My 2004 Dale Jr with the Supercharged 3800 recommends 5W-30 oil. I know in the past, the oil recommendation for the 3800 was 10W-30. Does anyone know why this recommendation changed and do you think it affects long term durability of the engine? Does anyone still use the 10W-30 in the newer 3800's anyway? Thanks.

Wayne

 

GM changed the recommendation to help meet increased government emissions requirements, and to try to advertise 1/2 MPG increases in their stuff.

10w30 will continue to work just fine in any 3800. It probably protects a little better. I run 5w30 in my junk because I feel that the thinner oil might give me 1-3 more HP due to less rotating assembly resistance, and to me, every little bit adds up.

 

^^^^ That is exactly why. GM along with every other car company has changed to lighter grades of oil just trying to squeeze every last MPG out of their cars they could.

My 3500 recommends 5w-30, and thats what I run for the most part. However, i've run 10w-30 a few times just because that was all the store had. (usually when Mobil 1 is on sale, the 5w-30 is the first to sell out, so if I can't get 5w-30, then I just get 10w-30). I can't tell a difference between either grade.

 

Doesn't really matter, just use whatever you want to use and stick with it.

I run 5w in my L36

 

Ok, thanks guys. I'm currently using 5W-30 Valvoline but may try Amsoil.

Wayne

 

5w-30 to 10w-30 when the oil is cold it is that wait it is 5 wheight then when it becomes warm it becomes 30 weight. when gm switched to recomending to 5w-30 because of the added protection in start up in the engine. less weir = better life = going to get anouther of the car brand when using 5w-30. lighter the oil when it is cold the better i use 5w-20 in mine and it seems to run just as good

 

i am misstaken 0w-20

 

if you have a higher mileage vehicle switch to a heavier weight oil

 

I use either depending on the temp.

 

i rock 5w-30 valvoline pure synthetic.