GM 5.3 Oil change opinions

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My first oil change is coming up soon for a 2013 GMC 1500 with a 5.3. I plan on running a Napa Gold Filter with either Pennzoil Plattinum or Mobil 1. For my friends that have had an oil analysis done on both what do you think? Also, I plan on changing at no more than 5,000 miles. Do you think I might be better off with a synthetic blend such as Pennzoil Gold cause I won't go 7500-10k. Thank you very much for input.
 
Any Dexos oil will be all the quality needed with the shorter oil change intervals.


Todays {conventional) oils aren't like the oils like the oils of the 70s.
 
You can buy the PP ($2/qt rebate) cheaper than the other two through Dec 31st. I'd get that since it's nearly half price. Full synthetic Pennzoil will be cheaper than the Pennz blend or PYB....so why not use it...even if the OCI is on the short side? Still a good quality oil too.

If you can, try to wait to December to see what the final AutoZone clearance prices are for all the Pennzoil, M1, and Castrol oils will be. You might find something for $2/qt that carries a rebate on top of that.
 
Not sure how long it takes you to hit 5k ... But plenty folks only run synthetic 5k. Look for deals on those you mention ... I go back & forth between M1 & PP often ... Sometimes a maverick on sale like VSP ...
 
If you run a quality synthetic you can follow the OLM which will take you out a little longer than 5,000 miles. That's what I do on my 2011 Silverado with the 5.3 and with 60,000 miles on it -it hasn't blown up yet.

Approximately 30% of those miles are towing a 5,500 pound travel trailer.


If you insist on a 5,000 miles change interval a blend would work just fine.
 
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OLM indicated changes run from 4000 miles to almost 15000 here depending on the duty cycle. No reason to mistrust the GM system, it is among the best in the world on their V8 engines.

We have run 5.3/6.0's to 500k miles and had no trouble selling them with no smoke, no usage, no leaks. Just use whatever synth or blend is on sale and a quality filter.

And stop worrying...
 
I use the same combination as you in my 5.3 Tahoe (rarely sees 3000 rpm) and my Camaro 6.2 (sees 5000 frequently).

I use M1 because it is readily available on sale at Costco and Napa Gold because I can buy them by the dozen online for $5 ea saving trips to the parts store. This combo goes in/on both vehicles as they spec the same filter even though manufactured seven years apart (ty GM!).

I follow the OLM in the Tahoe (~8000 miles) with a 1 qt top off. The Camaro doesn't get enough miles so it gets an annual change before winter storage.
 
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First oil change on a 2013?

Best for the money-- Pennzoil Gold 5w30 Dexos with non Ecore PF48

This is a DI engine so i would worry more about dirty valves etc than anything.
 
its not a DI engine. this is the 5.3 vortec not the Ecotec. Currently running Supertech Dexos 5W30 with a Baldwin B160 filter in my buddies 2011 with the 4.8 Vortec with no issues
 
5000 miles is nothing, I'd just use SuperTech Syn Dexos. Double stint any cheap filter unless engine has evidence of sludge. Keep it topped off.
 
Several people here have had success with Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck 5W-40 in these LS engines. That's a good, stout HDEO synthetic. That or equivalent ( Delo, Rotella) would be a solid choice.
 
I've done UOA on my ecotec, I was down to 20% on OLM at 6k results came back with go ahead and do another 2k. TBN was like 3.2. Pens plat is definitely capable of 5-6k easy. I won't run long intervals during warranty for obvious reasons but it can do it.
 
Originally Posted By: Ian1982
My first oil change is coming up soon for a 2013 GMC 1500 with a 5.3. I plan on running a Napa Gold Filter with either Pennzoil Plattinum or Mobil 1. For my friends that have had an oil analysis done on both what do you think? Also, I plan on changing at no more than 5,000 miles. Do you think I might be better off with a synthetic blend such as Pennzoil Gold cause I won't go 7500-10k. Thank you very much for input.


Hi Ian1982 - Since you are currently interested in trying Pennzoil, we'd love to have you participate in our Pennzoil Used Oil Analysis program! Through the program, you'll receive a sample of Pennzoil Synthetics for your GMC Terrain along with testing supplies and complimentary lab testing from Blackstone. If you're interested, please send us a private message for more details. - Gena & The Pennzoil Team
 
That's interesting I was wondering if oil companies actually look at results we are getting in extended drains and real world driving results in UOA and wear. Good to know.
 
Originally Posted By: Shata
That's interesting I was wondering if oil companies actually look at results we are getting in extended drains and real world driving results in UOA and wear. Good to know.


Hi Shata - The program is a great way to see how our oil is being used in real-life situations. Are you interested in joining the program too? Please send us a private message, and we'll fill you in on details. Talk soon, Gena & The Pennzoil Team
 
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
OLM indicated changes run from 4000 miles to almost 15000 here depending on the duty cycle. No reason to mistrust the GM system, it is among the best in the world on their V8 engines.



Generally that would be true. Though, still looking for the sensor that tells the OLM that I am spending a lot of time (daily) on dusty gravel roads. Until I can find it and have it shown that it is calculating the dirty environment my pickup is operating in, I will opt to avoid the OLM recommendation. While the pickup OEM's marketing shows pickups doing incredible things, they seem to forget than many of us actually do use these things on roads that aren't paved.
 
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