Oil for cold weather LS1 engine

[Marksman762]

I had previously been running Mobil 1 0w40 in my 2000 Z28 Camaro LS1 with about 45,000 miles on the engine. It's a daily driver, mostly in town driving and I don't run it very hard. A few of the oil analysis' came back less that spectacular so I switched to PP 5w30. I've noticed while running the PP 5w30 my oil pressure has dropped a bit and it burns about 1-1.5 quarts of oil between changes. I've not yet had a chance to run an analysis of the PP in this engine.

I'm due for an oil change now and with winter coming up, wanted to get some opinions on what I should run. The Mobil 1 0w40 did not burn anything between changes and is better suited for the cold weather (gets to around -20 or so on bad days) however the PP may yield better wear results. The only things that concern me about the PP would be that it's burning oil between changes and number wise, it's not as good in cold weather as Mobil 1 is.

Thoughts from those who know a LOT more about the subject than I do?

 

[CATERHAM]

You haven't said what the coldest temp's will be for starting your Z28?
Anyway the lightest 30wt oil would be M1 0W-30 and it meets the GM 4718M spec'.

 

[Marksman762]

Caterham,

The temperature can reach as low as -20F or -30F a few times a year. I do use a block heater when a plug in is available. Typically the temps are around 10 to -10F.

 

[CATERHAM]

Before I forget, welcome to BITOG!

As mentioned, I'd use M1 AFE 0W-30.
There isn't a lighter 30wt oil made at -30F.

 

[scurvy]

Considering your assumed proximity to Canadia, why not Petro Canada Supreme Synthetic 0w30?

Sounds like the temps there weren't too distant from what I experienced in Chicago, and I use 5w40 synthetic in both TDIs. Mobil 1 0w40 would still be a good choice IMO - can you share these 'less than spectacular' UOAs? That may give us a better basis for recommendations.

 

[Steve S]

Oh man I call below 50*f cold!!!

 

[Steve S]

Originally Posted By: Marksman762
Caterham,

The temperature can reach as low as -20F or -30F a few times a year. I do use a block heater when a plug in is available. Typically the temps are around 10 to -10F.
An oil pan heater would be a good idea.

 

[Nickdfresh]

Originally Posted By: Steve S
Oh man I call below 50*f cold!!!


Wuss.

 

[chubbs1]

Originally Posted By: Steve S
Oh man I call below 50*f cold!!!

I feel you on that Steve S. And I still think about changing oils before "winter". Just BITOG OCD I guess.

 

[Steve S]

Originally Posted By: Nickdfresh
Originally Posted By: Steve S
Oh man I call below 50*f cold!!!


Wuss.

I would have to agree!!!

 

[Steve S]

Originally Posted By: chubbs1
Originally Posted By: Steve S
Oh man I call below 50*f cold!!!

I feel you on that Steve S. And I still think about changing oils before "winter". Just BITOG OCD I guess.

You never can tell when there will will be artic like conditions ,,, Below 40*f

 

[dparm]

What was so bad about your UOA that made you change to PP? If that is making you burn a quart of oil (and you weren't before), I'd rethink running PP.

5w30 will still pour to like -40 or below.

 

[HTSS_TR]

For the coming cold So Cal winter of 40-50F, I changed the oil in '00 E430 to 6 qt M1 0W20 and 2 qt M1 15W50, oil spec'd is M1 0W40.

 

[CompSyn]

Generally, in a mechanically sound engine, oil consumption is mechanical related and not the fault of the oil. Some industry accepted oil consumption levels are as a high as 1 quart per 1000 miles which is consider high by many. Whatever you feel is “normal” oil consumption is up to you. Personally, I’ve seen some mechanically sound engines consume oil while others do not.

As far as oil choice goes, since the LS1 engines are specified for 5W-30, I’d keep it 30-grade and recommend a good 0W-30 year round. Have you considered Amsoil SSO?

 

[XS650]

Originally Posted By: CompSyn
Generally, in a mechanically sound engine, oil consumption is mechanical related and not the fault of the oil. Some industry accepted oil consumption levels are as a high as 1 quart per 1000 miles which is consider high by many.


It's considered high by anyone not trying to get out of doing some warranty work.

 

[CompSyn]

Originally Posted By: XS650
Originally Posted By: CompSyn
Generally, in a mechanically sound engine, oil consumption is mechanical related and not the fault of the oil. Some industry accepted oil consumption levels are as a high as 1 quart per 1000 miles which is consider high by many.


It's considered high by anyone not trying to get out of doing some warranty work.


Yeah, wasn't it Chrysler who put fourth that recommendation?

Can anyone provide sources to accepted auto industry oil consumption limits?

 

[steve20]

FWIW my 05 Accord 4 cyl for the first time in it's life burned 1/2 quart in 8K miles on the first switch over to PP 5-30. Has not used a drop in subsequent changes

Steve

 

[addyguy]

M1 0W-30 AFE would be my vote.

 

[demarpaint]

It might take another OCI for the oil use to stop since you made the change over to PP. I would stick with PP 5W30, or even try a 0W30. No need for a 40 grade IMO, especially during the winter months. JMO

 

[Mr_Incredible]

I park my LS1 for the winter and drive the truck and the CRX. But I had good analysis numbers with Havoline DS. It's about the least viscous 5w-30 other than Castrol Syntec (which also gave me good numbers.)

I don't have consumption with any oil in the Z28. It's a happy little motor.