Synthetic oil of choice
#1
Pro
Thread Starter
Synthetic oil of choice
..how many of you follow the "recommendation" to use only Mobil 1 in the C5?...I used nothing but that in my previous Y2K FRC, but curious if anyone uses Valvoline, Penzoil or others when they either change the oil themselves or take it to a quick lube. Any all comments are appreciated. Just got back from having a "dealer" (B H) change the oil and hate the service and how they disrespect you and the car. If I could do it myself, I would, but it's not possible.
Doug
[Modified by dougatl, 10:58 AM 7/8/2002]
Doug
[Modified by dougatl, 10:58 AM 7/8/2002]
#2
Re: Synthetic oil of choice (dougatl)
Changing your oil is easy. In fact, a C5 is about the easiest vehicle to change the oil and filter on. But, you may need to buy ramps and a jack, or come up with some other way to get under the car (safely) to remove the filter and let the oil drain. Check the tech tips section for instructions.
I have been using Mobil 1 but last night I was at Wal-Mart and saw 5 qt containers of Castrol Syntec for around $15. On the label it says it meets (or exceeds) the GM4817M standard, so I may switch to it.
However, note that "fully synthetic" means different things to different people. Apparently, Syntec is not as "synthetic" as Mobil 1, but if it meets the GM standard I assume it is OK to use.
I have been using Mobil 1 but last night I was at Wal-Mart and saw 5 qt containers of Castrol Syntec for around $15. On the label it says it meets (or exceeds) the GM4817M standard, so I may switch to it.
However, note that "fully synthetic" means different things to different people. Apparently, Syntec is not as "synthetic" as Mobil 1, but if it meets the GM standard I assume it is OK to use.
#3
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Re: Synthetic oil of choice
I use Mobil 1 just to avoid any potential problems with warranty. Besides, it is supposed to be a great engine oil. I change my own oil, something I have never done before with any other car, but I really didn't want anyone else touching the car. I found it to be quite simple once I gathered enough courage to actually go ahead and do it. Just get a good torque wrench such that you don't strip the threading on the oil pan by over-tightening the drain plug. Rhino ramps are an absolute must as well. Have Fun! :seeya
#4
Le Mans Master
Re: Synthetic oil of choice (dougatl)
Since you will be having someone else do the change, I would simply make sure that they use a true synthetic and not a blend. Almost all syns. you are likely to encounter will meet the GM standard. If you find someone that will use oil you provide, use Mobil 1, or order some Amsoil 2000 synthetic to have on hand. :)
#5
Melting Slicks
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Re: Synthetic oil of choice (carpe dm)
Since you will be having someone else do the change, I would simply make sure that they use a true synthetic and not a blend. Almost all syns. you are likely to encounter will meet the GM standard. If you find someone that will use oil you provide, use Mobil 1, or order some Amsoil 2000 synthetic to have on hand. :)
#6
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Re: Synthetic oil of choice (dougatl)
I switched to Red Line synthetic. I have seen tests that as oil heats up Mobil 1 looses a few horspower and Red Line increased. www.c5-corvette.com/redline.htm
#7
Veteran
Re: Synthetic oil of choice (dougatl)
i just switched to amsoil. it's 100% synthetic.
mobil 1 and castrol are "fully" synthetics.
redline is not API approved nor GM 4718m certified.
mobil 1 and castrol are "fully" synthetics.
redline is not API approved nor GM 4718m certified.
#8
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Re: Synthetic oil of choice (jngoldin)
I use Mobil 1 just to avoid any potential problems with warranty. Besides, it is supposed to be a great engine oil. I change my own oil, something I have never done before with any other car, but I really didn't want anyone else touching the car. I found it to be quite simple once I gathered enough courage to actually go ahead and do it. Just get a good torque wrench such that you don't strip the threading on the oil pan by over-tightening the drain plug. Rhino ramps are an absolute must as well. Have Fun! :seeya
#11
Safety Car
Re: Synthetic oil of choice (evil-1)
Doug, You can either do it yourself or buy your own Mobil 1/filter and take it to a place to do it for you. I'm like 10 miles from you and I can't recommend a place for you to take it to. BH is terrible. Here is a thread on my neighbors experience there: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=337286
If you are in need of serious warranty work, take your car to Tom Jumper on the northside and ask for David F to work on it. He may be the Best vette tech in the area.
For the DIY oil change get the car up on the rhino ramps like this:
That is a 2x6 in front of the rhino ramps so that the lower black "air dam" does not rub as much. the towel is so the ramps will not slide when you drive up on them.
Drain the oil and then remove the filter.
Fill the new filter a few times with oil and install the new filter.
Then if you want to get all the old oil out, jack up the rear of the car higher then the front with a floor jack. Use the crossmeber that is right in front of the rear swaybar. Do not get under the car till you lower the rear of the car.
When the oil has stopped draining lower the rear and then reinstall the drain plug. Fill the car with 6.5 quarts.
Back the car off of the ramps.
I like to let the car sit overnite and then check the oil level the next morning. You may have to add 7 qts total if you got all the old oil out.
I change my oil with Mobil 1 at 7500 miles.
If you are in need of serious warranty work, take your car to Tom Jumper on the northside and ask for David F to work on it. He may be the Best vette tech in the area.
For the DIY oil change get the car up on the rhino ramps like this:
That is a 2x6 in front of the rhino ramps so that the lower black "air dam" does not rub as much. the towel is so the ramps will not slide when you drive up on them.
Drain the oil and then remove the filter.
Fill the new filter a few times with oil and install the new filter.
Then if you want to get all the old oil out, jack up the rear of the car higher then the front with a floor jack. Use the crossmeber that is right in front of the rear swaybar. Do not get under the car till you lower the rear of the car.
When the oil has stopped draining lower the rear and then reinstall the drain plug. Fill the car with 6.5 quarts.
Back the car off of the ramps.
I like to let the car sit overnite and then check the oil level the next morning. You may have to add 7 qts total if you got all the old oil out.
I change my oil with Mobil 1 at 7500 miles.
#14
Melting Slicks
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Re: Synthetic oil of choice (fairway)
Where do you get Royal Purple from I've seen some cars dyno 8-10 HP more from using it. :yesnod:
#15
Team Owner
Re: Synthetic oil of choice (dougatl)
I have only used Mobil 1 in my Corvette's. I change my own oil. The Mobil 1 is avaliable at most department stores.
#17
Le Mans Master
Re: Synthetic oil of choice (dougatl)
The First & best Amsoil 0w30, SDF-32 Oil filter, ATF, 75w90 Gear lube, & Performance Improver (inj cleaner) in my gas.
#20
Re: Synthetic oil of choice (dougatl)
got the dealer to give me free oil changes for life as long as i own the car. i wouldn't let my worst enemy buy a car from them since they're a bunch of lying jackasses. so i just soak them for the 75.00 oil service every chance i get. thats all i let them do. and thats hard enough to stomach.