C5 Z engine oils
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 981
From: Whitby Ont.
C5 Z engine oils
I m probably going to tossed under the bus on this one..just curious about engine oils, dexos certified.
Is there any advantage or disadvantage with sticking with one particular brand if they are all dexos rated ?
ie: Castrol, Mobil 1, Pennzoil, Kirkland/Costco, or any other brands. I know some are going to swear by Amsiol.
am sure it is an excellent oil, but who wants to spend $100 + on an oil change, just saying.
just curious about oils for us common folk. I used a lot of Mobil over the years, using Kirkland the last cp oil changes.
I see no difference, but then again, didn t get an oil analysis.
Is there any advantage or disadvantage with sticking with one particular brand if they are all dexos rated ?
ie: Castrol, Mobil 1, Pennzoil, Kirkland/Costco, or any other brands. I know some are going to swear by Amsiol.
am sure it is an excellent oil, but who wants to spend $100 + on an oil change, just saying.
just curious about oils for us common folk. I used a lot of Mobil over the years, using Kirkland the last cp oil changes.
I see no difference, but then again, didn t get an oil analysis.
Popular Reply
Mar 16, 2021, 09:58 AM
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 844
Likes: 32
From: Wilmington DE
C5 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
St. Jude Donor '09
The guy who donated his 2000 Corvette to the NCM with 773,338 miles on it used Mobil 1.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 435
Likes: 18
From: Northern New Mexico
I use Mobil 1 synthetic in all of our vehicles. Other than the fact that IMO Mobil 1 is a good oil, another advantage is the C5 and truck use the same viscosity. Oil changes for both are roughly $50 each.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 981
From: Whitby Ont.
have always been a user of mobil 1, just find that it is too thin, like maple syruple after awhile. Am not an oil expert by any definition, i just like something with some body to it. maybe switch to 0w40. my oil temps are running 200 most all the time, even in these cold days of 3° C. still up around 198 or so, and in the heat of the summer, gets up over 200 easily, and 220
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 87
The Kirkland stuff is about $2.75/qt. I've been using it in several vehicles for a while now with no known issues.
Granted I'd like to see an analysis done on it too, but I'm glad to quit paying through the nose for motor oil.
(I've spent a small fortune on Mobil1)
Granted I'd like to see an analysis done on it too, but I'm glad to quit paying through the nose for motor oil.
(I've spent a small fortune on Mobil1)
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 981
From: Whitby Ont.
4.73 l is equal to 4.99 Us qts
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 194
Likes: 61
From: Atlanta Georgia
I have known Corvette owners that run Walmart SuperTech oil. It is 2 dollars a quart. They have not had any problems. I use it in my 89 Toyota pick-up. But, for my Vette, I am an oil snob. I only use Mobil 1. There is nothing wrong with discount brands. Especially if you are not going to drive your car “hard”. But, I am more comfortable using Mobil 1.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 4,308
Likes: 3,455
From: Somewhere, Florida
St. Jude Donor '20-'21-'22-'23-'24
My personal opinion on oil is simple:
If it has the dexos label, it is good enough to GM. If it's good enough to maintain warranty on a new Corvette, it's good enough for my 20 year old daily driven one. I'm not spending the money (or the hassle) on Amsoil either. I usually go for Mobil 1 from walmart. Cheapest price out there for it, and my closest Costco is over an hour and a half away so that's not an option (but I'd use it if it were).
If it has the dexos label, it is good enough to GM. If it's good enough to maintain warranty on a new Corvette, it's good enough for my 20 year old daily driven one. I'm not spending the money (or the hassle) on Amsoil either. I usually go for Mobil 1 from walmart. Cheapest price out there for it, and my closest Costco is over an hour and a half away so that's not an option (but I'd use it if it were).
Last edited by Stingroo; Mar 16, 2021 at 08:58 AM.
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Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 3,929
From: Philadelphia PA (Birthplace of the USA, UNESCO World Heritage City)
After extensive research including reading the additive packages between the Mobil 1 5w30 and Mobil 1 0w40 (Euro Formula) I've been using Mobil 1 0w40 Euro Formula in my C5Z.
There was also a person on bobistheoilguy.com that posted his lab analysis for his C5Z using 0w40 Euro Formula with good results. Once Mobil makes the 0w40 ESP (Dexos approved) readily available and the same price as the Euro Formula, I'll start using that.
Keep in mind that when the C5 was released, the 5w30 was the best oil for it and 0w40 didn't exist yet, hence why the 5w30 was recommended by GM. Since then (20+ years ago), oil technology has come a long way, and Mobil 1 0w40 (European Formula) Synthetic has better proven cold start protection at a 0 weight when cold (where 90% of engine wear occurs), and also has a higher HTHS rating designed for better wear protection on motors that run very similar temps to the C5, such as many BMWs which run in the high 200 degree range.
Now, 20+ years later, if the Corvette engineers tested the LS1/LS6 again with more modern oils, I bet they would change their recommendation on what oil to use.
You can read everything you want to know about oil (or ask questions) at the forums at https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ub.../forum_summary
The oil nerds there know much more than we do here on this forum about oil.
Read about HTHS ratings here:
https://commercial.lubrizoladditives...f-engine-oils/
Mobil 1 spec sheet (note the 0w40 has a higher HTHS rating of 3.6 versus 3.1 for the 5w30 which means better wear protection at the negligible expense of slightly lower fuel economy): https://mobiloil.com/en/motor-oils/mobil-1/mobil-1
Best part, it's only $25 for a 5 qt. jug at Walmart:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mobil-1-F...Quart/23636902
There was also a person on bobistheoilguy.com that posted his lab analysis for his C5Z using 0w40 Euro Formula with good results. Once Mobil makes the 0w40 ESP (Dexos approved) readily available and the same price as the Euro Formula, I'll start using that.
Keep in mind that when the C5 was released, the 5w30 was the best oil for it and 0w40 didn't exist yet, hence why the 5w30 was recommended by GM. Since then (20+ years ago), oil technology has come a long way, and Mobil 1 0w40 (European Formula) Synthetic has better proven cold start protection at a 0 weight when cold (where 90% of engine wear occurs), and also has a higher HTHS rating designed for better wear protection on motors that run very similar temps to the C5, such as many BMWs which run in the high 200 degree range.
Now, 20+ years later, if the Corvette engineers tested the LS1/LS6 again with more modern oils, I bet they would change their recommendation on what oil to use.
You can read everything you want to know about oil (or ask questions) at the forums at https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ub.../forum_summary
The oil nerds there know much more than we do here on this forum about oil.
Read about HTHS ratings here:
https://commercial.lubrizoladditives...f-engine-oils/
Mobil 1 spec sheet (note the 0w40 has a higher HTHS rating of 3.6 versus 3.1 for the 5w30 which means better wear protection at the negligible expense of slightly lower fuel economy): https://mobiloil.com/en/motor-oils/mobil-1/mobil-1
Best part, it's only $25 for a 5 qt. jug at Walmart:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mobil-1-F...Quart/23636902
Last edited by ArmchairArchitect; Mar 19, 2021 at 10:26 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 4,308
Likes: 3,455
From: Somewhere, Florida
St. Jude Donor '20-'21-'22-'23-'24
Wow. That 0W40 is compelling. $26.99 for a 5 quart and then $5.49 for the two extra to track-fill a C5 pan.
Interesting. Fuel economy be damned. I drive my car 80% city, 10% highway, and 10% track/autocross, so my DIC constantly reads somewhere between 7 and 10 mpg LOL
Interesting. Fuel economy be damned. I drive my car 80% city, 10% highway, and 10% track/autocross, so my DIC constantly reads somewhere between 7 and 10 mpg LOL
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,477
Likes: 87
I have known Corvette owners that run Walmart SuperTech oil. It is 2 dollars a quart. They have not had any problems. I use it in my 89 Toyota pick-up. But, for my Vette, I am an oil snob. I only use Mobil 1. There is nothing wrong with discount brands. Especially if you are not going to drive your car “hard”. But, I am more comfortable using Mobil 1.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 194
Likes: 61
From: Atlanta Georgia
I agree SuperTech is good oil. I use it in my Toyota, my Chevy Colorado, my lawn tractor and my Waverunner. But, my C5 Z06......she is special. I spend more money on her than I need to...........😀
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 106
Likes: 33
After extensive research including reading the additive packages between the Mobil 5w30 and Mobil 0w40 (Euro Formula) I've been using Mobil 1 0w40 Euro Formula in my C5Z.
There was also a person on bobistheoilguy.com that posted his lab analysis for his C5Z using 0w40 Euro Formula with good results. Once Mobil makes the 0w40 ESP (Dexos approved) readily available and the same price as the Euro Formula, I'll start using that.
Keep in mind that when the C5 was released, the 5w30 was the best oil for it and 0w40 didn't exist yet, hence why the 5w30 was recommended by GM. Since then (20+ years ago), oil technology has come a long way, and Mobil 1 0w40 (European Formula) Synthetic has better proven cold start protection at a 0 weight when cold (where 90% of engine wear occurs), and also has a higher HTHS rating designed for better wear protection on motors that run very similar temps to the C5, such as many BMWs which run in the high 200 degree range.
Now, 20+ years later, if the Corvette engineers tested the LS1/LS6 again with more modern oils, I bet they would change their recommendation on what oil to use.
You can read everything you want to know about oil (or ask questions) at the forums at https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ub.../forum_summary
The oil nerds there know much more than we do here on this forum about oil.
Read about HTHS ratings here:
https://commercial.lubrizoladditives...f-engine-oils/
Mobil 1 spec sheet (note the 0w40 has a higher HTHS rating of 3.6 versus 3.1 for the 5w30 which means better wear protection at the negligible expense of slightly lower fuel economy): https://mobiloil.com/en/motor-oils/mobil-1/mobil-1
There was also a person on bobistheoilguy.com that posted his lab analysis for his C5Z using 0w40 Euro Formula with good results. Once Mobil makes the 0w40 ESP (Dexos approved) readily available and the same price as the Euro Formula, I'll start using that.
Keep in mind that when the C5 was released, the 5w30 was the best oil for it and 0w40 didn't exist yet, hence why the 5w30 was recommended by GM. Since then (20+ years ago), oil technology has come a long way, and Mobil 1 0w40 (European Formula) Synthetic has better proven cold start protection at a 0 weight when cold (where 90% of engine wear occurs), and also has a higher HTHS rating designed for better wear protection on motors that run very similar temps to the C5, such as many BMWs which run in the high 200 degree range.
Now, 20+ years later, if the Corvette engineers tested the LS1/LS6 again with more modern oils, I bet they would change their recommendation on what oil to use.
You can read everything you want to know about oil (or ask questions) at the forums at https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ub.../forum_summary
The oil nerds there know much more than we do here on this forum about oil.
Read about HTHS ratings here:
https://commercial.lubrizoladditives...f-engine-oils/
Mobil 1 spec sheet (note the 0w40 has a higher HTHS rating of 3.6 versus 3.1 for the 5w30 which means better wear protection at the negligible expense of slightly lower fuel economy): https://mobiloil.com/en/motor-oils/mobil-1/mobil-1
Racer
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 380
Likes: 170
From: Erath County Texas
I m probably going to tossed under the bus on this one..just curious about engine oils, dexos certified.
Is there any advantage or disadvantage with sticking with one particular brand if they are all dexos rated ?
ie: Castrol, Mobil 1, Pennzoil, Kirkland/Costco, or any other brands. I know some are going to swear by Amsiol.
am sure it is an excellent oil, but who wants to spend $100 + on an oil change, just saying.
just curious about oils for us common folk. I used a lot of Mobil over the years, using Kirkland the last cp oil changes.
I see no difference, but then again, didn t get an oil analysis.
Is there any advantage or disadvantage with sticking with one particular brand if they are all dexos rated ?
ie: Castrol, Mobil 1, Pennzoil, Kirkland/Costco, or any other brands. I know some are going to swear by Amsiol.
am sure it is an excellent oil, but who wants to spend $100 + on an oil change, just saying.
just curious about oils for us common folk. I used a lot of Mobil over the years, using Kirkland the last cp oil changes.
I see no difference, but then again, didn t get an oil analysis.
a year or 5K miles. Cheap insurance.
I've been running Amsoil in all my engines for the last 15 years. It's good stuff. No, I don't sell it. That MLM thing is a stain on the Amsoil brand, to be sure.
"Miracle Wash" has been a great add since we started doing some backyard car shows with her '71 Coupe.
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I have always used Mobil 1 5W-30 full synthetic oil in my C4, C5 and now C7 Vettes. I am sure the other oils are good, but I have had no problems with Mobil 1 so see no need to change.
Last edited by Vetteman Jack; Mar 18, 2021 at 12:24 PM.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 981
From: Whitby Ont.
don t think i ll be paying $58 cdn for 4.73 L
is like $47 us for 5 qts.
Last edited by walleyejack; Mar 18, 2021 at 03:33 PM.
Banned Scam/Spammer
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From: Philadelphia PA (Birthplace of the USA, UNESCO World Heritage City)
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mobil-1-F...Quart/23636902
Last edited by ArmchairArchitect; Mar 19, 2021 at 10:15 AM.