I have a 96 LT1 and since switching from 5w30 synthetic to 0w30 synthetic, I've noticed an increase in valvetrain noice, espescially on cold-start-ups. Is this normal valvetrain noise? Is it from switching to a 0-30 oil? I know most of you will say 0-W30 is too thin for Houston, but I have had Patman and others say it was ok for hot temps. Thanks.

Taylor

 

Yes, it can definitely have an effect on valvetrain noise. Even between identical weight oils, one may be noisier than another. For instance, even though Mobil1 is a great oil, it runs on the thin side compared to other brands of comparable weight. It is known as a noisy oil.

Might want to read around at www.bobistheoilguy.com to get a basic idea of what's what in the oil world today. Lots of people submit their own private oil tests and give their own descriptions. Real world info. and you don't need to know organic chemistry, though it wouldn't hurt

Why did you make the switch? 10w30 is the oil of choice unless it gets real cold, then 5w30 is recommended.

fwiw, I've switched oil to help quiet my car since I've got all these fancy parts. I still run Mobil1 in the daily drivers though. She holds more pressure at idle and the valvetrain runs a bit more quiet. I also like the peace of mind when hot lapping the car at the strip

 

I made the switch after reading all the good analysis of German Castrol 0W-30. I was running RP 5W-30. I have also noticed a drop from 40 psi when hot idle to 25-30 psi at hot idle. Im thinking of just going to Mobil 1 10w-30. Will the thinner oil cause valvetrain problems, or will it be fine to finish out the 3-4000 miles, only has a few hundred on it now.

 

Yep, it's just thinner. It certainly won't cause any valvetrain problems. The added noise is just an annoyance. I highly doubt you'll have any problems with running that oil for a few thousand miles. I probably wouldn't go endurancing racing on it. For regular driving on a stock engine it should maintain a wedge on the bearings just fine.

Mobil1 10W30 is probably a wiser choice. The lab results from that oil has consistently been good. If you are **** and want to find the quietest oil I would research them, try them, but keep the viscosity within factory recommended specs.

All IMO from another "noisy" LT1 owner and oil experimenter

 

Noise = wear in my opinion.

I see no reason to run 0W30 oil, when synthetic 10W30 runs great in our cars in the heat.

If I heard noise after changing oils, I wouldn't use it anymore. That's just me though.

Dan

 

Everything makes noise, it's all a matter intensity. I'm assuming he is just experiencing more "tickity-tickity" than there was before.

If it's excessive noise there's something wrong and it needs to be fixed, but that probably didn't happen with the oil change.

We'll never have silent engines. I'll bet I can find an oil that runs more quiet in your car than what you're currently running. It doesn't mean you're doing any damage.