Wanted to run this by the Forum and see if anyone else knows about this or has observed it. I have a 2000 Coupe and under my driving style and conditions my DIC will approach the 10% oil life range between 4500 and 5000 miles. When my g/f and I picked up her 2002 Coupe at the NCM, Adam told use the algorithm had changed and now the C5 can go for 10,000 - 15,000 miles before the oil life indicator lets you know it's time to change the oil. We verified this to be acurate because after an oil change and 1000 miles later my DIC would show about 80% oil life left while the g/f's would show about 91-92%.

What I want to know is this, what if any changes to the motor itself took place between 2000 and 2002 that would prompt GM to change the algorithm OR did they simply change it because the Mobil 1 synthetic was still is great shape after 5000 miles and could go another 5000+ miles?

I do NOT want this thread to turn into a comparison of when people change their oil, I don't care when YOU change your oil. (That topic has been overkilled to the nth degree on this Forum). I just want some feedback on the difference in the algorithm between a 2000 and 2002 C5 and any facts, science, or engineering behind the decision to make the change.

Thanks!

 

I think it's because the LS1 is burning cleaner than ever. Better fuel economy and better emissions.

When an engine burns cleaner it leaves less contaminents in the oil. Hence; the oil can be used at a longer change interval.

As for Mobile 1 changing their formulation for the better I think it's only a marketing ploy.




[Modified by TAL, 8:54 AM 7/31/2002]

 

I have an 02. When I change my oil at 3000 miles, my DIC is at 80%

that's all the info I have for you.

 

There was an article, about a year ago (maybe 18 months) in the GM Corvette Quarterly that stated GM had gone to 15,000 miles max algorithm from 7500 due to further tesing and evaluation. I believe it started with the 2002 car but it could of been the 2001.
I did a search but my posting was too far back

 

Like he said, but I think the max mileage went from 10,000 to 15,000 and the year of the change was 2001.

 

That's the kind of info I'm looking for! :cheers: :cheers: If that's the case I should be able to reset my oil life on my 2000 at 50% and then run it down all the way to 10% again before I change my oil, knowing that the engine and oil will be just fine! Should be able to get another 2500-3000 miles out of my oil changes this way. :cheers: :cheers:

THX for the info!!

 

Yes, the oil change interval has been increased to finally recognize the actual potential of synthetic oils. This was a political/business consideration for GM vis: the oil companies, who want you to change every 3K just like your grandfather did. GM's lawyers decided they had better get with the truth....... :yesnod: :D

 

You run more risk getting a bad quart of oil by changing every other day as some do then any chance of the oil wearing out or getting contaminated. My 00 had 90K and there was no change in oil consumption and I followed the computer recommendation. That to me is proof enough.

 

My DIC is at 85% now with1850 hard,AZ. hot Twin Turbo(all the hotter) miles on it.I will change at 75% or 2400 which ever comes 1st.REMEMBER IMHO the DIC does NOT account for time as well as it should 3 Months is all those additive and detergents are good for!!! so if you drive 185 miles still dump the oil every 3 months and the filter every 6 mos.Dave S.

 

I usually change about 3k miles, but his time my DIC is down to 30%, im going to wait to see what the oil looks like at 10%. The oil still looks decently clean, only hiway mileage and not hard driven.

Chan