So many options!!! Advice needed..

[4Scott4]

I have a 2011 Silverado with 5.3 w/AFM. 66,000 miles

So when I got this truck a few months ago I changed the oil. I went with Quaker State Ultimate Durability. I don't like extremely long oci. I feel comfortable changing the oil to inspect after 5,000 miles max. I don't drive the truck daily.. Mostly around town and I tow a 20' bass boat and 24' camper. It tows a minimum of once a week. So my question is this.., what oil would you guys suggest.. Because I like to mix things up I wanted to try a Vslvoline.. Never tried it.. But which one?? Or I'm very open to any brand.. Is dexos a must?? I was thinking a semi Syn might fit my needs the best... Or should I stick with full Syn?? Usually use ac Delco or Fram filters.

Any thoughts or suggestions welcome!!!

 

[slacktide_bitog]

There are semi-syns that meet dexos, like Castrol Magnatec and Pennzoil Gold.

Yes, dexos is a must while under warranty. Use dexos and follow the OLM. What does the OLM usually suggest for you in terms of OCI's?

Valvoline does make dexos-licensed oil as well. Synpower and Maxlife I believe are dexos now. There's also Napa Synthetic, which is rebranded Synpower, also dexos. The Napa syn often goes on sale for $3.79/qt, so if you can get Full Synthetic for the price of a blend, why not?

 

[skyactiv]

I ran mostly Valvoline Synpower synthetic 5W30 in a WRX I once owned. Bought the car new and sold it with 136K on it and never had an engine issue. I modded the car to run mid 13 second 1/4 miles. I'd use a Fram Tough Guard oil filter and Valvoline Synpower 5W30 for 5K without a worry.
Look at the UOA with 4032 miles. I ran Synpower 5W30 on that one and got a fantastic report.

https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2926183

 

[skyactiv]

Wal-Mart has a 5 quart jug of Valvoline synthetic for $22.97 at the moment.

 

[Ramblejam]

Originally Posted By: 4Scott4
Any thoughts or suggestions welcome!!!


dexos1. See here: http://www.centerforqa.com/gm/dexos1-brands

$15.97 for 5 quarts @ your local Walmart: http://www.pennzoil.com/motor-oil/pennzoil-synthetic-blend-dexos1/

 

[barkingspider]

U can use any brand name 5w30 in ur truck. Valvoline is a really good brand.

 

[4Scott4]

I am not under warranty. And I'm not sure what the olm will show as oci. I've only had it a couple of months.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Valvoline's an excellent oil. Use it and you'll be good to go!

 

[chadmills]

Originally Posted By: 4Scott4
I have a 2011 Silverado with 5.3 w/AFM. 66,000 miles

So when I got this truck a few months ago I changed the oil. I went with Quaker State Ultimate Durability. I don't like extremely long oci. I feel comfortable changing the oil to inspect after 5,000 miles max. I don't drive the truck daily.. Mostly around town and I tow a 20' bass boat and 24' camper. It tows a minimum of once a week. So my question is this.., what oil would you guys suggest.. Because I like to mix things up I wanted to try a Vslvoline.. Never tried it.. But which one?? Or I'm very open to any brand.. Is dexos a must?? I was thinking a semi Syn might fit my needs the best... Or should I stick with full Syn?? Usually use ac Delco or Fram filters.

Any thoughts or suggestions welcome!!!


I would recommend the Pennzoil "Gold" Blend. Dexos approved and won't hurt your wallet since you like doing the 5k ocis. The deco filters are fine but you might also consider Wix.

 

[Noey]

Every man has si favorite brew, all are fine.

If you're towing your toys with regularity, though, don't overlook the ATF fluid! I'd change it yearly, there's a much better chance of you having a problem with that than with any motor oil you may want to experiment with.

 

[Merkava_4]

Get you some good ConocoPhillips oil like Union 76 or Kendall.

 

[BrianC]

Any oil meeting SN/GF-5 will be fine in the recommended grade. As Noey said, don't forget the Transmission. With towing, you would be more likely to encounter issues there. Don't go cheap on ATF, do a drain & fill with a quality synthetic at OEM recommended severe service intervals for your truck and your transmission will be happy.

 

[sicko]

I'd go with Full Synthetic when it's available for cheap, like the current M1 rebate.

When it's not available on sale or rebate, I'd go with a more affordable Full Synthetic, like a quality store brand synthetic. Or something like Pennzoil Gold which is semi-synthetic, but is 50% synthetic.

There are very high quality conventional oils available, but I'd go with at least a quality semi-synthetic because of the towing you do.

 

[donnyj08]

I've used synpower in my 08 for a while now. I have a used oil analysis here where I ran 8k miles with it and it had plenty of life left.

It's an excellent lube.