Old school
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Cruising
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 12
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From: San Francisco CA
Old school
This may appear to be a dumb question but I'm from the old school where I would change the oil in a new car after the first thousand miles. However, with synthetic oil and the dry sump with more oil, is it a waste of money or is it good for the engine? Just need some input from other Corvette owners.
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 629
From: Manheim Pennsylvania
Some think you should change the oil early to remove possible manufacturing debris. If you think about that reasoning, one thousand miles is already to late. Today's manufacturing process has virtually eliminated this condition, and the improved oil filters will catch any remaining residual amount. I personally will change the oil based on the DIC notification.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 215
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From: Woodstock, IL
St. Jude Donor '15
Some think you should change the oil early to remove possible manufacturing debris. If you think about that reasoning, one thousand miles is already to late. Today's manufacturing process has virtually eliminated this condition, and the improved oil filters will catch any remaining residual amount. I personally will change the oil based on the DIC notification.
Anything sooner is a waste of money and irresponsible
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,269
Likes: 25
From: Simi Valley Ca
As I understand it, modern oil actually have better lubricating capacity as it gets older with mileage. Personally, I will do my first change oil at around 4500-5K miles as I did with my previous Vettes,, BMW's etc. Changing it prematurely really has no benifit and may even not be ideal during break in which goes well beyond 500 miles.
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Woodstock, IL
St. Jude Donor '15
I get your point, I ask myself this all the time. I do own a Prius and a Fusion Hybrid that my wife and I drive on a daily basis. I recycle and collect rain water...call me what you like. I also love F1, own a Ducati 888 Ltd. and will take possession of a C7 in a few weeks. If all this makes me a hypocrite so be it. I am trying to balance between be environmentally responsible and still enjoy life. I apologize if I offended anyone.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 222
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From: Daytona Beach Florida
Some think you should change the oil early to remove possible manufacturing debris. If you think about that reasoning, one thousand miles is already to late. Today's manufacturing process has virtually eliminated this condition, and the improved oil filters will catch any remaining residual amount. I personally will change the oil based on the DIC notification.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 878
Likes: 61
From: Louisa, Ky
I found the oil analysis one of the other members did on their first early oil change very interesting. Made me change mine early. But its a judgement call for everyone to choose based on best info at hand.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 5,191
Likes: 3,388
From: Morrill Nebraska
This may appear to be a dumb question but I'm from the old school where I would change the oil in a new car after the first thousand miles. However, with synthetic oil and the dry sump with more oil, is it a waste of money or is it good for the engine? Just need some input from other Corvette owners.
Last edited by robertbruce; May 30, 2014 at 10:38 PM.
Racer
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: MI
I agree 100%. Cheap Insurance. Those particles have to go somewhere. Filters can only hold so much.
changing oil at 1000 miles has nothing to do with "possible manufacturing debris" has all to do with all the metal particles scraped off the moving parts in the engine as it is first run and each part is "breaking itself in" to the metal part it is rubbing against. If you had first hand knowledge of the quantity of fine metal particles floating around in your oil you would change your tune. Using magnetic drain plugs and other magnets to catch particles and cutting open an oil filter for inspection from a fresh run engine as I have many times in the last 40 years would really open up your eyes. Nothing irresponsible about "being safe, not sorry" with your new 70,000 toy. Is it totally necessary? NO, or else GM would ask you to do it. But is it a smart precautionary step to take for even better engine life and performance? YES!!! Running a fresh engine without changing oil early is like running fine sandpaper through your engine for a lot longer than needed to be as these small particles suspended in oil are just rubbing away a lot extra metal at every metal to metal contact point in the engine.