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

Engine Oil

Old Jul 22, 2007 | 08:28 PM
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Okay I just checked my oil today and it's kinda low so I'm gonna top it off. My problem is that I'm not sure if I used Mobil 1 5w30 or 10w30 synthetic. Is it okay if I accidentally get the wrong on and mix it?
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Old Jul 22, 2007 | 08:30 PM
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you will be just fine
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Old Jul 22, 2007 | 09:24 PM
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Well neither is a wonderful choice but mixing them will have no ill effect.
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Old Jul 22, 2007 | 09:32 PM
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Originally Posted by 96capricemgr
Well neither is a wonderful choice but mixing them will have no ill effect.
sorry

what do you recommend caprice, or anyone else
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Old Jul 22, 2007 | 09:57 PM
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i use mobil one synthetic
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Old Jul 22, 2007 | 11:08 PM
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mobil 1 fully synthetic is a fine oil to use many people use it in their fbodies
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Old Jul 22, 2007 | 11:18 PM
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german if you can find it anywhere.
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Old Jul 23, 2007 | 04:11 PM
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Originally Posted by 96capricemgr
Well neither is a wonderful choice but mixing them will have no ill effect.
I'm curious to know what your reasoning behind this is too. I use M1 10-30...no problems.
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Old Jul 23, 2007 | 04:40 PM
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You know there's like 18000 threads on here about oil. Use m1. it's just fine. It isn't the best oil out there especially for cost, but for a majority of people it is just fine.
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Old Jul 23, 2007 | 09:25 PM
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Used Oil Analysis proves that M1 in 5w-30 and 10w-30 is not anywhere near the wonderful choice most of you believe it is in THIS ENGINE. Quality oil certainly just that brand in those weights is a mediocre match to this engine. Want to use M1 in an LT1 consider 0w-40 or 5w-40. Other brands like the above aluded too Castrol Syntec 0w-30 labled "made in Germany" are fine in 0/5/10w-30, that German made Castrol is arguably the best based on used oil analysis of wear metal content.

The way I know this is I did research and found actual measured results rather than relying on marketing and what some ignorant kid on the internet said. I have posted links on here before and I am far from the only one here who frequents my the source of this information.

I would not say the M1 30wt oils are outright bad for this motor but, analysis shows high iron wear compared to most other alternatives making it nowhere near the wonderlube you guys want to believe in.
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Old Jul 23, 2007 | 10:28 PM
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dwayne, I've gone as far for my opinion not to even include the 0w40 from M1 either. At least based on the 13,000 miles I logged with it. Higher iron and lead count. Although until I do some UOA on the GC I really have nothing to compare it to. 0w40 turns great results in an engine or it doesnt. Doesn't seem to have a middle results
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Old Jul 23, 2007 | 10:31 PM
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Originally Posted by 96capricemgr
Used Oil Analysis proves that M1 in 5w-30 and 10w-30 is not anywhere near the wonderful choice most of you believe it is in THIS ENGINE. Quality oil certainly just that brand in those weights is a mediocre match to this engine. Want to use M1 in an LT1 consider 0w-40 or 5w-40.
I always thought the multi weight 30's were too thin for just about any performance engine. I use the M1 15w-50 extended performance in mine. Just looking at some of the properties of the M1 oils, regular 10w-30 vs the EP shows a viscosity rating @ 100*C of 10.0 and 10.7 respectively. Just based on that, the EP is a better choice of the two. However look at M1 5w-30 ESP (Emission System Protection) made in Europe. It has a viscosity @ 100*C of 12.1. Ranges are 9.3 up to 12.5 is 30 weight, 40 weight is 12.5 - 16.3. The EP 15w-50 has a viscosity @ 100*C of 18.0. As you can see, the M1 30 weights are on the low end of the spectrum--at least in North America.

Last edited by dhdenney; Jul 23, 2007 at 10:36 PM.
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Old Jul 23, 2007 | 10:31 PM
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i used castrol syntec 5w-30 full synthetic.... -_-
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Old Jul 23, 2007 | 10:44 PM
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If the spec I found for the German Castrol is correct, it is part of the reason why it yields such great results. It's viscosity at 100*C is 12.1. It's a "thicker" oil.
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 12:09 AM
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then why does gm recommend 5w30 and 10w30 is their are better weights out there?
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 05:26 AM
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they recommend them based on obtaining better CAFE ratings IIRC. There is nothing wrong with the 5/10w30 oil.
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 09:55 AM
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Originally Posted by buffman
they recommend them based on obtaining better CAFE ratings IIRC. There is nothing wrong with the 5/10w30 oil.
Right, I guess theoretically a thinner weight is supposed to yield better mileage because of less resistance to the moving parts. That's why you'll never see a vehicle with a 40w on the cap. Most of them are 5w-30 and some these days like Honda are 5w-20.

Originally Posted by transamws6_97
then why does gm recommend 5w30 and 10w30 is their are better weights out there?
Like Buffman said there's nothing wrong with the 30w oils. We were just talking about how North American M1 doesn't yield the best results in those weights and part of that is due to it being on the thin side of 30w. Look at the 5w-30 ESP I was talking about. It's very close to being a 40w.
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 05:22 PM
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All I use is Royal Purple 10W30, cost the same as Mobil 1 full synthetic, and I have seen some testing from some Chem E. friends on the oil that shows it is superior

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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 05:55 PM
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not for the price you pay I'll agree RP is a very decent oil for racing, but for a daily driver, you can get an equally as good oil for less.
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Old Jul 24, 2007 | 06:13 PM
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Originally Posted by buffman
not for the price you pay I'll agree RP is a very decent oil for racing, but for a daily driver, you can get an equally as good oil for less.
Which ones are you talking about? I'm not saying you're wrong, just interested in discussing it. Oil threads are usually a pissing contest anyway.
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