Oil changes on new C-5
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Redondo Beach CA
Oil changes on new C-5
Having always changed oil every 3-5 thousand miles on every car I have ever owned , I am reluctant to leave oil in the crankcase until the DIC indicates it's time. I know that with new technology and synthetic oils and all it may be fine, but I remain skeptical. At the same time, the synthetics are expensive. What are the rest of you doing ?
I'd appreciate your opinions. JJP
01 6-spd coupe, Black, 3,000 mi. :confused:
[Modified by jprietto, 4:02 PM 12/8/2001]
I'd appreciate your opinions. JJP
01 6-spd coupe, Black, 3,000 mi. :confused:
[Modified by jprietto, 4:02 PM 12/8/2001]
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,302
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06
Re: Oil changes on new C-5 (jprietto)
jprietto,
I think I am one of many sick C5 owners in that I constantly change the oil even before 3,000 miles.
When the car was new a year ago, I did the first oil change at: 1,460 miles installed the magnetic oil drain plug and AC Delco Ultraguard Gold oil filter. Second oil change was at: 2,960 miles.
When the car was new, I wanted to make sure that I got as much of the harmful metal particles out as much as I could while the engine was in its "break in" period.
Now, I still don't wait until 3,000 miles. I change it out at around every 2,500 miles. I always want fresh oil in my crankcase for the best engine protection.
Hope this helps.
Shawn
I think I am one of many sick C5 owners in that I constantly change the oil even before 3,000 miles.
When the car was new a year ago, I did the first oil change at: 1,460 miles installed the magnetic oil drain plug and AC Delco Ultraguard Gold oil filter. Second oil change was at: 2,960 miles.
When the car was new, I wanted to make sure that I got as much of the harmful metal particles out as much as I could while the engine was in its "break in" period.
Now, I still don't wait until 3,000 miles. I change it out at around every 2,500 miles. I always want fresh oil in my crankcase for the best engine protection.
Hope this helps.
Shawn
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Re: Oil changes on new C-5 (jprietto)
Even though many believe that our engines are "broken-in" at the factory, our rings still need to wear a bit to be truly "broken-in". For this reason, I believe that if you change the oil at 500 miles and then every 3000 or less, you may be driving for many years befiore the engine gets broken-in.
Having full confidence in the PF-44 filter, I changed my oil for the first time at 3000 miles and will probably change it subsequently when my D.I.C. reads 10-20%. This will mean that I will change the oil every 5000 - 6000 miles, which will come around every 9 -12 months, depending on how much rain we get here in Southern California. Then again, may be if I have extra time anf money on my hands, I'll change it sooner!
Certainly, 3000-mile changes will not hurt anything, so I don't blame anyone else for being extra cautious.
Having full confidence in the PF-44 filter, I changed my oil for the first time at 3000 miles and will probably change it subsequently when my D.I.C. reads 10-20%. This will mean that I will change the oil every 5000 - 6000 miles, which will come around every 9 -12 months, depending on how much rain we get here in Southern California. Then again, may be if I have extra time anf money on my hands, I'll change it sooner!
Certainly, 3000-mile changes will not hurt anything, so I don't blame anyone else for being extra cautious.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 298
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio Texas
Re: Oil changes on new C-5 (jprietto)
You will probably get a wide range of answers to your question. Some ignore the DIC and change every 3,000 mi, others use the DIC and change at various percentages (20 to 60%). Personally, I watch the DIC and start checking the dipstick very frequently after 3,000 mi. As soon as the oil turns a medium to dark brown, I change it. For me, this is around 6,000 mi (FWIW, the DIC has displayed 40 to 60%). I could probably extend a little, but why take the chance; it's not that expensive to change the oil.
[Modified by John Nowak PE, 7:01 PM 12/8/2001]
[Modified by John Nowak PE, 7:01 PM 12/8/2001]
Pro
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 641
Likes: 3
From: Eldersburg MD
Re: Oil changes on new C-5 (jprietto)
I'm using the DIC as an indicator, waiting until 30% to start thinking about an oil change. I also check the color of the oil, once it becomes non-transparent, it's time. Since I don't put 10,000 miles on in a year, it's done once a summer. Don't worry, this synthetic stuff is great and lasts a long time. It goes in like cooking oil and comes out the same way. Here's a pic of 7k miles on my oil:
Pat
Pat
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,803
Likes: 0
From: Panama City Beach FL
Re: Oil changes on new C-5 (Pat97Vette)
The advantage of synthetic motor oil is the lack of waxes present in dino oils (no sludging) and in addition to other advantages, it's excellent cleanliness. So I'm thinking as long as your filter is top notch, you should easily be able to go well beyond 5k miles, probably close to 10k - if you use the car daily. I also believe with time, the pollutants trapped within the oil can separate from the oil (ie. when the car is in storage) and possibly attack the steel within the engine.
So having said that, the previous owner changed the oil every 3 months or 3k miles religiously. I don't get around to driving the vette much because of my work schedule doesn't allow it most of the time. For me, keeping the 3k or 3 month oil change frequency is a practice to keep and considering how much the vette costs, what's a $30 oil change in the grand scheme of things?
So having said that, the previous owner changed the oil every 3 months or 3k miles religiously. I don't get around to driving the vette much because of my work schedule doesn't allow it most of the time. For me, keeping the 3k or 3 month oil change frequency is a practice to keep and considering how much the vette costs, what's a $30 oil change in the grand scheme of things?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Redondo Beach CA
Re: Oil changes on new C-5 (luvinc5)
Thanks to all of you for your good advice.
I'll be watching the DIC, checking the color, using a bit of intuition, and not exceeding, the 30-40 percent indication. I'll also use my 6 mos. or 5000 mi. rule and see how that works out vs. the DIC indicator. :)
I'll be watching the DIC, checking the color, using a bit of intuition, and not exceeding, the 30-40 percent indication. I'll also use my 6 mos. or 5000 mi. rule and see how that works out vs. the DIC indicator. :)
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Verdad Gallardo
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 8,205
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From: Tucson AZ
Re: Oil changes on new C-5 (jprietto)
jp: Using synthetics it is OK to go at least 6K between changes. This is more than twice as often as GM recommends, but it "feels" good. :D If you are a normal driver and don't drag race every weekend, this schedule should be fine. I have been doing the 6K change for years and on one 150K plus mileage engine, we could not see any wear! Use the money for something else. :smash: