CRG Discussion Forum

Camaro Research Group Discussion => Maintenance => Topic started by: JCW on April 16, 2025, 11:12:51 PM

Title: Oil for a ZL-1
Post by: JCW on April 16, 2025, 11:12:51 PM

This is my first big block and for sure my first alum engine, so what oil & filter I should use?  It's one of the 427 50th anniversary engines.  Thanks John

Title: Re: Oil for a ZL-1
Post by: GMAD_Van Nuys on April 16, 2025, 11:57:32 PM

According to this article that appeared in Hot Rod, it is suggested that you use a conventional oil when breaking in the engine:

https://www.hotrod.com/how-to/hrdp-0211-gm-chevy-zl1-crate-engine/

Title: Re: Oil for a ZL-1
Post by: JCW on April 17, 2025, 12:22:25 AM

I've used Valvoline VR-1 10w40 in my 302DZ Z/28.

Title: Re: Oil for a ZL-1
Post by: GMAD_Van Nuys on April 17, 2025, 01:52:11 AM

When I bought my 1998 Z28, it was delivered with 5W30 conventional oil from the factory.  As the Z28 was my daily driver, it didn't take long to accumulate significant mileage.  When I had driven about 7K miles, I switched to Mobil 1 and noticed about a 5% increase in mileage, although the engine used slightly more oil than before.  GM used Mobil 1 on the 1998 SS Camaro and Corvette, so I didn't think there would be a problem using synthetic oil in the LS-1 engine.

I do use Valvoline VR-1 in my 1970 BOSS 302 and haven't had any problems.  I also use conventional oil in my 1979 Trans Am, but not VR-1 as oil with high zinc content is not recommended for vehicles with a catalytic converter.

Title: Re: Oil for a ZL-1
Post by: william on April 17, 2025, 02:01:08 PM

Those engines came with an owners manual.

Title: Re: Oil for a ZL-1
Post by: 1971ls6 on April 28, 2025, 06:59:48 PM

I use valvoline vr-1 20/50 in my ZL-1