Good weight oil for My Vortec 454

[Smith5361]

Been a lurker off and on here for years
I'm in NW Ohio and own a 1997 GM truck with a 454 Vortec. The truck is a play truck that stays inside during the winter. Typically it is in a heated shop but my new shop won't be heated for this winter. During the winter time I typically start it every couple weeks and let it get to operations temps for a bit and shut it off. The engine has 92xxx Miles on it.

I have ran 10w30 in the truck ever since I have owned it which has been since 2005. I believe previous owner may have ran 10w40. I used to always run Mobil 1 but switched to Valvoline High Mileage synthetic. Oil pressure at operating temps when the ambient temp is 85 and above is 18-20 psi at idle and at 2k it's closer to 50psi. I've always ran with for a BBC that 10psi per 1k Rpms is good but I wonder if a 10w40 would be better for this truck due to typically being driven during hotter weather or should I step to a 15w40? I'd prefer a high mileage oil if possible and to stick with a Synthetic. What's everyone's opinions on sticking with 10w30 or stepping up to something heavier. Thanks

 

[skyactiv]

If you like running a 10W40, use 0W40 in it instead. Meijer has 0W40 Valvoline synthetic in 5 quart jugs and in bottles.

 

[kschachn]

Originally Posted by skyactiv
If you like running a 10W40, use 0W40 in it instead. Meijer has 0W40 Valvoline synthetic in 5 quart jugs and in bottles.

That's a good option if you can find it, otherwise Castrol 0W-40 at Walmart.

 

[RDY4WAR]

I think your oil pressure is good where it's at. No need to run more than necessary. I'd stick with a 10w-30 oil.

 

[440Magnum]

Personal opinion here, and this is straying from an oil recommendation... but starting up monthly and just bringing it to operating temperature every few weeks *without* actually driving it does more harm than good. You need to get it out and put a load on it to bring the *oil* (not just the coolant) up to temperature and hold it there for a while (and also stir the transmission, rear axle, and transfer case oils if its a 4x4). Just idling up to normal coolant temperature puts a whole lot of moisture and acids in the oil.

If you can't realistically find enough nice days to take it out and drive it during the winter, IMO its better to go ahead and spray some top-end oil (Marvel Mystery, etc.) down the intake just as you shut it down the last time, and then LEAVE IT all winter long. Use a battery maintainer to keep the battery in good shape.

 

[Zee09]

Originally Posted by RDY4WAR
I think your oil pressure is good where it's at. No need to run more than necessary. I'd stick with a 10w-30 oil.


10w30 for me too

 

[Shannow]

M1 10W30 HM...and follow 440Magnum's advice.
Or one of the 10W30 HDMOs

 

[CT8]

Something W-40 Depending on the starting temps.

 

[bubbatime]

Oil pressure is fine, doesn't need a 40 weight. I'd run 10W30 Maxlife, Delo, or Rotella.

 

[ka9mnx]

Like Shannow. M1 10w-30 HM.

 

[rubberchicken]

My 1997 Suburban with 454 runs 45-50 psi cold, 30 psi hot at idle with Amsoil 5w30. If its a really hot day and I have been towing, it may drop to 25 psi at idle, but still about 50+ psi above 2k rpm. That truck was recommended for 5w30, or 10w30 in summer and severe conditions. Overall I think your fine with a 5w30 or a 10w40. Does your truck have a self-destructing paint job like mine ?

 

[maxdustington]

Awesome truck, always wanted a GMT400 with a BBC. Pics please!

My dad has a 97 Sierra RCLB work truck, so awesome but bad on gas!

 

[dave1251]

10W30 what is your OCI?

 

[madeej11]

Stick with 10w30. Thicker oil might give you higher oil temps. Doesn't flow as well so it doesn't cool as well. Your oil pressure seems adequate. Good to go.

 

[Shannow]

Originally Posted by madeej11
Doesn't flow as well so it doesn't cool as well. .


Sorry, that statement is patently incorrect.

 

[madeej11]

Not from what I've read on Bitog 1,000 x before. It's either been stated or implied. Never seen it disputed till now. Oh yeah, you don't have to be sorry.

 

[sw99]

I settled in on T5 10w30 on my previous 7.4L. $16 a gallon and great protection for that ol big block.

 

[VinceVaughnce]

Decided to try running high viscosity oil in a GM 3400. Tried everything for the piston slap and the quietest it's been was with MoS2 and 5W20. This summer tried out a blend of 5w20 and SAE40. Cold piston slap is louder than ever (cold GM engine NHV is abyssmal), but after 1 minute the engine gets nice and quiet again. No more super-low VI oils in that engine, just going to stick with EC/RC because engine noise in that first minute is so aversive.

I'm with the others, 10W30 would seem good

 

[CR94]

Originally Posted by madeej11
Not from what I've read on Bitog 1,000 x before. It's either been stated or implied. Never seen it disputed till now. Oh yeah, you don't have to be sorry.
You can read a lot of recurring goofy opinions on BITOG.

 

[stoan]

Years ago I had 3 different trucks with the 454 engine. I always used 10w-40 with good results, but if I had one today I would use HDEO 10w-30 or one of the 0w/5w-40 oils. None of those options really existed when I had mine.