Engine oil question - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

James4086 · 01-06-2014, 12:52 PM

I know the 5W-30 is recommended, but a couple friends have said there's this 0W-40 stuff still from mobil 1 that would be better. Supposedly some european cars have it as the factory recommendation, and it is also the type of stuff they use in nascar.

Does anyone have any quick advice on this subject? Should I run it, or stay away from it, and why?

Stephen12ZL1 · 01-06-2014, 01:19 PM

stay with 5w-30...it is what GM engineered it to use. European stuff like BMWs and Mercedes use the 0w-40. Make sure the 5w30 is dexos approved which is mentioned in your owners manual. Mobil 1 is the factory fill or use any of the top name oils such as Pennzoil Ultra, Amsoil, Valvoline, etc.

James4086 · 01-06-2014, 01:22 PM

I notice royal purple has a checkered reputation. Some people use it and swear by it, others say it doesn't meet requirements and not to use it. Any thoughts on this?

MMC · 01-06-2014, 01:25 PM

The new motors in the Silverado's use 8.5 qts. of 0W-20, its mainly for better fuel economy. (EcoTech3 L-83)

G Money · 01-06-2014, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James4086

I notice royal purple has a checkered reputation. Some people use it and swear by it, others say it doesn't meet requirements and not to use it. Any thoughts on this?

I use Royal Purple and have been very pleased. And have for years.....

Stephen12ZL1 · 01-06-2014, 01:56 PM

there really isn't anything to be gained hp wise or protection wise with the "fancy" secondary companies. Royal purple is fine and has done well in the market. I like their gear oils for rears other than the one in the ZL1. Stick with something like Mobil 1 or Pennzoil Ultra which is readily available at Wal Mart in 5qt jugs. Use a Mobil 1 filter or K&N which can help filtration to the smallest micron. The debate over which is best could go on for days...

James4086 · 01-06-2014, 02:02 PM

lol, I know, but I was just interested in the 0w-40 idea, I think I'm going to try the royal purple this time around. Maybe by the time I need my next oil change, there will be more on the subject.

Tyler H · 01-07-2014, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephen12ZL1

stay with 5w-30...it is what GM engineered it to use. European stuff like BMWs and Mercedes use the 0w-40. Make sure the 5w30 is dexos approved which is mentioned in your owners manual. Mobil 1 is the factory fill or use any of the top name oils such as Pennzoil Ultra, Amsoil, Valvoline, etc.

Agreed!!!

ZL1-V · 01-07-2014, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by James4086

I know the 5W-30 is recommended, but a couple friends have said there's this 0W-40 stuff still from mobil 1 that would be better. Supposedly some european cars have it as the factory recommendation, and it is also the type of stuff they use in nascar.

Does anyone have any quick advice on this subject? Should I run it, or stay away from it, and why?

Do "your friends" personally use the 0W-40 in their cars?

stymie · 01-07-2014, 06:00 PM

At what "%" of useful life as indicated by your "vehicle information" screen read out do you change your MOBIL 1?

HDRDTD · 01-07-2014, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stymie

At what "%" of useful life as indicated by your "vehicle information" screen read out do you change your MOBIL 1?

40-50%

cdjnight · 01-07-2014, 10:16 PM

Ran the wife's cobalt down to 5% oil life and the filter cartridge sides we're sucked in almost flat with oil color similar to my duramax after 10,000 miles, never again! IMO there's no advantage to o-w40 I'd stick with what gm says or go with approved full synthetic

OldScoolCamaro · 01-07-2014, 10:23 PM

If you are concerned about warranty, use what GM suggests. Just sayin.., you'll be more likely covered.

Mark114 · 01-07-2014, 10:33 PM

I would suggest you read the threads from owners with blown engines and warranty work before you stray too far from GM recommendations. Not bashing RP - I work with a guy that swears by RP and had great results with samples sent in for analysis. I would stay with the recommended weight and be sure the oil you choose meets all the requirements in the manual.

01-06-2014, 12:52 PM	#1
James4086 Drives: Black 2017 ZL1 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Prairieville La Posts: 252 View My Garage	Engine oil question I know the 5W-30 is recommended, but a couple friends have said there's this 0W-40 stuff still from mobil 1 that would be better. Supposedly some european cars have it as the factory recommendation, and it is also the type of stuff they use in nascar. Does anyone have any quick advice on this subject? Should I run it, or stay away from it, and why? __________________ CAUTION: side effects of driving a Camaro include grinimus permintallis otherwise known as "Permagrin" and random, uncontrollable outbursts of "I love this car!!"

01-06-2014, 01:19 PM	#2
Stephen12ZL1 Drives: '21 ZLE A10 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Mechanicsville, VA Posts: 6,808	stay with 5w-30...it is what GM engineered it to use. European stuff like BMWs and Mercedes use the 0w-40. Make sure the 5w30 is dexos approved which is mentioned in your owners manual. Mobil 1 is the factory fill or use any of the top name oils such as Pennzoil Ultra, Amsoil, Valvoline, etc. __________________ '21 ZLE A10 Wild Cherry PDR 2:00.78 VIR Full 10.68@131.69 1.68 60' '17 ZL1 A10 Mosaic Black PDR/Nav 2:03.08 VIR Full 11.003@129.2 1.75 (sold) '15 Z/28 #325 Black a/c & stereo. 2:10.1 VIR Full (sold) '12 ZL1 A6 Black 10.52@131 1.55 60' 2:13 VIR Full (sold)

01-06-2014, 01:22 PM	#3
James4086 Drives: Black 2017 ZL1 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Prairieville La Posts: 252 View My Garage	I notice royal purple has a checkered reputation. Some people use it and swear by it, others say it doesn't meet requirements and not to use it. Any thoughts on this? __________________ CAUTION: side effects of driving a Camaro include grinimus permintallis otherwise known as "Permagrin" and random, uncontrollable outbursts of "I love this car!!"

01-06-2014, 01:25 PM	#4
MMC Drives: CGM 2SS/RS, 1987 & 2014 Silverado Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Spencerport, NY Posts: 1,012	The new motors in the Silverado's use 8.5 qts. of 0W-20, its mainly for better fuel economy. (EcoTech3 L-83) __________________

01-06-2014, 01:56 PM	#6
Stephen12ZL1 Drives: '21 ZLE A10 Join Date: May 2012 Location: Mechanicsville, VA Posts: 6,808	there really isn't anything to be gained hp wise or protection wise with the "fancy" secondary companies. Royal purple is fine and has done well in the market. I like their gear oils for rears other than the one in the ZL1. Stick with something like Mobil 1 or Pennzoil Ultra which is readily available at Wal Mart in 5qt jugs. Use a Mobil 1 filter or K&N which can help filtration to the smallest micron. The debate over which is best could go on for days... __________________ '21 ZLE A10 Wild Cherry PDR 2:00.78 VIR Full 10.68@131.69 1.68 60' '17 ZL1 A10 Mosaic Black PDR/Nav 2:03.08 VIR Full 11.003@129.2 1.75 (sold) '15 Z/28 #325 Black a/c & stereo. 2:10.1 VIR Full (sold) '12 ZL1 A6 Black 10.52@131 1.55 60' 2:13 VIR Full (sold)

01-06-2014, 02:02 PM	#7
James4086 Drives: Black 2017 ZL1 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Prairieville La Posts: 252 View My Garage	lol, I know, but I was just interested in the 0w-40 idea, I think I'm going to try the royal purple this time around. Maybe by the time I need my next oil change, there will be more on the subject. __________________ CAUTION: side effects of driving a Camaro include grinimus permintallis otherwise known as "Permagrin" and random, uncontrollable outbursts of "I love this car!!"

01-07-2014, 06:00 PM	#10
stymie Drives: 2012 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: KC, MO Posts: 438	At what "%" of useful life as indicated by your "vehicle information" screen read out do you change your MOBIL 1?

01-07-2014, 10:16 PM	#12
cdjnight Drives: 2013 ZL1 A6 Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Council Bluffs, Iowa Posts: 266	Ran the wife's cobalt down to 5% oil life and the filter cartridge sides we're sucked in almost flat with oil color similar to my duramax after 10,000 miles, never again! IMO there's no advantage to o-w40 I'd stick with what gm says or go with approved full synthetic __________________

01-07-2014, 10:23 PM	#13
OldScoolCamaro Drives: Camaro's, always have, always will. Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Home of the brave Posts: 4,851	If you are concerned about warranty, use what GM suggests. Just sayin.., you'll be more likely covered. __________________ In Scott We Trust...all others must show proof.

01-07-2014, 10:33 PM	#14
Mark114 Drives: 2016 2SS Convertible Join Date: May 2012 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 1,710 View My Garage	I would suggest you read the threads from owners with blown engines and warranty work before you stray too far from GM recommendations. Not bashing RP - I work with a guy that swears by RP and had great results with samples sent in for analysis. I would stay with the recommended weight and be sure the oil you choose meets all the requirements in the manual.