Let's talk about servicing our Camaros

[CamaroSpike23]

Originally Posted by theholycow

Sure, that's true, but when it's all said and done they'll sell or junk the car with an engine that hasn't suffered any consequences from their oil habits.

I'm not advocating neglect, but oil is NOT the rocket science that so many make it into. Just follow the service schedule and use oil matching or exceeding the manufacturer's specifcations and you'll get rid of the car long before the engine suffers from your oil habits, unless you use it in a particularly uncommon way ("uncommon" being defined as a way that not many other people use the same car).

and to add to that.... (and this is to everyone) DO NOT SKIMP ON YOUR OIL FILTER! using top quality oil with a crap nugget filter is not doing anything beneficial for you.

[djm96z28]

Originally Posted by theholycow

Sure, that's true, but when it's all said and done they'll sell or junk the car with an engine that hasn't suffered any consequences from their oil habits.

I'm not advocating neglect, but oil is NOT the rocket science that so many make it into. Just follow the service schedule and use oil matching or exceeding the manufacturer's specifcations and you'll get rid of the car long before the engine suffers from your oil habits, unless you use it in a particularly uncommon way ("uncommon" being defined as a way that not many other people use the same car).

My '96 Z28 has never had synthetic oil in the 12 years I've owned it since new and it's never had any oil related problem. If the owner's manual stated to use synthetic, I would, but I don't see spending the extra money for it as often as I get oil changes.

Will synthetic be required for 5th gen engines?

[z28camaro2471]

Originally Posted by djm96z28

My '96 Z28 has never had synthetic oil in the 12 years I've owned it since new and it's never had any oil related problem. If the owner's manual stated to use synthetic, I would, but I don't see spending the extra money for it as often as I get oil changes.

Will synthetic be required for 5th gen engines?

Yes it will be recommended.

For what it is worth, it is also recommended for your LT1.

[dvnt88]

Originally Posted by 2010 Camaro RS

Garage oil change with royal purple!

+1, ")

[djm96z28]

Originally Posted by z28camaro2471

Yes it will be recommended.

For what it is worth, it is also recommended for your LT1.

Not in the owner's manual I got from the factory.

[z28camaro2471]

Originally Posted by djm96z28

Not in the owner's manual I got from the factory.

My 95 recommends it on the oil filler cap. I assumed they didn't go back to conventional in 96.

Here is a cap image.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts...1%7C240%3A1318

As to the op, yes I will change my own oil.

[TRIXXTERR]

Originally Posted by CamaroSpike23

not to mention, ive read reports that if you use a motor oil other than the type used in the car when you get it, it will void your powertrain warranty.
not sure about the validity of that tho.

TRUE.. Although FORD is the only one I KNOW to have Done This..FORD REQUIRES 5-20. I Had A Customer Put 10-30 In his 08 f-150 and then went to the local dealer with a ticking noise, They checked it out and TESTED his oil, Found It Wasnt The proper 5-20 oil. AND VOIDED his powertrain warranty On the Spot, Maybe this dealer was being an ASS about things but, Dont say they cant do it.. I Know it has been done.

Originally Posted by z28camaro2471

My 95 recommends it on the oil filler cap. I assumed they didn't go back to conventional in 96.

Here is a cap image.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts...1%7C240%3A1318

As to the op, yes I will change my own oil.

Same On MY 96 Z.
And when i Finally Get Mine.. I Wll Be Changing Everything that needs changing myself, unless i am incapable..

[TAG UR IT]

Originally Posted by z28camaro2471

My 95 recommends it on the oil filler cap. I assumed they didn't go back to conventional in 96.

Here is a cap image.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Parts...1%7C240%3A1318

As to the op, yes I will change my own oil.

Isn't that filler cap an aftermarket part?

I know that my Z28 and SS did NOT come with those filler caps showing Mobile 1. You had to purchase them afterwards as a "reminder" for the person changing the oil that you wanted only fully synthetic.

And...FWIW, fully synthetic might cost more, but you can also use it longer than conventional oil. My dealer recommends changing my oil every 5k miles vs the regular 3k miles. I'm sure I could go longer than that, but no need to. Besides, it's only $50 for an oil/filter change. That's really nothing when you think about it. Why skimp to save $20 on an oil change?

[TRIXXTERR]

Originally Posted by TAG UR IT

Isn't that filler cap an aftermarket part?

I know that my Z28 and SS did NOT come with those filler caps showing Mobile 1. You had to purchase them afterwards as a "reminder" for the person changing the oil that you wanted only fully synthetic.

And...FWIW, fully synthetic might cost more, but you can also use it longer than conventional oil. My dealer recommends changing my oil every 5k miles vs the regular 3k miles. I'm sure I could go longer than that, but no need to. Besides, it's only $50 for an oil/filter change. That's really nothing when you think about it. Why skimp to save $20 on an oil change?

Well Ok Maybe I Should have been more clear...Mine doesnt SAY MOBIL1.. just "SYNTHETIC 5-30 OIL RECOMMENDED"

[djm96z28]

That's not the oil filler cap from the factory. Mine states "Engine Oil SAE 5W-30". Looking at the owner's manual now under What Kind of Oil to Use, "Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by looking for the "Starburst" symbol. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which does not carry this Starburst symbol."

Then it goes on to state to use the proper viscosity oil for your vehicle. NOWHERE in the owners manual or under the hood is the word "synthetic", nor does anything state that "synthetic oil" is required or recommended. If GM tells me to use synthetic in their motors, I would. But on my car, it isn't necessary especially with frequent oil changes as I've always done.

[z28camaro2471]

Originally Posted by TRIXXTERR

Well Ok Maybe I Should have been more clear...Mine doesnt SAY MOBIL1.. just "SYNTHETIC 5-30 OIL RECOMMENDED"

+1. I didn't feel like going to the garage, pulling the car cover off and taking a picture.

[wildpaws]

Originally Posted by BowtieGuy

Heavy synthetic oil. Mostly for high horsepower/heavy duty applications. Some people put it in their daily drivers because they get some kind of reassurance with it. I'm not really sure. It's expensive stuff and there isn't honestly that big of a difference for me to justify the expense.

As long as nobody puts Penzoil in their Camaro it's all good. On a side note, I won't be servicing my Camaro at the dealer or my driveway, but behind a curtain in the V.I.P room.

Could you elaborate on your Pennzoil comments? Many years ago we solved gummy sludge in my '69 Z/28 by switching to Pennzoil, I've used their synthetic oil for a few years.
Clyde

[CamaroSpike23]

Originally Posted by djm96z28

My '96 Z28 has never had synthetic oil in the 12 years I've owned it since new and it's never had any oil related problem. If the owner's manual stated to use synthetic, I would, but I don't see spending the extra money for it as often as I get oil changes.

what brand oil/filter do you use? jw. conventional oil is decent on its own depending on the brand, if you are that worried about spending the extra money, keep in mind that you can go farther on synthetic, and you arent helping to jack up the price of oil...



however, i personally recommend synthetic on the LT1 and just about every motor. hell, I run RP in my 94Z, Mobil1 in my fiance's Durango, and RP in the escort. why? because I know from having these oils tested after use that they perform better (especially in my LT1) over convention oils.

Originally Posted by TAG UR IT

Besides, it's only $50 for an oil/filter change. That's really nothing when you think about it. Why skimp to save $20 on an oil change?

its going to get even more expensive with having 9qt of oil for the LS3....lol

and why do people skimp? same reason they run 87 in a motor designed for 91+, same reason that when they do buy synth oil, they get a shitty filter for cheap.

americans are cheap. plain and simple. we/they look 17 seconds ahead of time.

Originally Posted by djm96z28

That's not the oil filler cap from the factory. Mine states "Engine Oil SAE 5W-30". Looking at the owner's manual now under What Kind of Oil to Use, "Oils recommended for your vehicle can be identified by looking for the "Starburst" symbol. This symbol indicates that the oil has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute (API). Do not use any oil which does not carry this Starburst symbol."
Then it goes on to state to use the proper viscosity oil for your vehicle. NOWHERE in the owners manual or under the hood is the word "synthetic", nor does anything state that "synthetic oil" is required or recommended. If GM tells me to use synthetic in their motors, I would. But on my car, it isn't necessary especially with frequent oil changes as I've always done.

dont ever run AMSOIL in your car then.... lol most of their mainstream oils are not certified by API. lol

how frequent are you changing your oil
jw

[zforce]

First, I want to thank everyone for their thoughts and suggestions on oil and change intervals (even though it was not my thread, I sure learned plenty).

Second, I like to say that I plan on changing the oil on my 2010 Camaro twice a year (spring and again in the fall) since for starters, doing your own oil change gives you the opportunity to give the car a look over and hopefully spot things that need to be taken care of before they become a problem. It's also an opportunity to know your car, inside out.

For me, the two most important things in knowing your car's condition are an oil change, and washing the car. When I slide under the car I get the chance to look over the breaks, steering mechanism and frame. When I had wash my car I insect the entire body for dings, scratches and chips.

Call it what you will, to me a car is more than just a machine to get me from point a to point b. Changing the oil and washing the car gives me the opportunity to know what is going on with the car and the condition it is in. So for that reason I will do my own oil changes and as oil is concerned, I guess I’ll be using synthetic oil, as many of your posts have good things to say.

Again thanks.