best oil for 3.8L Lumina

[gw84]

Okay this thread's gonna get sticky!... I'm about to change the oil for the first time in my '99 lumina LTZ (3.8L) (65K) I was wondering what are some good oil's to use. I use Castrol 10W30 in my '93 lumina (3.1). I didn't know if the 3.8 would make any difference. Any thoughts???

[Corndog Man]

Originally Posted by gw84

Okay this thread's gonna get sticky!... I'm about to change the oil for the first time in my '99 lumina LTZ (3.8L) (65K) I was wondering what are some good oil's to use. I use Castrol 10W30 in my '93 lumina (3.1). I didn't know if the 3.8 would make any difference. Any thoughts???

I have the same car. I use an AC Delco filter and Mobil 1 10-30.

Corndog

[jeffcoslacker]

I like Valvoline semi-syn or full syn...both good oil. Most oil is good oil anymore...the worst rated oil today is much better than the best rated oil 20 years ago...it's hard to go wrong..

[jeffcoslacker]

If you were asking about the grade, 10w30 is fine...I don't use 5w30 even when they are new...the manual lists both grades as acceptable.

I think they like to put 5w in them when new because they get slightly better fuel economy running it...

[tblake]

c'mon guys valvoline or valvoline max and an ac-delco filter.

[tblake]

suppose this would be a good place to post a link to a great oil filter study.

http://people.msoe.edu/~yoderw/oilfi...lterstudy.html

[maxman]

1999 Lumina 3.8liter LTZ. I buy the cheapest oil and filter I can find. Usually at WalMart. Sometimes real good deals can be found at garage sales or estate sales. If I have to mix brands, I do it. Normally I do not mix grades, but it doesnt bother me to do it if I am a bit short. I bought the car with 34,000 miles. 5 years later, I now have 245,000 miles with absolutely no engine trouble. Oil is change ever 4,500 mile or whenever I get to it after that. SAE10W30. Treated my 1994 Cavilier L4 the same. Donated it to the Salvation Army after 280,000 miles. Engine ran great, no issues. Save your money and buy beer. The key is to change the oil and filter frequently.

[jeffcoslacker]

Originally Posted by maxman

Engine ran great, no issues. Save your money and buy beer. The key is to change the oil and filter frequently.

Yup. When I was poor(er), I always ran that Exxon Superflo (.98/qt at AutoZone), but changer every 3000 or so...never caused any problems...

I will say I am a fan of Slick 50, $14 every 50,000 miles is well worth the longevity and cooler operation I can document...

[Blue Bowtie]

The best oil is not oil. Polyaphaolefin synthetic is the better lubricant. Mineral based multi-graded oil has inherent weaknesses. Then again, I've been biased by engine and equipment teardowns after long-duration use of synthetics, and will never go back if I don't have to.

[gw84]

Thanks for the info. I read somewhere to avoid FRAM oil filters. What do you think about that?

[Corndog Man]

Originally Posted by gw84

Thanks for the info. I read somewhere to avoid FRAM oil filters. What do you think about that?

Honestly,

I think it really doesn't matter but I am no expert. If you keep the car well maintained and change all of the fluids, hoses, belts, filters, tires and keep it relatively clean you will be fine no matter what you use. I used to run Valvoline in everything. I switched to Mobil 1 to spend more money. I can't tell any difference.

This may sound dumb but I would recommend buying the proper weight of oil and if you like the color of the bottle and the filter, use it. Just keep the maintenance up.

Corndog

[gw84]

Originally Posted by Corndog Man

Honestly,

I think it really doesn't matter but I am no expert. If you keep the car well maintained and change all of the fluids, hoses, belts, filters, tires and keep it relatively clean you will be fine no matter what you use. I used to run Valvoline in everything. I switched to Mobil 1 to spend more money. I can't tell any difference.

This may sound dumb but I would recommend buying the proper weight of oil and if you like the color of the bottle and the filter, use it. Just keep the maintenance up.

Corndog

LOL! That's funny. I have used fram oil filters ever since I started changing my own oil, with no problems. I don't remember what thread I read that in but it still makes you wonder.

[jeffcoslacker]

Originally Posted by gw84

LOL! That's funny. I have used fram oil filters ever since I started changing my own oil, with no problems. I don't remember what thread I read that in but it still makes you wonder.

There is an issue with durability on FRAM oil filters, that is really a non-issue if they are changed regularly, and not subjected to unusual stresses and prolonged service life...it has to do with a resin inpregnated cardboard disc that CAN fail and cause either compromised filtering capability or flow impediment...big "could" here, because as it has been documented, it is extremely rare, and severe neglect/long service intervals were the actual root cause.

There are large differences in how filters are constructed, some are so overbuilt, it's kinda pointless for normal service. Just depends on how high you like the bar set...if you are a regular driver, who does things on schedule, it's hard to go wrong with any known brand...

[tblake]

read the like on oil ilters i posted, it will give some reasons frams suck total ass, and why an ac-delco is a much better choice, and about the same price

[gw84]

Originally Posted by tblake

read the like on oil ilters i posted, it will give some reasons frams suck total ass, and why an ac-delco is a much better choice, and about the same price

I think I've found what you are talking about. Is this it?... "The rubber anti-drainback valve seals the rough metal backplate to the cardboard end cap and easily leaks, causing dirty oil to drain back into the pan. If you have a noisy valve train at startup, this filter is likely the cause. The bypass valves are plastic and are sometimes not molded correctly, which allows them to leak. The backplate has smaller and fewer oil inlet holes, which may restrict flow." I can see why you (tblake) say they suck. However, I would agree with jeffcoslacker, in that the cause for this was probably neglect.