Is GC 0W-30 right for me?

[lycurgus]

I have an '04 Chevy Cavalier, Ecotec 2.2L. The owner's manual and oil cap say use 5W-30; owner's manual says it's ok to use 10W30 in the summer, or 0W30 when it's extremely cold, but says 5W-30 is best for the engine.

Ok, so I've never been one to question the manufacturer's recommendation as far as weight goes. However, the only GC I can find locally is 0W-30.

1) Am I better off using the GC 0W-30 or a non-GC but nevertheless good 5W-30?
2) What are the consequences of using 10W30 or 0W30 in my engine right before the onset of an Oklahoma (read: hot) summer?

 

[buster]

YES, use the 0w-30. Don't worry about the W part.

 

[pscholte]

You are fine with GC...and remember GC only exists as a 0W-30...no other Syntec grades are GC.

 

[lycurgus]

Is anyone willing to play devil's advocate on this?

 

[Blue99]

GG 0W-30, at 12.1 cSt, is at the heavy end of the SAE 30 grade and is certainly a good multi-viscosity choice for hot summer temps.

At start-up temperatures above 30-40 degress F, GC is thicker than the majority of synthetic & dino 5W-30's.

As far as an oil for summertime use in Oklahoma, I'd select a 10W-30, or GC 0W-30, over a 5W-30, as the lighter base oils typical of 5W-30 formulations have more volatility or burn-off problems with hot, summer temps.

 

[CincyGTS]

quote:

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Originally posted by lycurgus:
Is anyone willing to play devil's advocate on this?

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Absolutely not. My wife's 2002 Alero has this same engine in it and GC showed roughly half the wear when compared with Mobil1 5W-30 and 10W-30 over the same drain period.

GC is an excellent oil for this engine (among many others)

 

[lycurgus]

Thanks for the advice, all. I'll be picking up a couple of changes worth of GC at Autozone in about 2,000 miles. I will keep you posted.