Oil recommendation for new LS3

[Indydriver]

OK, I searched but didn't find much. Besides, I'd like to read some fresh recommendations. I've ordered a 2014 2SS/RS convertible with 6MT so it comes with the 426 HP LS3 which has an 8 qt sump. The owners manual specs 5W-30 Dexos approved oil. My go to oil for this application will be Mobil1 unless I read some good reasons to do something else.

Early in its life, this engine will get typical bolt-on mods: CAI, ported TB, catch can. Then we will see if we want to go further.

Comments?

 

[CATERHAM]

Yes M1 5W-30 is just fine during warranty.
Once you've made your engine mod's down the road, then I'd suggest fine tuning your oil choose to optimize the operational viscosity with a TGMO 0W-20/M1 0W-40 blend. A resulting heavy 0W-20 seems to fit the bill based on some recent Corvette owners experience.

 

[Indydriver]

Thanks, Caterham. I value your opinion. It just so happens I have a nice stash of TGMO 0W-20 for the wife's minivan.

 

[CATERHAM]

Your welcome and congrat's on the sweet ride!

 

[Triton_330]

Originally Posted By: CATERHAM
Yes M1 5W-30 is just fine during warranty.
Once you've made your engine mod's down the road, then I'd suggest fine tuning your oil choose to optimize the operational viscosity with a TGMO 0W-20/M1 0W-40 blend. A resulting heavy 0W-20 seems to fit the bill based on some recent Corvette owners experience.


Just wondering... why not mix M1 0w-40 and M1 0w-20 instead?
I mean, I understand there is no harm done in mixing brands, but, would not it be better to stick with one brand... seeing as "frankenbrews" are generally regarded as better off not being used in new cars?

Not that I see mixing M1 and TGMO as a frankenbrew, but it's the same concept...

 

[dailydriver]

^^^As has been stated many times before, the TGMO IS made by XOM, so it would not be any less 'miscible' (as far as base stocks, and maybe even add packs go) with their 0W-40 than their own AFE (or otherwise) 0W-20.

Indy; I would probably opt for the M1 5W-30 EP version during warranty, since it is also Dexos approved, and is probably a little more 'stout' as far as TBN/longevity/fuel dilution resistance goes (not that LS3s are known for this with stock tunes), for not a lot more coin per quart.

After that, yes, either some variant on the CATERHAM blend, or either straight M1 0W-40, Red Line 0W-40, or even Motul 300V Trophy 0W-40 IF you want to get real fancy/boutique, and IF it gets very hot in the summer where you are, and it is a summer ONLY 'weekend' car.

 

[Triton_330]

Originally Posted By: dailydriver
^^^As has been stated many times before, the TGMO IS made by XOM, so it would not be any less 'miscible' (as far as base stocks, and maybe even add packs go) with their 0W-40 than their own AFE (or otherwise) 0W-20.


Sorry, I really didn't know, which is why I said "just wondering" ... Anyway, even with that being said, still - why mix TGMO and M1? And if the goal is to reach a heavy 0w-20, what would be wrong with just running one 0w-30? I mean, you even go on to say a dexos 5w-30 would be good (as to which I agree).

 

[Garak]

If it were me, I'd grab the 5w-30 dexos1 and be happy. After all, I don't like mixing. In any case, the goal of the TGMO and the M1 0w-40 as the chosen mix is to get a very high VI 0w-30. CATERHAM does so, notably, because the M1 AFE 0w-30 isn't even available up here in Canada, oddly enough, and Mobil Delvac Elite 222 0w-30, another oil that CATERHAM likes, comes in 5 gallon pails, which is not his preference.

 

[Hib_Halverson]

For an LS3, if cost is an issue, I'd go with M1 5W30. If cost is not an issue I'd use either Red Line 5W30 or Gibbs Driven LS30 (a 5W30). You can run either to extended drain intervals to recover some of the cost.

I have an LS6 and an LS7 engine in Corvettes and they all use Red Line.

H. Halverson
automotive tech. writer.

 

[Merkava_4]

Go with the M1 High Mileage 5W-30. The regular M1 5W-30 has been known to cause valve train noise.

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: Hib_Halverson
For an LS3, if cost is an issue, I'd go with M1 5W30. If cost is not an issue I'd use either Red Line 5W30 or Gibbs Driven LS30 (a 5W30). You can run either to extended drain intervals to recover some of the cost.

I have an LS6 and an LS7 engine in Corvettes and they all use Red Line.

H. Halverson
automotive tech. writer.


2 gens of Z06es, NICE!!

 

[aquariuscsm]

How about Castrol Edge/Syntec 5W30.

 

[Merkava_4]

But then again, if you want the absolute best money can buy, get Conklin Convoy 5W-30.

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: Triton_330
Originally Posted By: dailydriver
^^^As has been stated many times before, the TGMO IS made by XOM, so it would not be any less 'miscible' (as far as base stocks, and maybe even add packs go) with their 0W-40 than their own AFE (or otherwise) 0W-20.


Sorry, I really didn't know, which is why I said "just wondering" ... Anyway, even with that being said, still - why mix TGMO and M1? And if the goal is to reach a heavy 0w-20, what would be wrong with just running one 0w-30? I mean, you even go on to say a dexos 5w-30 would be good (as to which I agree).


The goal (for an LS3/LSx at least) is not a 'heavy 0W-20', but a light, very high viscosity index, 0W-30 (MUCH higher VI than straight Mobil 1 AFE 0W-30!!).

The Dexos 5W-30 is only stated to satisfy warranty concerns, and yes, IF the Mobil 1 AFE 0W-30 is Dexos approved (??), I would probably just use that over the M1 5W-30 EP I suggested, and change it out more frequently, IF I were worried about the warranty.