Oil question
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 7,146
Likes: 1,940
From: Hagerstown MD
St. Jude Donor '15-'16,'18
Oil question
I know there are some very knowledgeable folks on this forum with respect to oil. I understand that GM "recommends" Mobil 1 for our Corvettes but I also feel that this recommendation is based as much on a contractual arrangement between GM(Chevrolet) and EXXON/Mobil as it is on the unique properties of Mobil 1. While I have been using Mobil 1 exclusively in my C7 I am curious to know what other oils folks are using in their cars and why? I believe it is correct that any dexos certified oil in either 5W30 or 0W40 satisfies GM specifications and thus will maintain the drive train warranty. Is this correct? I appreciate your input.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 139
Likes: 97
From: North Texas
Any Dexos 2 certified oil of the proper viscosity will meet the requirement. Go to https://www.gmdexos.com/owner/brands/dexos2/index.html and there is a list of the approved Dexos 2 oils. I use Mobil 1 in all my vehicles (19 GS, Ford Coyote engine in my 1968 Ford XL vert, 2012 Toyota Venza, 19 Hyundai Veloster Ultimate), but that specific brand is not a requirement, just Dexos 2 certified.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 15,323
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From: Guelph, Ontario
I am currently using Mobil 1 ESP Formula 5w30, which is dexos2 certified just like the 0w40 version is, however when my current supply runs out I am most likely switching over to Pennzoil Euro L 5w30, which is also dexos2 certified (and considerably cheaper, I was paying $17 per liter for ESP, but the Pennzoil Euro is often on sale for $31 for the 5L jug)
I prefer the dexos2 oils over the dexos1 oils because they've got a higher HTHS (they have to be at least 3.5, compared to around 3.1 for most dexos1 oils) Also, the dexos2 oils usually have lower sulphated ash as well, making them better at keeping the engine clean in the long run (very important given the direct injection on these cars)
I prefer the dexos2 oils over the dexos1 oils because they've got a higher HTHS (they have to be at least 3.5, compared to around 3.1 for most dexos1 oils) Also, the dexos2 oils usually have lower sulphated ash as well, making them better at keeping the engine clean in the long run (very important given the direct injection on these cars)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,340
Likes: 2,084
From: Lehigh Valley PA
Its true any Dexos 2 oil will work...but Mobil 1 Extended Performance is around $25 - $28 per 5 qt jug at Walmart (and less when there's a rebate) - why would you consider another brand that may be a few dollars up or down? Is it worth it to go against what has been recommended since the C4 generation?
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 15,323
Likes: 2,077
From: Guelph, Ontario
Its true any Dexos 2 oil will work...but Mobil 1 Extended Performance is around $25 - $28 per 5 qt jug at Walmart (and less when there's a rebate) - why would you consider another brand that may be a few dollars up or down? Is it worth it to go against what has been recommended since the C4 generation?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,340
Likes: 2,084
From: Lehigh Valley PA
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 7,146
Likes: 1,940
From: Hagerstown MD
St. Jude Donor '15-'16,'18
Mobil 1 is a major sponsor of Corvette Racing and I am not questioning that it is or is not a great oil. I was just curious to find out if other C7 owners were using any other brand and why. Thanks for the replies.
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Team Owner
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I switched to Royal Purple on the 88 when I changed the engine, but have since gone back to M1 in all my cars except for my Tacoma, which gets GTX.
As long as you stick with dexos 2 for the warranty you can pick from those. If youre really interested in trying other oils, send samples off for testing. I have done it, it can tell you just how long you should keep the oil in the car and identify some wear issues you might not realize.
As long as you stick with dexos 2 for the warranty you can pick from those. If youre really interested in trying other oils, send samples off for testing. I have done it, it can tell you just how long you should keep the oil in the car and identify some wear issues you might not realize.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 13,602
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From: Virginia
Personally, I don't see any reason to use anything other than the GM recommended Mobil1 Dexos and PF64 filter. I mean if you can afford a $70,000 sportscar do you really need to save a few bucks on the oil & filter especially considering how infrequently synthetic oil needs to be changed.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 25
Likes: 7
I switched to Amsoil Signature Series 5W30 full synthetic on this last oil change. It's not cheap, but run it in my Harley & Honda bikes and it performs well. Having spent most of my life in the oil and chemical business, there's not a lot of difference in the syn oils, with viscosity of the oils being the important factor. Any of the Dexos 2 oils will / would be fine for the C7's.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 3,340
Likes: 2,084
From: Lehigh Valley PA
Personally, I don't see any reason to use anything other than the GM recommended Mobil1 Dexos and PF64 filter. I mean if you can afford a $70,000 sportscar do you really need to save a few bucks on the oil & filter especially considering how infrequently synthetic oil needs to be changed.
This was the point I was trying to make...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Calgary Alberta
I wouldn't take oil change advice from a guy that goes 30,000 miles between changes.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Left Coast, San Diego
