when to change oil?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,707
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles
Of course everyone can change when they feel comfortable but doesn't counting rpm's make more sense than counting miles? Surely everyone can understand that driving 3000 miles at 70mph in 6th gear at a steady 1600 rpm is far less wear and tear than the same miles over a much longer time period with 6000 rpm blasts in every gear around the city, no?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
Only the ZR1s had them, the Grand Sport LT4s were just like the LT1s. What do you not understand about them??? Their right on top of the engine with easy access...easiest car I've ever changed the oil on. I'll admit the first time I changed the oil, I thought "what a stupid idea...oil is going to go everywhere when I unscrew it". But not a drop anywhere coming off or going on (with a full filter minus the center tube drained) and I can reach the drain plug from the driver side without jacking it up or going on ramps. Like I said...easiest car I've ever changed the oil on.
Gee if some ppl go mega thousands of miles between oil changes, I have some slightly used oil, only 500 miles between changes, I will see you cheep.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,328
Likes: 405
Just kidding about that. First time my buddy opened his hood. that oil filter was right there. and He said the same thing about changing his oil vs his C5.
Gee if some ppl go mega thousands of miles between oil changes, I have some slightly used oil, only 500 miles between changes, I will see you cheep.
Gee if some ppl go mega thousands of miles between oil changes, I have some slightly used oil, only 500 miles between changes, I will see you cheep.
after my question marks as it was meant more in jest. Sorry about that.I'll pass on your 500 mile oil...I've read your posts and would guess your 500 miles results in a little more than "slightly" used.
I got less than 1000 miles out of my last oil change before the light came on...it was a fun 1000 miles though.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
Likes: 33
From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
I'll pass on your 500 mile oil...I've read your posts and would guess your 500 miles results in a little more than "slightly" used. I got less than 1000 miles out of my last oil change before the light came on...it was a fun 1000 miles though.
I got less than 1000 miles out of my last oil change before the light came on...it was a fun 1000 miles though.
Oh just pulled my heads to do my yearly inspection and check my springs.
Valve heads are cleaaannnnnnnn and shinny. Valve seat is perfect and springs are set for next year. 26,000 hard track miles. Damn I love the LS6s ( now if I could just sell one of my extra houses, some Other mods would occur. )
Last month I was at a local dealers shop. Heads were pulled off a C6 with less then 20,000 miles. Looked like chit inside. Guy never drove the car above 4000 rpms and it was all gummed up.
Drive you cars guys, change the oil and get it sampled. Then you know what is going on inside your engine.
Dont be a hero and set the NY taxi cab record between oil changes.
1000 mile oil Glass
yup I know were your coming from.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 6,149
Likes: 11
From: Greater Detroit Metro MI, when I'm not travelling.
Of course everyone can change when they feel comfortable but doesn't counting rpm's make more sense than counting miles? Surely everyone can understand that driving 3000 miles at 70mph in 6th gear at a steady 1600 rpm is far less wear and tear than the same miles over a much longer time period with 6000 rpm blasts in every gear around the city, no?
3000 miles at 1600rpm is a lot more time for piston ring blowby to contaminate the oil with water and fuel and eliminate its lubricity, for one thing, and if those miles are performed on short commutes that never get the oil hot enough to volatize those contaminants, then you're in real trouble...
So, counting RPMs definitely better than counting miles, but you still need to look at the whole picture....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,707
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles
Not exactly. There is much more to the story than just that.
3000 miles at 1600rpm is a lot more time for piston ring blowby to contaminate the oil with water and fuel and eliminate its lubricity, for one thing, and if those miles are performed on short commutes that never get the oil hot enough to volatize those contaminants, then you're in real trouble...
So, counting RPMs definitely better than counting miles, but you still need to look at the whole picture....
3000 miles at 1600rpm is a lot more time for piston ring blowby to contaminate the oil with water and fuel and eliminate its lubricity, for one thing, and if those miles are performed on short commutes that never get the oil hot enough to volatize those contaminants, then you're in real trouble...
So, counting RPMs definitely better than counting miles, but you still need to look at the whole picture....
If you are not comfortable going all the way down to 10 or 20% oil life remaining, change it at 50%. But don't do it by miles. It doesn't make any sense.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,860
Likes: 5
From: Tampa FL
Sure it makes sense. No need to complicate something simple. I've always used 5000 miles and my engines do fine. Just changed the vette oil again and I think the DIC was at 30%. Whatever method you use, you basically just need to change it often enough so that it still does it's job.
