HELP! Need alternative to GC 0w30 for my cars

[skytower31]

3 cars, 3 different uses and requirements. Let me know your thoughts for each...thanks!!!

2002 Pontiac Trans Am
5.7L V8 Pushrod LS1 (same as Corvette)
Only driven once a week or so. 5000 mile OCIs over about 13 months. Manual specifies 5w30. I've been running GC 0w30 for about 2 years. Previously ran M1 5w30.
Cost is not a huge consideration with this car as it is babied and driven hard when driven. OCIs are few and far between as well. I would prefer oil I could acquire locally, but online ordering is ok.

2003 Nissan Maxima
3.5L V6
Daily driven 20 miles each way to work. 5000-6000 miles OCIs would be nice. I've been running GC 0w30 for a year or so in it, M1 5w30 prior to that. Manual specifies 5w30.
Cost is a bigger issue with this car since OCIs are more frequent. I would like this oil to be easily accessible locally.

1995 Nissan Maxima
3.0L V6
Driven infrequently just around town. A few longer trips on the freeway upon occassion. 5000-6000 miles OCIs would be nice. I've been running GC 0w30 for a year or so in it, M1 5w30 prior to that. Manual specifies 5w30.
Cost is an issue with this car. I would like this oil to be easily accessible locally.

I want to run fully synthetic on all cars.
Let me now your suggestions!!!

Thanks everyone!

 

[Thatwouldbegreat]

How about Shell Rotella Synthetic 5W-40 for the Trans Am?

And whatever name brand 5w30 synthetic oil or conventional oil is on sale for the two Nissan. I like Pennzoil Platinum or Valvoline Synpower at the 'on sale' price.

 

[bmwtechguy]

Redline 5w30 for the Pontiac would be my first choice based on car being "driven hard". I picked up some Valvoline Maxlife full synthetic that meets the same demanding euro specs as GC. I found it on clearance for 3.25/qt at local AAP stores here. When looking online at AAP, I found stores that said they had this oil in stock, then just called ahead to confirm and have them hold it for me. I picked up a bunch of 5w30 and about half as much of the 10W-30. My third choice for the Pontiac would be Mobil 1 0W-40. Yes, I know it's not 5w30, but it's the next best retail to GC that's readily available and can take some punishment while protecting your high performance engine. Rotella syn 5W-40 would work too, but is a good bit higher viscosity if that's ok.

For the Nissans I agree that Pennzoil Platinum would work fine for your intended use and intervals, just get it on sale like the recent AAP-buy one, get one free deal, which worked out to just over $3 a quart after tax. (I stocked up!) If you can't find a sale, Wal-Mart has it in 5 quart jugs for $20 around here. Also saw Valvoline Synpower (full synthetic) 5w30 in gallon jug for $15 at AAP.

 

[skytower31]

Thanks for the replies!
I think I will go with the PP for the Nissans.
Still not sure on the Redline. 6 quarts from Summit is $63.45 6 quarts of GC runs $49.98. Is Red Line that much better?

 

[Buffman]

sky maybe wait and see what a UOA looks like from Patman for the PP he's running in his vette.

 

[skytower31]

Quote:

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sky maybe wait and see what a UOA looks like from Patman for the PP he's running in his vette.

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That is very true. I do have about 13 months before my next oil change in the Trans Am.

 

[Bowser]

I plan on using the robust SL rated Valvoline MaxLife Full Synthetic 5w30 in my late model Chevy Silverado trucks after my GC stash runs out.

It meets the ACEA A3 BMW LL01 and MB229.3 HTHS rating of > 3.5.

Bowser

 

[TimVipond]

Let's see if I've got the mileage about right:
Pontiac = 5,000 miles a year.
2003 Nissan = 15,000 miles a year.
1995 Nissan = less than 15,000 miles a year.
How about running Amsoil ASL 5W30 in all 3 and just change once a year?
You can become a Preferred Customer for 6 months for $10. A case of 4 gallons is $84.80. Shipping is $11.06. That works out to $6.60 a quart plus sales tax. One oil, one oil change, once a year.