Oil type....
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 12,250
Likes: 4,741
From: SE WI
One would think that, but we have a forum member that has been denied warranty coverage for an on-track blown engine because the 0W-40 Dexos2 was used instead of 15W-50. He owns a prior to 2019 model vehicle. You may want to review that thread as well as receive information in writing from GM that they will not deny warranty coverage for on-track issues for pre-2019 vehicles if the 0W-40 dexos2 oil is used. Otherwise, based on the story I've seen, I'd suggest using the 15W-50 for pre-2019 vehicles.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 787
Likes: 127
From: Connecticut
Sorry, I was looking for something that specifically says you can use 0W40 for tracking a pre 2019 Corvette. In my opinion, that TSB doesn't say that. Sure it sort of implies it.
I am leaning towards using 5W30 and then switching to 15W50 for track days again which is a PIA.
I am leaning towards using 5W30 and then switching to 15W50 for track days again which is a PIA.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 787
Likes: 127
From: Connecticut
That's kind of a tricky document. They strongly imply that 2014-2019 non-ZR1 C7s may use the 0W-40 Dexos2 on track, as use of the 15W-50 is not listed as a requirement as it is for the ZR1. However, it isn't stated plainly anywhere that I saw. If I'm on the jury, GM loses if they deny warranty coverage to a non-ZR1 C7 owner for using the 0W-40 Dexos2, that otherwise had an on-track failure covered by warranty. I hope that's how it works out.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 2,055
From: Margate, FL
To me the question is what changed in 2019? The answer appears to be that the new (and per GM & Mobil "better") oil became available. This oil was marketed as eliminating the need to change oil between the street & track. Nothing in the LT1 engine itself changed over the years that I have ever seen posted or referenced. So the model year of the car shouldn't matter. Now if GM's lawyers want to weasel out I'm sure they will find some documentation or wording that gives them a pass.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 45,276
Likes: 892
From: Texas
CI 1-4-5-8-9-10 Vet
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '10, '17
To me the question is what changed in 2019? The answer appears to be that the new (and per GM & Mobil "better") oil became available. This oil was marketed as eliminating the need to change oil between the street & track. Nothing in the LT1 engine itself changed over the years that I have ever seen posted or referenced. So the model year of the car shouldn't matter. Now if GM's lawyers want to weasel out I'm sure they will find some documentation or wording that gives them a pass.
