Brew for 06 GTO 6.0L V8

[The Critic]

All,

While under warranty, the person would like to stick to the approved Mobil 1 5W30 API SM. From this site, members have noted the LS1's desire for a slightly thicker lube, such as GC.

Since the person is sticking with the Mobil 1 5W30, I'm suggesting the addition of a full 15 oz bottle of Valvoline Synpower Oil Treatment, which will increase the amount of anti-wear additives, while keeping the starting viscosity in the low to mid 12cst range.

I'm trying to keep this "brew" as close to the original viscosity of Mobil 1 5W30 as possible, to prevent any questioning of the usage of an unapproved oil grade. I'm expecting to mixture to shear slightly during use, so the viscosity will be about 12cst, which would appear as normal oxidation thickening of Mobil 1 during a long drain.

If the person uses this combination with a Wix or ACDelco Oil Filter, and changes the oil per the Oil Life Monitor, would you folks approve of this combination? Also, the car is in Southern California.

Thanks.

PS-Car already received a fresh oil/filter change at 900 miles with new Mobil 1 5W30 and an ACDelco Filter.

[ March 08, 2006, 01:09 AM: Message edited by: Michael Wan ]

 

[tamu_man]

First off, this is not an LS1, and GM fixed most of the crap from the previous generations. I believe 5w30 should be fine. If it were my car, I would run GC. I prefer the green goblin over the M1.

 

[427Z06]

Mobil 1 5W30 API SM is already 11.3 cSt @100°C so I don't think the VSOT is necessary. I know people that have run Mobil 1 5W30 in there LS-x on the track for years without a problem. Although, viscosity aside, GC may be the better oil.

 

[The Critic]

LS1/LS2??? Whatever the numbering is for GM...I don't pay much attention. From what I've been told, the engine is similar to an extent, to the LS1, so it does like a thicker oil. I saw a great GC UOA for this engine though

, but it isn't an approved oil.

 

[N2OIL]

Ok gotta ask approved for which standard GM4718 or GM6094? Off the "GM" website it states any oil with the starburst (API/doughnut) is recommeded. The 710 or oil cap states grade. What other requirements are there?

 

[tamu_man]

The LS1 prior to the 01 piston slap fix liked thicker oil, but the LS2 isn't ghetto rigged. The Mobil 1 5w30 or GC will work great.

 

[Alan]

I know it may sound surprising but GM actually does know a little bit about what viscosity is ideal for this engine.

He will have nothing to worry about using Mobil 1 5W30 and NO additives.

 

[Turk]

Side note: I test drove this same car Saturday - WOW !

 

[mshu7]

Just for reference:

6.0-LITER 90-DEGREE V-8 (LS2) CAR ENGINE

2006 model year summary
• New engine control module
• Advanced direct ignition system
• New target ring for camshaft position sensing

Full descriptions of new or changed features for 2006

New engine control module
The E38 engine control module (ECM) uses a 32-bit processor, which can handle the advanced computing needs of advanced direct ignition and electronic throttle control. It replaces the previous 24-bit controller. The new module incorporates the electronic throttle control (ETC).

Advanced direct ignition system
The crankshaft position is now sensed by the 58X Quick Sync system, which uses 58 sensors to determine position, and increase ignition accuracy.

New target ring for camshaft position sensing
The cam position sensor reads a new cam target ring, with four segments that increases the accuracy of the position readings.

Low maintenance
Dexcool coolant and spark plugs are certified for 100,000 miles. An oil life monitor built into the ECM calculates stress on the engine during operation and alerts the driver when oil changes are necessary. This eliminates unnecessary oil changes in vehicles that are driven in light-duty conditions. Iridium-tipped spark plugs are also validated for 100,000 miles.

Overview
The LS2 car engine is the fourth-generation of the “small block” V-8, and was designed primarily to meet requirements of 400 hp for the 2005 Corvette. This output was determined by a projection that with the 0.28 Cd body of the 2005 Corvette, the car could achieve a 180-mph top speed. Current applications are the standard Corvette and the Pontiac GTO. To meet the output target, the displacement was increased over the LS1 V-8 through enlarging the bore from 99 to 101.6 mm, and stroke remains the same 92 mm as the 350-horsepower LS1 small-block engine. Combustion chamber improvements, friction reduction, and a larger intake and less restrictive exhaust combined to increase output. In addition, the maximum speed of the engine was increased with stronger valve springs, rising from a redline of 6000 rpm in the LS1 to 6500 rpm.

The increased displacement requires more air, and the throttle body was enlarged from 75 mm to 90 mm. It is mounted to a new multi-piece welded composite intake manifold that is tuned for more flow. Intake breathing was improved by using a high lift camshaft developed to take advantage of the free-flowing cylinder heads. During development it was determined the best flow in the combustion chamber occurred with flat-top pistons. Power output is measured with premium fuel; however, the engine is capable of using any common pump fuel. Catalyst substrate improvements reduce restriction in exhaust system, as does the elimination of the close-coupled “pup” converters of the LS1. Air Injection Reaction system was eliminated because the new close-coupled converters warm quicker. Larger mufflers with tri-flow technology, and less-restrictive routing of the exhaust pipes aid flow. Flow characteristics learned from the LS6 engine development were applied to the combustion chamber shape on the LS2 to improve output and efficiency. Finally, because of careful flow design and calibration, the engine will operate with good drivability characteristics with a high compression ratio of 10.9:1, raised from the 10.1:1 of the LS1.

The block remains precision sand cast aluminum, strengthened with controlled cooling during the casting process, and iron cylinder liners, a process carried over from LS1. To make the bottom end more durable, floating wrist pins are used in the pistons. To reduce friction, piston rings with less spring tension were found to work well in the 6.0L V-8.

Significant to the redesign of the engine is its placement in the Corvette. The engine sits about an inch forward in the Corvette frame compared to the LS1. This allowed enough room to move the exhaust catalysts forward, closer to the exhaust manifold, and the subsequent reduction in warm-up time meant that the catalysts need no external warming device to meet projected emissions, including cold-start emissions, up to 2008.

 

[Racerjk]

I'll take the car or the engine either one!

 

[bighead]

man man MAN....that engine is so pretty lol.

 

[got boost?]

It amazes me that people with little to no technical knowledge think they can design a better oil using some mixture of differently formulated oil products based entirely on the opinions of strangers with absolutely no credentials. Use an oil that meets the GM standards and that engine should last 250k miles. Michael, what is your educational/professional background?

 

[KJA426]

I'd only go one ounce per quart of VSOT on a brand new engine.

 

[got boost?]

quote:

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Originally posted by KJA426:
I'd only go one ounce per quart of VSOT on a brand new engine.

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because why? what qualifications do you have to give this type of advice?

 

[N2OIL]

Mr Boost excellent question!!

 

[manicrodder]

Slightly off topic but I am curious, 2006 models are 2 grand less than the new 05's on lot. Does any one know why?

 

[HondaMan]

Mr. Boost,

Everyone on the board is a Professional Engineer and a certified mechanic, so every thing is OK and you can relax.

In all seriousness, you could ask your question in every single thread on this forum and it would be a valid one, and it would no fun as well.

 

[The Critic]

Part of GM's new "Total Value Promise" to lower the MSRP prices for all of their vehicles to make them more competitive.

Got Boost,
I respect your position as a professional engineer who understands the necessity of trusting the OEM engineers and their recommendations. Many of us on this forum, with the exception of a few, are automotive enthusiasts with little or no background in professional automotive engineering, but are here to discuss oil for fun, and to perhaps learn something.

I was simply looking for input on whether the addition of Valvoline Synpower Oil Treatment, which provides a small boost in anti-wear additives, would provide any additional benefits in such an engine. It has been rumored on this site that the previous LS1 engine delivered slightly better wear values when using thicker 5W30 oil. I do not disagree with you and others that the addition of an additive may not significantly improve engine life, as the OEM fill was validated under the toughest conditions to provide the best wear protection possible while still optimizing fuel efficiency and emissions. However, some of us enjoy experimenting with low-cost additives in hopes of attempting to improve the oil’s build (though they may bring little or no benefit at all), and I hope you respect our choice.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

Mike, I see where you coming from, but the variables have changed with the SM formulas.

The Mobil 1 5w30 SL was (IIRC) 10.0cSt@100C. The SM formula is 11.1cSt@100C. Since GC is only 1cSt thicker, there's not much difference anymore. I'm thinking this thicker Mobil 1 will prove itself better in the GM V8's.

A bit off topic:
Mike-try this new SM formula in your Saturn, it really smooths things out! I'm surprised at how much difference in NVH between this Mobil 1 product and Pennzoil conventional.

IMO, LC or FP are the only add's worth using, skip the VSOT.

 

[got boost?]

experimenting on your own car is one thing, and I think that is fine. Giving advice to someone else while pretending to be an expert is simply not right. Why not start giving "the person" legal or medical advice while you're at it.

quote:

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Originally posted by Michael Wan:

Part of GM's new "Total Value Promise" to lower the MSRP prices for all of their vehicles to make them more competitive.

Got Boost,
I respect your position as a professional engineer who understands the necessity of trusting the OEM engineers and their recommendations. Many of us on this forum, with the exception of a few, are automotive enthusiasts with little or no background in professional automotive engineering, but are here to discuss oil for fun, and to perhaps learn something.

I was simply looking for input on whether the addition of Valvoline Synpower Oil Treatment, which provides a small boost in anti-wear additives, would provide any additional benefits in such an engine. It has been rumored on this site that the previous LS1 engine delivered slightly better wear values when using thicker 5W30 oil. I do not disagree with you and others that the addition of an additive may not significantly improve engine life, as the OEM fill was validated under the toughest conditions to provide the best wear protection possible while still optimizing fuel efficiency and emissions. However, some of us enjoy experimenting with low-cost additives in hopes of attempting to improve the oil’s build (though they may bring little or no benefit at all), and I hope you respect our choice.

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