Doing 2nd oil change on v8 camaro want to pick something good.

[phenomic]

I got my car a few months ago and do all my own work on it. I got it running very good and it is about time for my second oil change. I have ~115k miles, no leaking or consumption problems(Its been 2500 mi and less than a half quart used up). I just used pennzoil 10w30 last time because there was a deal on it with a delco filter.

Since it is winter, i think i should move down to 5w30. I have a rebate for valvoline durablend or valvoline maxlife. Which one of these two should i try and what type of filter (something not too expensive, but not a paper filter) should i get?

I was thinking about switching to the durablend to try a synthetic. I am a little worried that it would leak but i really want to try a synthetic because my engine needs to have good care taken of it and it is gonna get below zero and i dont want to wait for it to warm up.

Also, which viscosity do you recommend, is 5w30 alright?

 

[pitzel]

Just out of interest, what year is the car and specifically which engine?

People here have reported excellent results with German Castrol 0W-30 with the LS1/LT1 engines.

 

[oilguy3]

I love Durablend. I used it because I had the rebate and I can't be happier! It's only been in my truck for ~250 miles but my truck sounds great and seems much spunkier. I just filled my tank with its 1st tank of gas since the change and it got 2 mpg better than it ever has before. For all I know my engine is full of Wesson oil, but it runs great and as of now it's getting much better gas mileage. I'm going to see if I can reproduce this 2 mpg increase on this tank.

 

[Bror Jace]

Yeah phenomic, can you be more specific about your ride's plant?

And you might want to search this forum using the word "Camaro" to find other threads involving oil selection for the same car.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

Dittos to German Castrol, 0w-30 that's "manufactured in Germany and imported to North America" on the back of the bottle. Check out the used oil analysis section with this oil in this engine, phenomenal results! It's on the thicker side of the 30wt and provides the best possible cold starting capability with the "0w" rating.

Welcome to the board!

 

[phenomic]

Wow, this is a nice forum, thanks for the quick responses. I usually try to search but I kind of got confused with the administrator has to approve you and when they did, i posted right away.

Anyways i have a 97 z28 with an LT1. Its got 115k miles, and runs pretty good for its age. Oil came out clean the two times i drained it. I think i am going to go with the durablend for now then and see how i like it. Do i really have to worry about leaks since i am switching to synthetic? I have some left over seafoam from another project and i was wondering if i should put it in with my oil right now so that it's nice and clean when i change it (Anyone have any experience with this?).

What viscosity durablend should i go for since it is the winter? i was thinking 5w30 but you guys are the experts.

Should i get a delco filter again or do i need something special for the synthetic?

 

[GROUCHO MARX]

If the durablend leaks, it won't be because it's synthetic, so I wouldn't worry about that. I'm sure you'll be fine with the AC Delco Filter, no use in fixing that which isn't broken.

Best of luck and Welcome. Usually this is Al's job, but he's been slacking off lately.

 

[69 Riv GS]

It sounds like you're looking for a good "bang for the buck" oil and filter. With that in mind,(+ rebate) Durablend 5w-30 would be my choice for cold weather use because of it's superior low temp performace(CCS 4400 & MRV TP-1 16000),[Maxlife isn't far behind though 5500/18000].
Neither oil will cause leaks to form, so don't worry.
For good low cost filters I prefer Purolator premium plus and Motorcraft. But, for a really good medium cost filter I like Wix(Napa Gold).

If you're concerned with quick/maximum start-up protection in cold temps go with Mobil 1 0w-30. If there's a Pep Boys near by pick up their 2005 calender for a buck, it has a Mobil 1 coupon for 3 free quarts when you purchase 3; I'm stocking up.

[ November 30, 2004, 01:51 AM: Message edited by: 69 Riv GS ]