LS3 engine oil recommendations

[blackvxss]

Loud noises on cold start aren't piston slap, it's lifter noise and that's why different oils can have hydraulic effect on the lifter to eliminate rocker to valve clearance. A re-bore and new pistons set at the correct clearances is the only way to stop genuine piston slap noise. Piston slap can't be mechanically intermittent at a given temperature, it's impossible!

I haven't tried this in my LS3 engine yet, but Castrol Edge 5w30 A3 B4 (non-dexos), seems to quieten the valve train hot on my SV6 (LFX engine). On Dexos it seemed a bit tappy. Personally, I think the Dexos thing is rubbish and more to do with extended oil change intervals if at all. All GM engines need Dexos oil, yet you can spin a 500hp twin turbo BMW engine to 7500rpm on 5w30 A3 B4 along with any other manufacturer of performance and general road car engines.

similar always used castrol edge 5w30 in alloytecs tried 5w40 and didnt like it.

use edge 5w40 in my ls3 and cammed L98(tie bar liters no more than 40w) and no problems at all.

for summer the 40w makes sense

 

[greenacc]

5W-40 is well with trying. It's good stuff. Edge and synpower are the ones I like. Hint, collect a sample of the oil you drain out so you can send it away for testing if the nose comes back and you want to know what was in it. My guess is Holden replaced the original 5W30 with a thicker grade.

 

[Skylarking]

Oils are oils... simples...

Knowledge Centre | Penrite Oil

Dexos is General Motors Corporation international standard for engine oils suitable for use in their ranges of fuel efficient, low emission engines. Dexos 1 is for petrol driven engines with the latest update to Dexos 1 GEN 3 starting from September 2021. The latest version provides for improved...

penriteoil.com.au

 

[VF Sleeper]

My mechanic tuner recommends Castrol Edge 10W - 60 Synth. The container says "Supercar" so it must be worth an extra few tenths.

 

[Redline457]

My mechanic tuner recommends Castrol Edge 10W - 60 Synth. The container says "Supercar" so it must be worth an extra few tenths.

I’ve also been using Castrol Edge 10W60 since my engine rebuild as recommended by the engine builder, had no issues

 

[losh1971]

The best would be Penrite 10 Tenths, 10w. If I was on the hammer a lot and revving it out a lot that's what I would be using.

 

[dassaur]

My mechanic tuner recommends Castrol Edge 10W - 60 Synth. The container says "Supercar" so it must be worth an extra few tenths.

That oil cannot be good for the lifters surely it's too thick.
From my research the highest Johnson recommend (the best lifter manufacturer) is a 50 hot viscosity oil.

 

[Immortality]

Herein lies the rub, who's oil grade advice do you follow? to suit operating temp, lifter manufacturer or oil suppliers based on materials/clearances etc?

It really is a minefield.

 

[VF Sleeper]

From my research the highest Johnson recommend (the best lifter manufacturer) is a 50 hot viscosity oil

Don't know mate. I thought so too when told too. So far so good. I do like giving it a rev. Lots of Hi performance cars use that oil.

 

[Pollushon]

The best would be Penrite 10 Tenths, 10w. If I was on the hammer a lot and revving it out a lot that's what I would be using.

That's what I use, it's impressive stuff, you can try to hurt it but it just wants more. 50 weight to suit my clearances and style