CONCENSUS | Oil change interval based on oil %

[BowlingSS]

Originally Posted by jehartley

10,000 mile OCI's are pretty common and not at all that shocking. What is shocking, however; is that you still do 3,000 mile OCI's. This ain't the 70's anymore.

I guess I am still living in the 70's when I was turning wrenches. Changed oil after every race back in the day. I like to keep my oil clean. :thum bup:

Bill

[BowlingSS]

Originally Posted by kmcd

Your point is well taken with regard to modern oil technology, but contaminants contribute to engine wear as much as or more than oil breakdown. If you're convinced you can keep it clean that long, who am I to say your intervals are too long? As far as the OP's question about oil brands/viscosity and price, I buy 5W-30 Mobil 1 in 5-qt containers from WalMart. At $21 per container, that's some pretty cost-effective protection for a $35,000 asset. I also use K&N filters for about $7. Besides that, I kinda' like working on the car - it's therapeutic.

Where do you get K&N filters for $7. Our area sells them for around $12 to $14.
I am using Mobil 1 filters right now but do like the K&N filter. I still have three K&N filters for my 4th gen LS1.

Bill

[ParisTNDude]

I change oil at about 7,000 miles, which seem strange to me since I always used Mobil 1 and changed at 4K in all my other cars. At that point the indicator was at 25% and I have only 10K on the car now. Chevy went to the 8 quart plus oil pan so that you could extend the oil change frequency since the Mobil 1 is so expensive. At the first change, the oil level was only like a 1/16th inch lower than full and it was clean, so I think the frequency could really be extended. If you have dirty looking oil and it uses a quart between changes or more, I would change it more frequently. My opinion.

[kmcd]

Originally Posted by BowlingSS

Where do you get K&N filters for $7. Our area sells them for around $12 to $14.
I am using Mobil 1 filters right now but do like the K&N filter. I still have three K&N filters for my 4th gen LS1.

Bill

You can find them on sale at the major chains periodically. When you do find 'em on sale, buy a dozen. I do the same thing with the Mobil 1.

[Sturmer]

Well changed in 15000 (25000km) Oil life 15%.
Dealer changed last time so I think oil lasted 6000 miles.

Oil life meter is really good thing and people should respect it.
3000 is over kill with modern synthetic oils.

[justa25thTA]

Originally Posted by kmcd

Your point is well taken with regard to modern oil technology, but contaminants contribute to engine wear as much as or more than oil breakdown. If you're convinced you can keep it clean that long, who am I to say your intervals are too long? As far as the OP's question about oil brands/viscosity and price, I buy 5W-30 Mobil 1 in 5-qt containers from WalMart. At $21 per container, that's some pretty cost-effective protection for a $35,000 asset. I also use K&N filters for about $7. Besides that, I kinda' like working on the car - it's therapeutic.

I'm not convinced, but GM is, and they back it up by a 100,000 power train warranty.

[Tunerz_Store]

Those changing every 3-5K miles with Mobil 1, have you considered trying AMSOIL XL series that is designed for 10k miles? AMSOIL extended drain intervals means fewer oil changes, long term savings and convenience. Even if you drive only 12,000 miles per year, the cost for AMSOIL motor oil is less than you pay for petroleum oil now! And you still get better wear protection, lower engine temperatures, improved fuel efficiency and easier cold-weather starts. All of these benefits add up to reduced operating costs and longer engine life. Change your oil and filter today and in 6 months or 10k miles, change the oil and filter again. That’s it! What could be more convenient, cheaper and good for your vehicle, too? Just some food for thought. There is an AMSOIL Preferred customer program that allows you to save 20-25% on purchases as well.

My AMSOIL Garage is also a very nice feature that accommodates information and maintenance records for all vehicles and equipment allowing user to manually enter applications not pre-programmed into the system. The expanded email reminder capabilities allow users to easily schedule reminders for all services. I perform all the services on my vehicles with amsoil and my wife enters all the maintenance records into the AMSOIL Garage.

AMSOIL Garage tutorials:

[jtzako]

I got between 5 and 6k miles since my last change, but it was something like 7 months in between.

I know the % is supposed to be based on time and also wear/tear conditions but that really just seems long to me.

[Inferno LS3]

I just did my first oil change at 3000. OLM reading was at 60%. I'll change every 4-5k. I like castrol edge 5w30, w/ k&n filter. The last thing I ever want is engine sludge in my engine. Might start running Royal Purple. I use that I'm my LS1 powered sand rail.

[jehartley]

Originally Posted by Inferno LS3

The last thing I ever want is engine sludge in my engine.

I'm just curious. How is it you think you're going to develop sludge in your engine by doing OCI's longer than 4 - 5,000 miles? Can you show me the evidence from which you drew this conclusion?

[PatrickfromMD]

I found this thread by searching AMSOIL. I’m considering for my upcoming oil change.
I have the L99, and my lifters clatter on startup, but I live with it, still I wonder if a better oil will reduce that.
My rev limiter is a bit higher as well, so, treating my motor will is important.
I did my 1st oil change early (maybe 2500) but the remailing have been closer to 9K (between 5%-25% life remaining)
I think I will try the AMS oil. I hear they also have very very good oil filters (something I think is very important)

Anyone have experience with higher mileage motors? I’m nudging 37K (ouch) on my 2010 now

[jtzako]

Originally Posted by PatrickfromMD

I found this thread by searching AMSOIL. I’m considering for my upcoming oil change.
I have the L99, and my lifters clatter on startup, but I live with it, still I wonder if a better oil will reduce that.
My rev limiter is a bit higher as well, so, treating my motor will is important.
I did my 1st oil change early (maybe 2500) but the remailing have been closer to 9K (between 5%-25% life remaining)
I think I will try the AMS oil. I hear they also have very very good oil filters (something I think is very important)

Anyone have experience with higher mileage motors? I’m nudging 37K (ouch) on my 2010 now

L99 lifter noise is normal for the most part.. though some people have a 'louder' than normal issue and that can be fixed by dealers.

[CatiaJockey]

I have a 98 sonoma with 198K on it and its been running amsoil since 10k. I change this one at about 20k intervals. The engine has no leaks and no strange noises. I use amsoil in my Camaro but I change this oil every 12k, nervous I guess...lol.

[theNYX]

Definitely change mine every 5K on every vehicle I've ever driven, even my work car.

[steverc]

Now till Feb 27, Costco has Mobil 1 (case of 6 qts.) for $25 using the coupon in their booklet.

[blackknight]

5k for me.

[LS3CAM]

As I posted in another thread, I did my 1st oil and filter change at about 8000 miles. Oil life monitor was at 24%. Bought everything at Wal-Mart for about $50. Dealer wanted $100. Oil was about 3/4 of a quart low, so I figured I would change it rather than add a quart. I do all my other vehicles at 5000 miles, easy to remember. My '99 Z71 (which I bought new in '98) has 246,000 miles on it and still runs great!

[rwmiller56]

I go by the OLM, and I have been getting about 5200 miles on oil after the OLM is down to 10%. I use Mobil 1 full synthetic.

[BowlingSS]

Originally Posted by theNYX

Definitely change mine every 5K on every vehicle I've ever driven, even my work car.

Same here. Been using Castrol Edge but will be switching to Royal Purple on my next change.

Bill

[jshaf]

used to go 3000 with previous cars but have read the new synthetics last much longer. one year or 5000 which ever comes first is what I am going by. matter of fact changing her sometime next week. 10700 miles had her changed around 6K last time over a year ago so it's about time!!

[tomlink]

Looks like an old thread, but a good one. I am surprised some folks changing synthetic oil so frequently. Last car I used a 3K interval and never used synthetic. The Camaro has an extra quart of oil and it always gets synthetic.

My first change was at 3K, and the next two just as the OLM went below 10% which was about 7K miles each time. The OLM is another great tool that comes with the car, like back up sensors. Use it.

[markgws6]

I use the OLM (and switched to synthetic Mobil 1 on the second change). I usually do not let the OLM get below 10% before changing. This is probably too soon for "most" but I drag the car one in a while and I drive short trips and in traffic in the city with lots of stop and go driving. If I did not race and lived in a rural area, I'd go all the way to 0% to save $.

[SummoneR]

I change mine when the OLM gets between 5-10% that's usually right around 10k miles. If you change it more than the OLM says you are wasting money and resources and increasing our demand on oil therefore increasing prices... LOL

[happycamper]

10k for me, but mostly highway miles. OLM shows ~15% left.

[Garndog]

How did you like the pennzoil ultra?