Correct oil level
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,104
Likes: 626
From: Baton Rouge LA
Right, I do recall that and commented on it at the time. I do wonder if there is any kind of objective means of determining just what the threshold in fact is. GM makes such a big deal about not going above the hatch marks it makes me think the clearance between correct oil level and the crank isn't very much.
Last edited by iclick; Apr 9, 2013 at 11:15 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 5,078
Likes: 19
From: Cumming, GA
Right, I do recall that and commented on it at the time. I do wonder if there is any kind of objective means of determining just what the threshold in fact is. GM makes such a big deal about not going above the hatch marks it makes me think the clearance between correct oil level and the crank isn't very much.
GM or any manufacturer will make a big thing out of anything (i.e. nothing) to not have to warranty something. This is NOT to suggest 1qt more is going to hurt your motor even driving around on the street. If one were to overfill 2-3qts I can see that becoming an issue quickly but that doesnt even seem half way possible unless you forget to drain 3qts prior to filling.
I've been running 7qts in mine for almost 4yrs now. I have a LS2 with C6Z oil cooler and completely stock oiling system otherwise. No issues at all and it sees lots of hwy driving, street driving and high rpm driving.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2013
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From: Baton Rouge LA
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,104
Likes: 626
From: Baton Rouge LA
Regarding the burnt-oil smell, I got it today at an intersection and pulled over within a minute. I couldn't smell anything from the exhaust nor under the engine compartment. The smell seems confined to the interior of the car, has never been a strong odor when present, and is only apparent when idling and stationary. Not sure what to conclude from this.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 878
Likes: 61
From: Louisa, Ky
Too much
Engines that pump too much oil to the top without draining back fast enough run out of oil to the crank. Small block chev was the worst with roller cams and such and did not do any better with deep pans and more oil. The cure was oil restrictors in the oil gallery that fed the lifter bores. A lot of us learned this the hard way!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 2,155
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From: Escondido CA
ditto..my 09 z51 m6 is exactly the same..about a 1/2 inch over with 6qts..
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,104
Likes: 626
From: Baton Rouge LA
That's a good point that I hadn't thought of. I don't know how long the dealer let it drain, but I'll keep this in mind when I start doing it beginning with the next change.
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Race Director
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From: Guelph, Ontario
FWIW, I've been running a full quart over in my LS1 for the past 9 years and 100,000 miles and it hasn't caused a problem at all. I would confidently do the same with an LS2 as well. My take on it is that if the manual says it is safe to add that extra oil when racing, then obviously that extra quart is not going to cause the crank to slosh through the oil. And another point, you would know when that occurs, you simply check the dipstick immediately after shutdown and if you see tiny bubbles on it, that indicates aeration.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2013
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Likes: 626
From: Baton Rouge LA
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 3,104
Likes: 626
From: Baton Rouge LA