Oil Change




Robert :)
Where the 5w30 shines is in colder weather, as it's cold cranking performance is better. So if you're driving in the winter, definitely go with the 5w30 over 10w30.
There is no reason you can't use 5w30 in the summer though, or even 0w30. Amsoil makes a great 0w30, and there is also the excellent German made Castrol Formula SLX 0w30 (sold at some Autozones under the Syntec label, and at Walmart in Canada)
I would avoid Mobil 1 0w30 though, I haven't seen too many good oil analysis results with that stuff. (actually I'm not a fan of Mobil 1 in the LS1 anyways, as I feel the LS1 needs an oil closer to 12cst at 100c, while M1 is closer to 10cst at 100c, so it's a tad on the thin side)
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Where the 5w30 shines is in colder weather, as it's cold cranking performance is better. So if you're driving in the winter, definitely go with the 5w30 over 10w30.
There is no reason you can't use 5w30 in the summer though, or even 0w30.
Independant testing by NASA states that after the oil warms up to a specific temp (approx. 160 degrees F.), 5W30 and 10W30 have the same viscosity.
Also, I would like to mention that 10W30 is not recommended by GM. The only oil recommended by GM for the Corvette is 5W30. The owners manual states:
"SAE 5W-30 As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 10W-30 if it's going to be 0°F (-18°C) or above. These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 20W-50."
Now, in the owner's manual, next to the thermometer, there are two double headed arrows. The first arrow states: SAE 5W30 RECOMMENDED; the second arrow states: SAE 10W30 ACCEPTABLE if 5W30 IS NOT AVAILABLE. Therefore, 5W30 is the ONLY recommended weight oil for the Vette. How do people read these statements in the owner's manual and conclude that 10W30 is also recommended?
[Modified by WhiteC5Vette, 5:59 PM 8/8/2003]
"SAE 5W-30 As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 10W-30 if it's going to be 0°F (-18°C) or above. These numbers on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 20W-50."
Now, in the owner's manual, next to the thermometer, there are two double headed arrows. The first arrow states: SAE 5W30 RECOMMENDED; the second arrow states: SAE 10W30 ACCEPTABLE if 5W30 IS NOT AVAILABLE. Therefore, 5W30 is the ONLY recommended weight oil for the Vette. How do people read these statements in the owner's manual and conclude that 10W30 is also recommended?
[Modified by WhiteC5Vette, 5:59 PM 8/8/2003]
If you aren't facing 0-degree (f) temperature, the 10w30 is acceptable. 5w-30 is preferred for all climates.
It's not worth worrying over.
10w30 has less viscosity index improver added to it, so it has ever so slightly less goo potential than 5w30.
Bottom line, snag the 5w30, or the 10w30 and you should be just fine.
It's funny that the same debates exist in the motorcycling community--Harleys, Ducatis, Aprilias, where I also spend time reading oil debates.
Some oils promote extended drain intervals and less wear, but I'm not buyin' since I've never seen anything showing that any synthetic did more to help an engine survive vs. any other. On that note, I haven't seen anything proving that synthetics help engines survive better than quality branded conventional oils. Marketing 101, but I stay with M1 in the Vette since that is what it was filled with at the factory.
http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/s.../oil-life.html


















