Engine Oil Analysis update
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 20,246
Likes: 0
From: Katy Texas
Engine Oil Analysis update
Last year I waited until my 2001 C5's DIC told me to change the oil, which was 8,719 miles into the oil's life. I had the oil analyzed by Blackstone Labs. The results were good, but there was high iron content, so they suggested that the next oil change be at 5,000 miles and retest. In a strange coincidence, 5,002 miles came within one day of a full year of the previous one, so it was time to change it anyway. I also had this oil analyzed, and the results are below.
What is interesting is that the iron content dropped. Couple that with the fact that I went from needing 3 quarts of make-up oil in the previous change to just 1 quart in this one, and it might mean something.
What is interesting is that the previous change had many thousands of highway miles on it, whereas this one was 100% my commuting to work and running errands, where I tend to drive the car much harder.
What is interesting is that the iron content dropped. Couple that with the fact that I went from needing 3 quarts of make-up oil in the previous change to just 1 quart in this one, and it might mean something.
What is interesting is that the previous change had many thousands of highway miles on it, whereas this one was 100% my commuting to work and running errands, where I tend to drive the car much harder.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
From: Greenville SC
Mine's not a dd, so I usually do it once or twice a year - at least that's what I did with my old '95.. The new one - I had it changed at 1500, an that wasn't but a few weeks ago.. Will probabaly be next spring before it gets any attention..
JCR_Indy
JCR_Indy
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 15,323
Likes: 2,077
From: Guelph, Ontario
Iron is still a tad high, it should be closer to 8-10ppm in 5k. I'd rather see lead a bit lower too.
I will be posting a 5k oil analysis from my C5 next week, using German Castrol 0w30.
What oil and air filter was run on this 2001?
I will be posting a 5k oil analysis from my C5 next week, using German Castrol 0w30.
What oil and air filter was run on this 2001?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,481
Likes: 0
From: ST CHARLES ILL
Well with over 3,000 less miles (40% less) would you not have expected the iron content to drop? In addition, as the engine continues to "break in", you are going to have less metal removal.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,374
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Florida
Thanks for the analysis. That's good information.
I change mine when the DIC reads around 45%. In some cases I'll change sooner if I've had the car on a track or taken a trip.
Changing oil is the best protective expense I can have.
I change mine when the DIC reads around 45%. In some cases I'll change sooner if I've had the car on a track or taken a trip.
Changing oil is the best protective expense I can have.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Change mine at 50% which is about 500 miles / two weekends on the track.
I have three oil changes I need to take to the recycle place. Maybe I should send each sample to Blackstone to see what come of it.
Dave cool pic with the vettes and the mountains
I have three oil changes I need to take to the recycle place. Maybe I should send each sample to Blackstone to see what come of it.
Dave cool pic with the vettes and the mountains
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Overland Park KS
Originally Posted by Casper
So if I understand correctly here, you guys are having to add oil to late model cars and my old '82 never needs any addition.
Well with my '01 C5 that seemed to be the case, but still not as bad as others have complained about with their 01's. Usually only added about 1/2 quart between oil changes which were done about every 5k miles. Now with our '04 I haven't had to add a drop of oil since purchased new earlier this year. I've got about 4k on the clock with a lot of spirited driving and 2k mile round trip to Texas this past summer. Oil looks clears still.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,374
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville Florida
Originally Posted by AU N EGL
Change mine at 50% which is about 500 miles / two weekends on the track.
I have three oil changes I need to take to the recycle place. Maybe I should send each sample to Blackstone to see what come of it.
Dave cool pic with the vettes and the mountains
I have three oil changes I need to take to the recycle place. Maybe I should send each sample to Blackstone to see what come of it.
Dave cool pic with the vettes and the mountains
Cool VIR pic, too.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 16,935
Likes: 26
From: Lackey, my own dragstrip VA.
Virginia Events Coordinator
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
NCM Ambassador
I have ALAWAYS done all my vehicles at..........5K miles since 1980 and have never had an engine oil conusmption problem in any of the 8+ new vehicles we have had.
The DIC on the 00' and the "change engine oil" oil on my 99' GMC p/u come on right around...........5K miles!
I drive them hard so its not a suprise to me
The DIC on the 00' and the "change engine oil" oil on my 99' GMC p/u come on right around...........5K miles!
I drive them hard so its not a suprise to me
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 0
From: Stop staring at my azz!!!! IL.
I change mine in fall of every year before I store her for the winter,usually about 2,500 miles and yes I still use mobil 1,it may be a waste of money but it is still just once a year...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,047
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
Originally Posted by AU N EGL
Change mine at 50% which is about 500 miles / two weekends on the track. ......
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
Originally Posted by Patman
Iron is still a tad high, it should be closer to 8-10ppm in 5k. I'd rather see lead a bit lower too.
I will be posting a 5k oil analysis from my C5 next week, using German Castrol 0w30.
What oil and air filter was run on this 2001?
I will be posting a 5k oil analysis from my C5 next week, using German Castrol 0w30.
What oil and air filter was run on this 2001?
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 22,025
Likes: 192
From: At the beach in little Rhody
For those sending to Blackstone, you should request the Terry Dyson package for $35 which also includes TBN analysis. I believe it is #46, but will have to verify unless Patman knows. For this, Terry will also review your oil analysis results and provide in depth information. You will be amazed at what he can pick up simply looking at your oil sample. I have him review mine every year.