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Oil recomendations for 2003 5.3L

R

Resqnu10

Full Member
Joined
Aug 27, 2003
Messages
17
Location
Charlotte,NC
Can find info on this subject. Would like to know what oil type and weight most are using. A friend that works in a engine rebuilding shop told me that synthetic oil is not as good as using regular oil and changing every 3,000 miles. Input on this from you guys would be very helpful. I trust your expertise.
Woody
 
I switched over to Mobil 1, I noticed a difference right away in the way the motor felt smoother. I'll still change it out between 3 to 4K. As a mater of fact I'm due this weekend!
 
I agree with the previous responses. There are LOTS of discussions on this subject. Mobil 1, 5w-30 change it every 3-4K Miles. Use Mobil 1-107 filter ($11.99 at Autozone - They were a little less + shipping at autobarn.com)

The 1-107 filter is for 2003 5.3s only - the 2002s use another number.
 
I run Chevron 10W-30 and a PF-59 every 3,000 mi ... With a Militec-1 treat every 15,000 ... >:D

11H
 
definitely synthetics in hotter climates. they hold up longer. change at 3-4k miles, depending on how you drive. as in towing or heavy load carrying needs more frequent changes. distroyed an engine learning that lesson
 
I've got a 2003 AV, 5.3L with 18,700 miles on it. I might be nuts :eek:, but I'm going by the owner's book :B: ... I use 10W30 real oil, and change when the DIC says to. That amounts to about every 5500 to 6000 miles. I'm thinking about switching to Mobil 1, though.

A friend of mine swares by Mobil 1 ;D. That synthetic stuff is supposed to last twice as long as real oil. Changing it every 3000 to 4000 miles seems like throwing money away, IMHO :rolleyes:. Depends on where you live and what you do with your AV, I suppose. Just a thought :0:.

Smitty
 
The first oil change was done at 1000 kms.... GM Dealer... used regular GM oil... Now at 9200 kms and still showing 39% oil life left... When I can the oil out again, I'll be putting in Amsoil Series 2000 0W30 synthetic oil..... I plan on changing out the oil then every 15,000 kms....... 1/3 third of my pervious oil intervals.......

The previous vehicles I used Kendell GT1 5W-30 and changed out every 5,000 kms. Never had issues with this format, but I do want to go with longer oil change intervals and I believe the synthetics will give me this and better protection as well....
 
Resqnu10 said:
A friend that works in a engine rebuilding shop told me that synthetic oil is not as good as using regular oil and changing every 3,000 miles.
Click to expand...

Synthetic not as good as regular?? Is that what he said?? Damn, why do they charge almost 5$ a quart?? Why does every Dodge Viper, Chevrolet Corvette, porsche and AMG Mercedes come factory filled with Mobil 1? Mobil 1 is far superior to any regular oil, and frankly I dont know why anybody would not use it if they really love their AV. If you dont think it flows faster in cold weather and protects at extream temps, you must be living in a cave. Of course this is just all my opionion, yours may vary.

Mike
 
I've got a 2002 5.3 with about 11,100 miles ;) and I have used Mobil 1 since the first change at 500 miles. I change the oil when the DIC says to change it, but that's about every 2800 - 3300 miles :cautious:.
Is this normal? ??? ??? It doesn't seem to matter if it's synthetic or conventional oil because of the oil change seems to be the same time period. I am a believer in synthetic oil priciples and teachings.

I usually drive about 20 - 40 miles a drive in city traffic and occassionally I pull a small 2500lb trailer. I think the DIC runs like a clock..... ???

Due to past experience with synthetic oil, it's seems to give the engine a little break by letting it run smoother and easier which = better gas mileage and longer engine life. ;D
MY 2 CENTS.
 
I suggest reading all the older threads on the OIL subject....as many others voiced their opinion to his question
 
can't believe we haven't heard from the Amsoil crowd yet >:D

5W30 Mobil 1 for me too, in case you need another vote. I buy it by the jug. Let me also plug the Fumoto valve here while I'm at it - lovely little gizmo.
 
5w30 Mobil One at approximately 5k intervals for me...and I agree with those who also recommend the Moil One Oil filter...the only way to go! :cool:

As to 5w50, I wouldn't want to get into that warranty argument....had a friend who lost a battle with Chrysler over a 75w90 vs 80w90 in a rear diff and it cost him big time...wouldn't want to take the risk! :eek:
 
5w30 Mobil 1 !
Everytime all the time! (Also using ProLong additive now that I am over 40k miles)
As for the DIC "Change Oil" I believe it is based on total engine revolutions and a temp algorythm (sp?). If you pull a trailer and the trans temp rises it will come on sooner, if you do a lot of highway with no trailer like I do most of the time, I have gone 5,000+ miles between it coming on.
Even at 40k my truck idles smooth and starts quick everytime cold or hot (and it can get mighty hot here in Texas :eek:)

I agree with everyone else here, Mobil 1 is factory fill on high end sports cars as well as US military turbine engines for a reason :eek:

My $.02
RGUARD
 
7of7 said:
Any thoughts on a 5W50 synthetic? Since the protection level is that of a 50weight oil.
Click to expand...
Here's my thought on that:-
NO !

Goodbye engine, goodbye warranty.
Protection is not (has not been for many years) a function of viscosity.
Viscosity is critical.
 
There was study done not to long agao that showed engines that had normal oil changes and used Mobil 1 had almost no wear at 200,000 miles! What I like doing if you do not like to change your own oil is buy it from walmart and then have the chevy dealer change it! It only costed me 12.00 to have them lube and change the oil! So go with 5w30 Mobil 1!! This is also the oil that come in all high peformance vehicles from the factory! In the corvette manual it recommends that you use Mobil one! So does AMG, Porsche, and Ferrai! So spend the extra money and it will be worth it down the line!!

WVUSQUATCH
 
I do the same thing, and save over the dealer cost of $5 or $6 a quart for Mobil 1 :eek: They charge me $11.00 to chage the oil/filter, lube, check and top off the fluids, and clean the windows :)

Wvusquatch said:
There was study done not to long agao that showed engines that had normal oil changes and used Mobil 1 had almost no wear at 200,000 miles! What I like doing if you do not like to change your own oil is buy it from walmart and then have the chevy dealer change it! It only costed me 12.00 to have them lube and change the oil! So go with 5w30 Mobil 1!! This is also the oil that come in all high peformance vehicles from the factory! In the corvette manual it recommends that you use Mobil one! So does AMG, Porsche, and Ferrai! So spend the extra money and it will be worth it down the line!!

WVUSQUATCH
Click to expand...
 
With dino oil every 3,000 miles, with full synthetic every 3,000-5,000 depending on the driving. With Royal Purple (what I'm using now) I change the filter after 6,000 miles and add a quart of new oil, then after 6,000 more I do a full oil change.

Here are a few of the MANY oil threads:

http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=14;action=display;threadid=3478;start=msg51891#msg51891

http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=14;action=display;threadid=3545;start=0
 
Thank you all for your input. It is truly appreciated. Thanks to all I will be buying Mobil 1 this weekend and will be doing my first oil change. I trust the opinions of fellow AV ers, cause sounds like you all love your AV as much as I love mine.
It's really great to be able to reach out to others on this forum and get help that you can depend on.....Thanks ALL
Woody ;D ;D ;D
 
Hey all,,,

This topic happens to be passionate for me ... Here's a copule threads about lubes I posted a good time ago here on this board:

http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=17;action=display;threadid=7978

http://www.chevyavalanchefanclub.com/cafcna/index.php?board=17;action=display;threadid=7977

Have fun !

11H
 
I want to thank y'all for the input on the 5W50 question.
I did further research on the ratings, to find out what they actually mean, not what I was told they meant. For multi-grade oils, the 5W is the viscosity when cold, and will not thin more than a 50 weight would when hot.

Interesting note on the dino oil compared to the synthetics.
The multi grade dino oils contain polymers to control viscosity at the higher temps, these can break down and lead to problems within the engine.
Synthetics, such as Moble 1, do not have any polymers.
(IMO-No polymers = fewer problems)
 
7of7 said:
I want to thank y'all for the input on the 5W50 question.
I did further research on the ratings, to find out what they actually mean, not what I was told they meant. For multi-grade oils, the 5W is the viscosity when cold, and will not thin more than a 50 weight would when hot.

Interesting note on the dino oil compared to the synthetics.
The multi grade dino oils contain polymers to control viscosity at the higher temps, these can break down and lead to problems within the engine.
Synthetics, such as Moble 1, do not have any polymers.
(IMO-No polymers = fewer problems)
Click to expand...

You are totally right on your accounts with M1, but syns are not all like M1 and there are better than M1 ... Some syns do have polymers ... Before you make your final decision, I recommend reading the threads I link to above ...

I think you will be shocked ... There is a lot of mis-information about lubes and especially lately ... Lubes technology is changing as fast as vehicle technology ... But unfortunately not always for the better of the motors they are dumped into ... The read above is priceless ... Take the time to read them ... Again, this is a very passionate subject for me, and about 70% or more of the iterations you hear on the net or elsewhere are false ... Too many folks base their knowledge of motor oil on old technology... Old meaning it has changed immensely in the last 3 or 4 years ... peace

11H
 
Here's a statement I will make to hit hard:

" The synthetics on the shelf at Wal-Mart, K-Mart, etc. that say Full Synthetic or Synthetic, or Synthetic Blend are no better than the Chevron or Havoline for $1.10 a QT "

The only oil that is close to a full syn is in fact M1 which has also recently reduced their base oil performance properties to be nearly in-line with the Chevron Supreme for $1.10 a QT.

Don't believe me? ... Here, take my hand and I'll walk you through the whole story ... Sorry if this ticks some of you off, but it's the truth ... Be ticked at the oil companies that have capitalized on the market's definitions of a full syn ...

The only true syns anymore readily available that would warrant my $5 a QT are Redline, Amsoil, Schaeffers, Royal Purple (Race Only) ...

11H
 
Thanks for the info 11H, I have been reading most of the evening. It is shocking how the oil companies have been allowed to change the product and keep the labeling the same. It is downright deception.
In just looking at the flash points, it looks like the amsoil has dropped to the 450 range from 480. That (the 450)is coming right off their site, and comparing that to the information from How It Works which has provided some comparisons on different brand oils. So, it would suggest to me that they are following suit. Which leads back to your suggestion of how can we as consumers be sure that the synthetic oil that we pay for is actually true synthetic oil.
 
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