LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Oil Weight on 138K LT1

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Old Feb 23, 2010 | 01:32 PM
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Default Oil Weight on 138K LT1

I just had a question for the the oil weight in an LT1. Can I run 10/40 in a LT1 with 138K or would it be safer to run 10/30? I only will run the car in warm weather. Just a general question as it says 5/30 on the filler cap.
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Old Feb 23, 2010 | 02:08 PM
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my motor has bout 156k on it and i use mobil1 5w30 in it...i love synthetics but i dont suppose it would hurt and give a lil more protection if u went with 10w30...in the summer the oil will kinda tend to be thinner during a first start in cold due to the heat and i honestly would use a synthetic based oil imo....better protection, last longer, and can help ur mpg..hope this helped
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Old Feb 23, 2010 | 02:12 PM
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Will the engine start to leak? I have heard stories of this? Have you ran Mobile 1 from the begining? Just asking, I do not have any leaks currently and do not want to start one.
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Old Feb 23, 2010 | 02:17 PM
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maybe try 10w-40 that might help fill up clearances a little better
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Old Feb 23, 2010 | 02:21 PM
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ive used mobil1 since ive gotten the car but i changed my motor and used it in that...in my imo if ur worried about leaks id use a heavier weight but the right way i would just fix the leak problem..but if ur motor is stock i would just use 5w30 or 10w30
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Old Feb 23, 2010 | 02:32 PM
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Originally Posted by ls2pontiac
maybe try 10w-40 that might help fill up clearances a little better
10/40 Synthetic?
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Old Feb 23, 2010 | 02:46 PM
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just run what the motor was designed to run. 5w30 or 10w30
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Old Feb 23, 2010 | 02:55 PM
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im at bout 126xxx and switch from mobil1 5w30 to 10w30
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If a motor starts to leak because you put synthetic in it, it already had problems anyway. It's mostly an urban legend with modern engines that you can't run synthetic if you normally ran conventional.
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Old Feb 23, 2010 | 08:44 PM
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Synthetic causing leaks was due to older designs of gaskets, from engines prior to 1988, so with newer gaskets there is virtually no chance of leaking due to changing from conventional to synthetic. I have 234lk on my lt1, and I run 5w30 synthetic in my car. Have no problems with it, and great oil pressure. So running heavier weight oil will not give better protection (unless there are internal engine problems), and will chew up some hp in the process to turn the pump to pump the thicker oil.


hth

andy schuck
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Old Feb 23, 2010 | 09:39 PM
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Old Feb 23, 2010 | 11:49 PM
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I would recommend a high mileage oil for your LT1. I think you would be satisfied with Mobil 1 High Mileage 10w30. It has a lot of calcium for cleaning and a higher viscosity formula, so its a thicker oil. It also will help prevent and stop very minor leaks. It wont really hurt to run the 10w40 in your LT1, but it wont provide any benefits over 10w30 or 5w30. Also the first number (0,5, or 10) only really applies to cold start ups anyway. So if you operate it in a warm climate dont worry about if its 5 or 10.

Valvoline Maxlife Full Synthetic 10w30 or 5w30 is also a good oil. But I prefer the Mobil 1 High Mileage. If you are like me and want VERY detailed information on different oils, then read up at bobistheoilguy.com But I will tell you that it can lead to hours upon hours or reading about motor oil!

Last edited by Chris97z; Feb 24, 2010 at 12:02 AM.
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Old Feb 28, 2010 | 04:29 PM
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I think mobil one 5-30 high mileage is your best bet.
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Old Feb 28, 2010 | 05:39 PM
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There were 135k on my LT1 right before I sold it, I always used 10w40 Castrol Synthec.
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Old Feb 28, 2010 | 05:48 PM
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mobil 1 5w-30 in my h/c/i 164k stock bottom end, and its still trucking along
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Old Feb 28, 2010 | 09:17 PM
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Depending on the temperature of your area. Lets say you drive in mostly 40* or warmer a 15W40 would be your best bet. Thicker oils do not fill voids. If the bearings wont hold an oil film the bearing clearance are toast. Gm does not recommend 10-40 oils because its VI ratio is to broad. Never use an oil with over a 2 step Vi ratio. 10w -30 is fine in colder winter driving but for warmer high speeds a 15W 40 is the ticket in my view.
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Old Mar 1, 2010 | 12:53 PM
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LOL so what about 0w30, or 0w40...

5w30, and 10w30 are BOTH 30 weight oils. The 5w has the better cold start viscosity. Otherwise at 100C, they are both rated as a 30 weight range oil. Same as 0w30. Last I checked the owners manual in the car does recommend 10w40 at certain temps.
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