you and the OP learned something from ET. That's a good thing. But it's not so good when someone acts the way he does when his feathers are even slightly ruffled. I wish that wasn't the case, but unfortunately it happens a little too often.
Now as far as accusing me of insulting him, I hardly think so. And if so, not ANYWHERE NEAR the level he slung. I certainly didn't intend to insult him. Just question his position on the subject.
Finally, why wouldn't I expect an answer? If he's so eager to display his vast automotive knowledge, then I would think he'd want to defend his opinion on the subject. Do you think there is something wrong with my thinking that?
PS I'm glad you and the OP learned something from ET. That's a good thing. But it's not so good when someone acts the way he does when his feathers are even slightly ruffled. I wish that wasn't the case, but unfortunately it happens a little too often.
I'm sorry, but I'd rather trust the person who designed the specific system to some internet troll who is using arbitrary mistakes to discredit someone that he doesn't like.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 9,488
Likes: 1,743
From: Knoxville Tn
I hope you are not talking to me... you seem to think my 30 years at GM and my two engineering degrees was wasted on flying paper airplanes in the office.. You are so quick to jump on an obvious typo...you are argumentative and have no place quoting me.. If you have an opinion and you want to express, post it to the op please do so. But don't quote me with your silly and childish typo catch as if that was important to the fact of my post. BTW I worked exclusively on the code for the OLM in 95 and finalized it in 96, Im an absolute expert on its function. I also have seven proprietary designs in every C5 on the planet.. so you keep catching my typos and Ill keep posting what I know about a C5.
Do they age in the can on the shelf?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
Many places make statements of opinions with no supporting evidence. A lot of forums are that way. They range from 2 years to indefinite.
For manufacturers, I found some references.
Mobil 1 says 5 years.
https://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English...ollection.aspx
Valvoline says indefinite.
http://www.valvoline.com/faqs/motor-...ral-motor-oil/
Pennzoil (new Platinum) says 4 years. (although I think info is second hand at this site.)
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/pennzoil-q-a/
Bottom line, I still am not sure if it is indefinite and the shelf life is a marketing tool, or if there is some breakdown occurring other than settling (which can be shaken up again). For the price, I think it is worth keeping it fairly current (like within 4 or 5 years) although I suspect it may be ok longer.
Last edited by QCVette; Aug 10, 2014 at 03:02 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,904
Likes: 151
Obviously only being a Corvette owner since may, I have a ton of **** to learn about my car.
I am going to do an oil change this coming week, and maybe this is a stupid question, but how does the DIC know I changed oil?
Bob.
I am going to do an oil change this coming week, and maybe this is a stupid question, but how does the DIC know I changed oil?
Bob.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 579
Likes: 50
From: Chambersburg Pa
It needs to be reset manually by you. Turn key to acc. Press Trip until Oil Life Remaining comes up. Push reset for 3 seconds. You will see Oil Life Light change to 100%
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: Gering Nebraska
You have to reset it. Bring your oil life up on the display. Key on engine off. Press and hold the reset button when it resets release the reset button. stay on the screen for 10 seconds. Then exit to what every you want on the display.
By the way ET aka Bill thanks for the write up very good info.
By the way ET aka Bill thanks for the write up very good info.
Last edited by Catman58; Aug 10, 2014 at 09:33 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
Likes: 47
From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
You can also turn on key engine off and pump gas peddle 3 times.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,657
Likes: 195
From: Boxford Massachusetts
Let's say a new C5 owner wanted to learn how to change his own oil. Let's say he doesn't have a jack and knows jack$*!t about working on cars. From what I gather, that poor boy has to spend a lot of money on jacks and jack stands to be able to change his own oil. What is the capital investment needed to be able to do one's own oil changes? Or is it just simpler to take the darn thing to a Chevy dealer or a local Corvette pro and have him do it?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 4
From: Lawrenceburg KY
All you need is a 15mm wrench, a drain pan, a funnel, and a jack. 5 qt jugs of mobil 1 are $23 at walmart and they have filters too for like $5. Harbor freight has a decent low profile jack frequently on sale for $60.
Your first change would cost around $120 or so, then subsequent changes around $35 each. If you change it at least 3 times you will save money.
Your first change would cost around $120 or so, then subsequent changes around $35 each. If you change it at least 3 times you will save money.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 579
Likes: 50
From: Chambersburg Pa
Let's say a new C5 owner wanted to learn how to change his own oil. Let's say he doesn't have a jack and knows jack$*!t about working on cars. From what I gather, that poor boy has to spend a lot of money on jacks and jack stands to be able to change his own oil. What is the capital investment needed to be able to do one's own oil changes? Or is it just simpler to take the darn thing to a Chevy dealer or a local Corvette pro and have him do it?