Oil, and wires
Oil.....and wires Hey im changing my oil for the first time in my new 98 T/A and I wanted to go synthetic. I just want to know what everyone recommends. I have heard alot about Castrol 0W-30, What is this and where can i get it. Is it just heavy duty 30W oil?? also, i just changed the plugs and i was wondering if i should change my wires also, the car has 60k miles. what wires are best and what price, thanks guys!
I use Mobile 1
Change the wires.
Go to www.ls1speed.com
They are a sponsor and have very good prices for parts.
Change the wires.
Go to www.ls1speed.com
They are a sponsor and have very good prices for parts.
The German Castrol is a good oil. Even the Belgium made 5W-40 Castrol would be a good choice. I would also recommend Mobil 1 and Amsoil. As for filters, just don't buy Fram. Mobil 1, Purolator, Bosch, K&N, along with many others are good.
You can change the wires if you want, but it won't do anything. Even on a 100k+ car the wires will still read a few hundred Ohms. Unless they're physically damaged keep them. Find someone with a digital Ohm meter. Mine read around 300 Ohms. Going lower or significantly higher does not change voltage transfer that much.
Cliff notes: Think of wires as a cosmetic mod
You can change the wires if you want, but it won't do anything. Even on a 100k+ car the wires will still read a few hundred Ohms. Unless they're physically damaged keep them. Find someone with a digital Ohm meter. Mine read around 300 Ohms. Going lower or significantly higher does not change voltage transfer that much.
Cliff notes: Think of wires as a cosmetic mod
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Don't always listen to advice. The factory wires are just fine, I've even run them on 600 hp LS1s without any issues. Just bend them slightly in some light and see if the sheathing is cracked. If they are cracked, replace them. Wires definitely are a cosmetic mod unless you plan on making 1000 hp and have an aftermarket ignition system.
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TECH Veteran
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 4,954
Likes: 1
From: Kent WA
I use Amsoil's XL 5w30 as well as their SDF32 oil filter. I change my oil every 6 months, once before racing season and once after.
If you are looking for a thicker oil, Amsoil does make a 5w40 Euro blend as well.
If you are looking for a thicker oil, Amsoil does make a 5w40 Euro blend as well.
TECH Fanatic
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,030
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From: Wichita KS
Mobil 1 0W-40. This oil is ******* awesome!!! my cars runs slightly cooler, valve train is quieter, and the oil pressure is always above 30 psi, even if its 105 outside and i am at a stop. use the mobil one oil filter. I dont know anything about the wires, so sorry i cant help ya on that.
I use mobil 1 5w-30 synthetic, and have been happy with it. When I switched to this oil my valve train seemed to be a little quieter. I use the mobil 1 #206 filter. Note that this filter takes an extra 1/4qt, than the stock filter.
The factory wires do work fine and get the job done. The problem is that with 60k on your car, they are going to start disintigrating soon. They wire changes I've done on LS1's with 80+K miles usually result in a torn wire as they are pulled out. You are kind of on the borderline. If it was me I'd go ahead and change them, not for performance but for reliability.
I've always ran 5w30 Mobil and the K&N hp1007 filter. Some people prefer the German Castrol 0w30. Other people also prefer to run the truck K&N hp2006 because it lets you run about a half quart more oil (6 vs 5.5). What I have personally noticed is that the pressure stays high and consistent at high rpms with the K&N filters.
I also would say skip the wires unless they are damaged. You don't need them at all.
I also would say skip the wires unless they are damaged. You don't need them at all.