Recommend oil - 2008 Chevy Impala 3.5 liter

[mechanicx]

Originally Posted By: bradepb
not trying to keep an argument going or anything but since I own two of these engines I would like a tsb# or link to this as it is the first I have heard of it, as far as I know the 3.5 is a pretty new engine for gm and they are rock solid so far


I think if someone passes on a service bulletin, it's easy enough for some else to verify. Lots of TSB get issued so it's not unusual it's just I think a headgasket leak is pretty major and some of them are leaking without that many miles.
GM TSB
Bulletin No.: 08-06-01-012A

Date: November 19, 2008

Subject:
Engine Coolant Leak, Loss of Coolant (Replace Affected Cylinder Head Gasket)

Models:
2006-2007 Buick Terraza
2006-2007 Chevrolet Monte Carlo
2006-2008 Chevrolet Impala, Uplander
2008 Chevrolet Malibu
2006-2008 Pontiac G6, Montana SV6
2006-2008 Saturn Relay
2007-2008 Saturn Aura

with 3.5L or 3.9L Engine (VINs N, K, R, W, 1, 3 - RPOs LZ4, LZE, LZ8, LGD, LZ9, LZG)

 

[mechanicx]

Originally Posted By: Zaedock
Just to clarify, the GM 60* engine and it's oil system is not based off of the "typical" 90* SBC we all know and love. The 90* 200, 229, and 262 ci engines are decendents of the SBC.




True the GM 60 degree is not like 90 degree which is basically a small block with a center cylinder V removed. It's still a Chevrolet design with similarities and it has a good oiling system and wears well just as the smb did was my point.

 

[Zaedock]

Originally Posted By: mechanicx
Originally Posted By: Zaedock
Just to clarify, the GM 60* engine and it's oil system is not based off of the "typical" 90* SBC we all know and love. The 90* 200, 229, and 262 ci engines are decendents of the SBC.




True the GM 60 degree is not like 90 degree which is basically a small block with a center cylinder V removed. It's still a Chevrolet design with similarities and it has a good oiling system and wears well just as the smb did was my point.


I clarified because that's not what you stated. Just sticking to the facts in good BITOG fashion.

 

[Nyquist]

I have the same 3.5L engine you asked about. I usually use Pennzoil Platinum, Q-Horsepower, or Mobil 1 EP all in the 5w30 weight. They all seem to work well.

 

[Willscary]

My work vehicle is a 2004 Malibu LS (not the classic older version) with the 3.5L V-6. I drive 63 miles each way to work and used to average 38 MPG in the summer and 30-32 MPG during the coldest part of the Wisconsin winter. Since purchasing the car, I have averaged 35.3 MPG.

I had always run M1 5W-30 in this vehicle, and 16 months ago the government took away 100% gasoline in our state. We now have 10% ethanol in all gas from major suppliers. There is a loophole that allows small distributers to sell 100% gasoline, and thankfully, Fleet Farm now sells it!

Anyways, when the gas switched to the ethanol blend, I lost about 15% of my fuel economy. After driving with this type of gas for about a year, I was able to find 100% gas again, but my mileage only increased about 5%.

I ran a can of Seafoam through the fuel system and another 6 oz through the crankcase, then switched to M1 0W-30 (green cap) and have seen great fuel economy return as well as quite a bit more power than I remember. The Seafoam most likely cleaned the injectors and any built up sludge in the motor, but I am sure that the 0W-30 is responsible for the way my car actually runs now...better than it did new!

By the way...the car has 165,000 miles on it.

Bill

 

[Durango]

Originally Posted By: Bruce T
My friend bought a beautiful black 2008 Chevy Impala. The owner's manual specifies 5W-30. He asked for my opinion on oils, so I recommended PP, Valvoline SynPower, or M1. GM Owners: What do you think works best in the GM 3.5 liter engine?



Bruce T,

I'd keep it to Mobil 1 if you can cuz it's always worked well in my 01' Durango and my newly bought Impala SS V-8. When I reach my OLM's message to change it out I want to try Syntec oil for a change.

Durango

 

[Willscary]

OOPS! In my post a few minutes ago I forgot to mention that I always change oil with about 10% left on the oil life monitor...about 12,000 miles in summer and about 10,000 miles during winter.

Bill

 

[Bruce T]

Thanks to everyone for all the wonderful answers. It's helpful to know that this engine is easy on oil, not picky about brand, and gets good mileage. My friend is leaning towards the lesser known Valvoline SynPower 5W-30, since he already uses Valvoline conventional. He can watch the coolant level in case the head gasket leaks.

 

[Durango]

Bruce T,

Nothing wrong using Valvoline synthetic at all! I tried it once and found it to be a good oil.

Durango