How often do you have to add oil?
 

I just hit 1400 miles on my new Camaro SS. Been checking the oil periodically because I've heard you usually have to add a quart or so between the regular oil changes - how often is this?

All I know about oil in this car is - change it when it says to - and check it preiodically and if it is low add some.


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-2002 Red Camaro SS
Chesapeake, Virginia
http://www.HeadRushPerformance.Com

you only add oil when and if it's needed.

If you bought it new and haven't changed the oil since you bought it. now would be a good time.

I changed my new T/A's Oil @ 650miles and I'll probably do it again @ 2000miles. then start the routine of every 3K miles.

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Rick

'65 Malibu SS - 280rwhp/330ftlbs
'98 Camaro Z28 - 318rwhp/334ftlbs - Sold 7-18-02
'02 TransAm - Brand new No dyno Yet

D-flo lid, GMS, Hotchkis STB, Hurst B+
Bat-CaveOnline

The more you drive it at high rpms, the more oil you'll burn - GM actually has "guidelines" on oil consumption outlined in a tech service bulletin. On earlier models, they have a TSB concerning the #2 piston rings causing excessive oil consumption, in conjunction with high rpms.

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'99 Z28 A4 BLACK
▪ SLP air lid, K&N filter, air box mod, Borla exhaust, HPP3, 160* stat, Magnecor 8.5 mm wires, NGK TR55 plugs
▪ Pioneer DEH-P77DH, Polk speakers

Well, I just hit 3000 miles, and the oil isnt low to the point where I would need to add any more.

I'm taking it to a local place to get the oil changed here, today. *shrug* - Either I dont know how to read the dip-stick or my car is good on oil ;p

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-2002 Red Camaro SS
Chesapeake, Virginia
http://www.HeadRushPerformance.Com

I used to work in the service dept of a Chevy dealership, and when you fill the car after an oil change, fill it to the top of the operating range of the dipstick. My '00 has 34k on it, and for the first time, it was actually down a little after 3000 miles. It was still right in the middle of the operating range. Just keep an eye on it, you may not need to add any at all. On the advice of a mechanic, I changed the PCV valve ($3 part and 5 minutes to do it), and there was oil on the back of it. I havent lost any noticable amount of oil since then.

My 98 just rolled over 52K miles and I dont seem to be burning any at all. Every time I check, Im at the top of the operating mark. Never had to add any between changes.

I would recommend checking it at least once a week if it's a daily driver. Since ARE installed my heads and cam I burn about a quart a week. I've had the car 4 years and put about 80,000 miles on it, and never drive it from December to March. I've had the heads and cam package for two years. Sometimes when I floor it I notice a big dark cloud of exhaust out the back, but I've seen that from new Z06's, new 911's, many cars.

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LS1400rwh

98 M6 Z28 125,000 kms

ARE Stage II Hds/Cam, K&N, High-flow lid, LS6 intake, Grotyohan 1 3/4" headers, crappy y-pipe, Magnaflow exhaust, Macleod clutch, B&M ripper, Chromoly drive shaft, Moser 12 bolt, 3.73's, BMR trac-pac, BMR sfc's, BMR stb, adjustable HAL's, ROH 9.5" wheels, FZ-50's EP 275's

No e.t. yet
Last dyno pull: 389rwhp

when I do my oil changes 6 quarts down the fill pipe, haven't had to add any yet, with 3 month/5000 mile interval oil changes.one of the lucky ones I guess. buddy of mine adds a quart every 1500 miles or so same year car.

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99 Z-28 Convertible,M-6
Loaded xcept CD Changer
B&M Ripper Shifter
Free mods,BMR STB,SFC's
SLP lid,Loudmouth

i check mine whenever i remember.. about once a month.. before I do any autox, drag, or spirited driving outside of town, I check it then and after.

On the average, I end up burning probaly 1/4 to 3/4 of quart of oil about every 4000 miles, always keeping it in the full area on the dipstick..



[This message has been edited by Ken S (edited September 12, 2002).]