p_t_1982

I just purchased a 2000 Trans Am. It has the Lt1 engine in it and roughly 60,000 miles. I changed the oil as soon as I bought it. I have driven it less then 3,000 miles and I have used a half quart of oil. The low oil light came on is how I found out. I havent had any puddles and it doesnt smoke so I was wondering if anyone had any clues as to what is going on. Do these engines like certain types of oil or do I just have a big problem? I put in the 5W30 like the owners manual says. Thanks for your help.

cabech984

iTrader: (11)

Does it got an LT1? 98 and newer Fbody cars came w/ a 3.8V6 or 5.7 LS1. Your engine is likely using a little bit of oil. Ho many miles has it been since you changed the oil?

p_t_1982

Well it has the V-8 engine in it. As I said in the original post I have driven it less then 3000 miles and changed it as soon as I bought it. A half a quart is a little bit?

2001NBMZ28

The low oil light should come on close to 2 quarts low - be sure the level is correct/check it with the engine warm after sitting for about 5 minutes.

angel71rs

Did you put in the correct amount of oil? If it has coils on valve covers, it's the LS1; putting in the correct amount for an LT1 would leave you 1/2 quart low right from the start.

Also check to see if the plug on the drivers side of the oil pan didn't pop off or come loose. That is the oil level sensor. Mine popped off cause of how it's wiring was routed putting strain on it. I rerouted wiring, used ultrafine sandpaper to get rid of some corrosion on connector contacts, popped it back in, end of problem.

BTW, some LS1s have oil use issues right from the factory. Even if your engine did use 1/2 a quart in 3k, guys that have engines using a quart in 1.5k would be glad to trade use rates with you.

Camaroz

iTrader: (2)

mine came on when I was a qt low. I knew I was anyways just kept forgetting to grab some oil from work.

2001NBMZ28

I thought all LS1's had the oil level sensor on the passenger side of the pan?

Camaroz

iTrader: (2)

Mine does.

p_t_1982

So am I to understand that using oil is a common problem with these cars? Even when there is nothing wrong? I mean I am the second owner of the car and as good of shape as it is in i think it has been taken care of so this is why im confused. And yes in my original post i was incorrect, i have an LS1 engine and I put the correct amount of oil per the owners manual. Is there a certain kind of oil they prefer?

SHINER

iTrader: (18)

Yes, it is common in these motors and wouldnt worry about it.

To prevent the oil consumption in the future look in to get in LS6 PCV system, Replace the oil filler cap with a "Breather" filter type, or get a catch can.


ALL Sponsors should be able to help you.


LS1's prefer either a 0W30 5W30 10W30 Synthetic Motor oil. I use Castrol Syntec.

ChocoTaco369

stop using 5W-30 oil, especially if it's mobil 1. if you're using mobil 1 5W-30 oil, you're using one of the worst oils for the LS1. the LS1 drinks that oil all day, every day. switch to GC 0W-30 or mobil 1 5W-40. mobil 1 0W-40 will work in a pinch. you'll lose a lot less oil that way.

SHINER

iTrader: (18)

Yes, this is true, and why i use Castrol Syntec. I dont use Royal Purple or Mobil because they are way too thin for my taste.

p_t_1982

Ok thanks everybody. I feel a little better knowing that I didnt just buy a piece of ****. I had no idea they used oil but this is my first ls1 so I guess i have some learning to do.

SHINER

iTrader: (18)

enjoy it! go get some GC 0W-30(best oil)!

lsx24

iTrader: (45)

1/2 a quart of oil in 3k miles isn't bad, it isn't good but it isn't that bad. However, if you're oil light is coming on, you are probably more than 1/2 quart low. Oil lights tend to come on when you're 1-2 quarts low. Double check and make sure what is the case. If you are 1-2 quarts low after 3k miles, then there's a problem.

And Btw Germal Castrol 0w30 and Mobil 1 0w40 have been proven to be good oils for the ls1, using oil anaysis methods, not too thin of an oil.

cobrakiller221

iTrader: (12)

Yes I agree that you should switch to gc 10w30 and add a catch can.

p_t_1982

What is a catch can? And thanks again for the replies. I think that the oil light came on cause I had the car parked on a hill but after it came on I checked the oil and found out it was a half quart low. I have always had a sports car but not a trans am so I was a little freaked out cause I didnt know that was the norm.
I love the car I'll post some pics as soon as we get some decent weather and I can give it a bath.

SHINER

iTrader: (18)

https://ls1tech.com/forums/showthrea...ight=PCV+Catch


This will help ALOT with oil consumption and help eliminate Knock Retard.

Read through the whole thing, I found it quite interesting and will probably due it VERY soon.

staringback05

iTrader: (8)

damn the taco already found this thread..

shiner i got two coil packs if thatll help u out

SHINER

iTrader: (18)

i will let you know bud, Im trying to get a set of 8. 137K sucks when it comes down to taking care of your ****...OH well..