1 Quart after 375 miles?
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,346
Likes: 755
From: Greensboro Nc
Honestly at that rate, if it's going through the engine you should see some definite smoke out the back on hard acceleration or higher RPM low throttle conditions. You're essentially burning like 10 quarts per oil change. If it's burning, you should know it.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 30
Likes: 2
I could not agree more. I should see some smoke or something to indicate that amount of consumption. I park it my garage, so I know it is not leaking.
Anyway, I plan to run it, add until full, and then run it, shut it down and wait 15 minutes and then checking the dipstick to make sure it is at the full mark. After reading some other threads, I noticed there is a big argument about whether the car hold 6.5 or 7 quarts. When the oil was changed, it was filled with 6.5 quarts. In other words, maybe it is only 1/4 to 1/2 quart low after 375 miles. At least this way, I will have a more authentic consumption test. Mt previous assumption was based on 6.5 quarts being equal to the full mark on the dipstick.
Anyway, I plan to run it, add until full, and then run it, shut it down and wait 15 minutes and then checking the dipstick to make sure it is at the full mark. After reading some other threads, I noticed there is a big argument about whether the car hold 6.5 or 7 quarts. When the oil was changed, it was filled with 6.5 quarts. In other words, maybe it is only 1/4 to 1/2 quart low after 375 miles. At least this way, I will have a more authentic consumption test. Mt previous assumption was based on 6.5 quarts being equal to the full mark on the dipstick.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2017
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 6,480
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I'm sure they don't, but it sure seems like I've seen a lot of posts in here from guys with '01s having oil burning issues...more than I've seen from guys having let's say EBCM issues with pre '01s...
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2017
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I had the oil changed at a local shop that specializes in Corvettes. I do not know if they primed the filter, but they did allow for a 20 to 30 minute drain time. And, yes, the level is checked in my garage, which is level. I think by adding half a quart (which would mean 7 total) I will be able to report back on how much was actually used. That assumes, of course, that 7 quarts would have brought it to the full mark when measured shortly after shutdown, not sitting overnight.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2017
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1Quart after 375 miles? Mystery Probably Solved
So based on the advice received from this and other threads, I added exactly 1/2 quart (making it effectively a total of 7 quarts on refill) and then drove to get the oil up to temperature. Upon returning to my garage, I let it sit for 15 minutes before checking. And, to my pleasant surprise it appears to be close to the full mark!
So, what does this mean? I don't know why you have to check the oil this way, but it is the recommended process. If you want the dipstick to be at the full mark when checked at temp, at least on my 2001 Z, it takes 7 quarts with filter. I may be using a bit of oil, but nothing like it appeared.
Of course, all of this assumes that when my oil was changed it was filled with 6.5 quarts, which is exactly what is shown on the receipt.
Anyway, thanks to all of you for indulging this newbie.
So, what does this mean? I don't know why you have to check the oil this way, but it is the recommended process. If you want the dipstick to be at the full mark when checked at temp, at least on my 2001 Z, it takes 7 quarts with filter. I may be using a bit of oil, but nothing like it appeared.
Of course, all of this assumes that when my oil was changed it was filled with 6.5 quarts, which is exactly what is shown on the receipt.
Anyway, thanks to all of you for indulging this newbie.
I had the oil changed at a local shop that specializes in Corvettes. I do not know if they primed the filter, but they did allow for a 20 to 30 minute drain time. And, yes, the level is checked in my garage, which is level. I think by adding half a quart (which would mean 7 total) I will be able to report back on how much was actually used. That assumes, of course, that 7 quarts would have brought it to the full mark when measured shortly after shutdown, not sitting overnight.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2013
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St. Jude Donor '15-'16-'17-'18-'19-'20-'21-'22
It may be possible the garage didn't fill it correctly. A few years back we got an oil change at a Chevrolet dealership. A couple days later we checked the oil and it was a quart low. We called the dealership and they told us to bring in the car in as they had had problems with one of the mechanics. They added a quart and all was well after that.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
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From: Atlantic Beach FL.
They upgraded the pistons in '02 to the slightly barrel shaped ones with coated skirts. That helped with the piston slap but the '04 PCV system cured the oil consumption further on the Z06.
Last edited by Rob 02; Nov 28, 2017 at 03:34 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,823
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From: Marysville Washington
Traditionally, C5 track cars will run an extra quart over the factory recommendation to combat starving the pickup in hard, sweeping left turns. It doesn't hurt if ya burn a bit too 
I run 7 to 7.5 quarts in mine.
I run 7 to 7.5 quarts in mine.