couple of oil recommendations please

[Andy_Hawks]

Hey everybody, new guy here from TN! I have a 2000 camaro that I bought brand new. It now has 105,000 miles on it. It has the 3.8v6 in it. The manual calls for 10w30. I have always used Castrol Syntec 10w30 in it. It has never had a drop of anything else except what it came with from the factory. With the mileage getting up there on it, should I switch oil or is that a good oil to use?

Also, about 3 months ago, I bought a 2002 silverado with a 4.8v8. It has 73,000 miles on it. The manual calls for 5w30. About a month ago, I changed the oil and used Amsoil XL 5w30 and the amsoil oil filter. I was a little nervous about using it since it didn't have the api starburst on the bottle. Also, since switching I can hear a knocking noise when the truck is cold and the noise clears up when the engine warms up a little.

I don't drive hard and I always take good care and keep up on all the maintenance. Are the oils Im using in these vehicles the right choice? Also, are they true synthetics? Btw, I don't drive long distances in these vehicles and the camaro is usually parked during the winter.

Thank you for any advice,
Andy

 

[Quattro Pete]

Welcome to BITOG.

As they say, if it ain't broke...


Originally Posted By: Andy_Hawks
Also, are they true synthetics?

Heh... that's a loaded question on these forums. It really depends on your definition of "true synthetic". If by this you mean "group IV/V" base, then the answer is 'no'. However, this does not mean they're bad oils at all.

 

[FusilliJerry82]

No real problem with what you're doing, and either would be fine with moving to 5/10w-30 for both.

IMO however, Shell Rotella T Synthetic 5w-40 is a viable option for both. It's a relatively thin 40-weight but the slight increase in thickness may help with noise, plus its just a great HDEO oil.

 

[Spector]

I have a 3.8 L 2000 model as well, stay with what you are using if you have not problems. A lot to be said for "if it ain't broke don't fix it" saying

 

[KW]

Everything looks just fine to me with what you are using.

 

[Rob_Roy]

Sounds like you already have a recipe for success with the camaro, I wouldn't change anything. As for the 4.8L, they are famous for cold-start piston slap. While annoying, it won't damage anything. If the noise bothers you, some people report that 10w30 or 5w40 helps "dampen" the noise.

 

[Andy_Hawks]

Ok thanks for all the replies! I will stick with castrol syntec on the camaro. I would like to get a used oil analysis on my next change cause about 2 oil changes ago, I had to replace the upper and lower intake gaskets. I want to make sure there is no coolant getting in the oil. I don't think there is though.

As far as using the amsoil 100% synthetic high performance oil 5w30 on the truck, is that a good choice even though it is not api certified? It is not the xl oil like I thought.