Recent oil analysis: 0W-40 vs. 5W-30
04-18-2018, 08:13 PM
#1
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
Recent oil analysis: 0W-40 vs. 5W-30
Hello all. Lots of speculation on how 0W-40 will work in our cars vs. 5W-30 and which is the best. I have attached my most recent oil analysis for my LT4. This engine was built by myself and engine builder Tyrone Gooch during my engine build experience at the Bowling Green Assembly. This engine has also had the Callaway 757/777 engine package installed at approximately the 1000 mile mark.
The column on the Left shows the analysis after a 1,210 mile run on Mobil 1 FS 0W-40. This is the European Car formula and NOT the new Mobil 1 ESP 0W-40 which is the new factory fill for all 2019 Corvettes. I know these are not the same oils and the FS 0W-40 is not dexos approved. However I figured I would give it a try and see how it went. The three additional columns to the right are all Mobil 1 5W-30 including the factory fill which is farthest to the right. Really not drawing any conclusion about which is better however they both look quite suitable for use in the LT4. The 0W-40 at the last fill continues the trend of reduced metals and seems to be lubricating and protecting the engine just as adequately as the 5W-30.
I am not recommending one vs the other. This is only a series of samples from one engine out of tens of thousands of engines that have been built. All I am providing is evidence to those that can't wait to switch to the new 0W-40 and evidence to those that say the 5W-30 has worked fine for years and that they are not switching. It looks like either way you go, things may be ok.
As far as oil filters go, since the first factory fill I have tried Royal Purple, Mobil 1 and the PF64. All seem to do the job with regards to filtering.
The column on the Left shows the analysis after a 1,210 mile run on Mobil 1 FS 0W-40. This is the European Car formula and NOT the new Mobil 1 ESP 0W-40 which is the new factory fill for all 2019 Corvettes. I know these are not the same oils and the FS 0W-40 is not dexos approved. However I figured I would give it a try and see how it went. The three additional columns to the right are all Mobil 1 5W-30 including the factory fill which is farthest to the right. Really not drawing any conclusion about which is better however they both look quite suitable for use in the LT4. The 0W-40 at the last fill continues the trend of reduced metals and seems to be lubricating and protecting the engine just as adequately as the 5W-30.
I am not recommending one vs the other. This is only a series of samples from one engine out of tens of thousands of engines that have been built. All I am providing is evidence to those that can't wait to switch to the new 0W-40 and evidence to those that say the 5W-30 has worked fine for years and that they are not switching. It looks like either way you go, things may be ok.
As far as oil filters go, since the first factory fill I have tried Royal Purple, Mobil 1 and the PF64. All seem to do the job with regards to filtering.
The following 3 users liked this post by breakskeet:
04-18-2018, 09:07 PM
#2
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
As an addendum, what may be of interest is that the initial change at the 500 mile is definitely warranted as per GM recommendation. If you were to wait until the oil life indicator recommended your first change the Silicon level would be very high as seen by the residual Silicon level at the second change. This may even indicate that another change after an additional 1500 to 2500 miles after thel 500 mile change may be a good idea.
Remember the oil analysis is looking at elements not compounds that is why Silicon is measured and not Silicone. Silicon is the major element in Silicone.
Remember the oil analysis is looking at elements not compounds that is why Silicon is measured and not Silicone. Silicon is the major element in Silicone.
04-18-2018, 10:22 PM
#3
Instructor
As an addendum, what may be of interest is that the initial change at the 500 mile is definitely warranted as per GM recommendation. If you were to wait until the oil life indicator recommended your first change the Silicon level would be very high as seen by the residual Silicon level at the second change. This may even indicate that another change after an additional 1500 to 2500 miles after thel 500 mile change may be a good idea.
Remember the oil analysis is looking at elements not compounds that is why Silicon is measured and not Silicone. Silicon is the major element in Silicone.
Remember the oil analysis is looking at elements not compounds that is why Silicon is measured and not Silicone. Silicon is the major element in Silicone.
04-19-2018, 09:05 AM
#5
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
^^^ Those are additives.
If i had to make a guess, since the 0W-40 is a European oil and they are concerned with eliminating Sulfur as much as possible I bet the increases Calcium is there to form Calcium Sulfate. This oil is used in many diesel engines over there.
If i had to make a guess, since the 0W-40 is a European oil and they are concerned with eliminating Sulfur as much as possible I bet the increases Calcium is there to form Calcium Sulfate. This oil is used in many diesel engines over there.
Last edited by breakskeet; 04-19-2018 at 09:08 AM.
04-20-2018, 11:22 PM
#6
Team Owner
04-21-2018, 05:51 AM
#7
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Oct 2005
Location: Metro Detroit Michigan
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As an addendum, what may be of interest is that the initial change at the 500 mile is definitely warranted as per GM recommendation. If you were to wait until the oil life indicator recommended your first change the Silicon level would be very high as seen by the residual Silicon level at the second change. This may even indicate that another change after an additional 1500 to 2500 miles after thel 500 mile change may be a good idea.
Remember the oil analysis is looking at elements not compounds that is why Silicon is measured and not Silicone. Silicon is the major element in Silicone.
Remember the oil analysis is looking at elements not compounds that is why Silicon is measured and not Silicone. Silicon is the major element in Silicone.
More typically, the silicon level is an indication of how much dust/dirt is getting into the engine. That's why the report says, "Silicon is very low, showing excellent air filtration". Calcium can be an indicator too, since calcium and silicon are the most abundant components of the earth's crust (mainly as calcium carbonate and silicon dioxide).
Last edited by Warp Factor; 04-21-2018 at 05:52 AM.
04-21-2018, 07:54 AM
#8
Burning Brakes
Thread Starter
In our cars when new, it may be from the silicone sealer, since your levels reduced with each oil change. I'd read that this was one of the reasons for the 500 mile oil change... the high silicon level increases the tendency of the oil to foam.
More typically, the silicon level is an indication of how much dust/dirt is getting into the engine. That's why the report says, "Silicon is very low, showing excellent air filtration". Calcium can be an indicator too, since calcium and silicon are the most abundant components of the earth's crust (mainly as calcium carbonate and silicon dioxide).
More typically, the silicon level is an indication of how much dust/dirt is getting into the engine. That's why the report says, "Silicon is very low, showing excellent air filtration". Calcium can be an indicator too, since calcium and silicon are the most abundant components of the earth's crust (mainly as calcium carbonate and silicon dioxide).
What I meant in regards to the 500 mile change is that there is silicon still washing out in high quantities even after this change. So it may be good to do another after some more miles are put on the engine as there may still be a possibility for the oil to foam. Please see the comments for the first and second oil analyses attached.