What oil for Grand Prix (fill hole pics inside)

[DreamerGT]

This is for my 06 with the 3800 series engine, supercharged if that matters, I drive about 25 min. to work all highway with a few lights. I typically drive with a light foot for the most part, there are time when I like to get on it. The cap says 5w-30 so ill be using that. It can be regular or synthetic oil, just something I can go pick up at the store. Also how much oil does the car take? Here are the pics and the mess that Im dealing with

 

[spasm3]

Mobil 1 hm 5w 30 or pennzoil platinum. The m1 high mileage claims to have a lot of cleaning ability.

 

[daman]

5qts will put you just over full witch is perfect,try to a PF52 on that should fit.

 

[bodeh6]

Any synthetic 5W-30 should serve you well.

 

[dan_erickson]

Its a 3800, put anything in and it will last 200K easy. I use Mobil1 in my GTP and it seems to like it.

 

[rshaw125]

The 3800 is easy on oil. I run PYB 5W30 in mine with a NAPA silver filter. 7500 miles between changes.

 

[Stu_Rock]

It should be pretty tolerant of any oil. I argue for a thinner 30 weight. I am currently running a thin homebrew mix in my L67 that has really improved fuel economy. It's 2.5 qt M1EP 10W-30 and 2 qt M1AFE 0W-20. The mix was prompted by the content of my strategic petroleum reserve, rather than careful analysis. Over 1500 mi, I've logged an astounding 3% decrease in fuel consumption over regular M1 5W-30 oil. I have another OCI of my mix on hand, but after that's exhausted, I am thinking of giving M1AFE 0W-30 a try.

 

[beast3300]

That looks pretty clean actually. I recommend the taller Pureone filter and Pennzoil Platinum 5w30. I have used PYB, PP, PU, Rotella T5, T6. It really isn't picky. BTW: if the 24011 doesn't fit. It is because it needs a motor mount and yours is beat. Just a FYI.

 

[45ACP]

Is that the "Series III" (Series 3) Supercharged out of a GTP? If so, its a pushrod V6 and the last gen of GM's 3.8 and its great. Thin 5W-30 or M1 AFE 0W-30.

 

[barlowc]

Unless the Series III is different than the Series II, spec is 4.5 quarts with a filter change. As has been said, the 3800 is very easy on oil. If you want to run longer intervals and/or prefer the "premium" aspect of a synthetic, pick of a 5W-30 in your brand of preference. If you want to stick with a shorter interval, the engine will like any quality dino. I had a 99 GTP Coupe with a supercharged L67 and a 99 GT Sedan with an L36. I ran a variety of brands of 10W-30 (which was the spec in those years) at 3K intervals (all this was before I became a BITOG member) and never had any engine lube problems. The L36 had 175K miles when I had to rebuild the trans (due to a sheared clutch shaft) and sold the car shortly thereafter.

 

[45ACP]

Originally Posted By: barlowc

Unless the Series III is different than the Series II, spec is 4.5 quarts with a filter change. As has been said, the 3800 is very easy on oil. If you want to run longer intervals and/or prefer the "premium" aspect of a synthetic, pick of a 5W-30 in your brand of preference. If you want to stick with a shorter interval, the engine will like any quality dino. I had a 99 GTP Coupe with a supercharged L67 and a 99 GT Sedan with an L36. I ran a variety of brands of 10W-30 (which was the spec in those years) at 3K intervals (all this was before I became a BITOG member) and never had any engine lube problems. The L36 had 175K miles when I had to rebuild the trans (due to a sheared clutch shaft) and sold the car shortly thereafter.

You are right, 10W-30 used to be the de facto oil to put in these engines. had same engine "Series II" in diff GM car, used it, never any issues. None. Surely, 5W-30 is the new that. Or 0W-30 M1 AFE? ........................................... Friend had a 97 or 98 Supercharged 2-door Gran Prix (slick car,) fuel pump gave out in parking lot. $333 for fuel pump, not including installation. Or tow. And you have to drop the tank to get to it (no access door IIRC.) OUCH!

 

[barlowc]

Originally Posted By: 45ACP

Friend had a 97 or 98 Supercharged 2-door Gran Prix (slick car,) fuel pump gave out in parking lot. $333 for fuel pump, not including installation. Or tow. And you have to drop the tank to get to it (no access door IIRC.) OUCH!

The fuel-pump in my 98 GTP went out at 104K. Cost me $550 to have the dealer replace it. OUCH is correct!

 

[daman]

AFE would be a great fit also yes..

 

[beast3300]

Pre-04 W-body you can change the fuel pump from the backseat pass through. They are fairly easy. I am not sure on the 04+ if the access hole is still there or not. My OE pump quit at 175k on my GS.

 

[deven]

What a mess you have to deal with....

 

[DreamerGT]

^^^ I know right lol thanks for the info guys

 

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted By: DreamerGT

The cap says 5w-30 so ill be using that. It can be regular or synthetic oil, just something I can go pick up at the store. Also how much oil does the car take?

I have the same engine in my 2000 Buick LeSabre. My owner's manual specifies 10W-30, but you can run 5W-30 if you prefer. I've always ran Valvoline Maxlife or Chevron Supreme in mine. The sump capacity is 5 quarts, but I regularly run 6 quarts in mine with absolutely no problems what-so-ever.

 

[Stu_Rock]

Ever since SL/GF-3, GM has specified 5W-30 for 3.8 l engines. Somewhere I have a document from them that says it's OK for older 3.8 l engines as well.