F-Body Europe

I'm curious what kind of oil other LS1 owners use for this engine. I'm using Mobil 1 0W40. I think 5W30 is recommended in the user manual but it came filled with 0W40 so I stick with it.

Ben

I use what the owner's manual says. That is also what Scott Settlemire, better known as FBodFather, says.

I get a little confused because Mobil 1 in the States is different to Mobil 1 in Europe. The recommendation is for 5w30 and looking at http://www.redline.co.uk, this seems to be the best grade to use. Having said that, Red Line is way too expensive over here and I'll probably go with the Mobil 1 or some other premium synthetic. I read a thread about Mobil 1 causing some noises in the LS1 which replacing it with "dino oil" cured but I'll give it a whirl as C5's come from the factory with synthetic. What are you people using in the auto transmission?

I think full synthetic oil is waste of money! Changing intervalls are already short. As I drive the car on warm days only (never below zero) 0-W40 is over the top.
The Camaro manual actually recommends an oil of "G" standard(sorry I do not remember the correct code), which is nowadays used in lawnmowers only.
With 10-W40 I should be on the safe side!

Gunnar

I just read an article in (believe it or not) Hot Rod magazine that discusses this issue. According to them synthetic has multiple advantages over mineral (One being additional HP).

FYI it's the August 2002 issue (also has a 4.3 build-up article)

Since I am neither a automotive engineer or petroleum engineer, I stick with what the manufacturer puts in them at the factory, Mobil 1 5W30. As far as whether or not Mobil 1 is worth it is concerned, there must be come reason why it comes from the factory in Corvette, Camaro, Mercedes Benz, and Porsche. In 100K miles, you will change your oil 33 times. The extra cost of the synthetic is about 25 dollars per oil change. That is only a little over $800 in 100K miles. A new LS1 is a lot more than that, so it seems to be to be a cheap price to pay.

I have run the "dino oil" and Mobil 1 in my dodge 4x4, Dodge SST, and now in my WS6. I noticed a difference in all of them as far as performance and early morning start ups. Both Dodges have the 5.9liter and with regular oil they would have that "knock" at start up in the morning. I started putting Mobil 1 in and they both stopped! When I first got my WS6 the dealership did the first oil change and then I started putting the Mobil 1 in and noticed a difference. I also use the 5w30, yes it's alittle more money but it's worth it!! There was alot of talk about the difference in the oils and tests show that synthic oil will last up to 10,000 miles. The problem is that filters will not last that long. I would NEVER run my oil for 10,000 miles but everytime I change mine it still looks new, the "dino oil" was always BLACK and nasty. Once again I think it comes down to what you feel comfortable with and what your wallet can afford.