Ok here'* the deal. My car is due for an oil change. Instead of bringing it in, I want to do it myself. The problem is, I don't know what the best motor oil is for my car. I want to get the most out of my engine *as does everyone* but I want it to be able to last as long as it can. I love my car. She has 190,822 miles and she'* in desperate need of an oil change. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

P.*. What type of oil should I use in my car? The cap says 10W but my uncle says 5W. My uncle is the previous owner of the car.

As far as brands go, its a matter of personal opinion really. You could go with a brand that is modeled for high mileage engines if you want. But in reality, most oils are all the same.
If your in an area that is extreme to cold(Alaska/Canada) then 5W would be ok. Otherwise, stay with the 10W.

Full synthetic is a little more expensive, but better for the car. The brand is up to you, I usually just look for which high mileage full synthetic is on sale.

I stick with Mobil1, but it'* really up to you.

With you car being up there in miles. I'd stick to a high milage conventional. Synthetic has been known to leak when put into engines with old seals. I used mobile 1 once and it leaked like a sieve. But as said it'* all up to your personal taste. I use Castol GTX High Mileage and I race on the same oil engine is still running great.

I use Mobil Clean 5000. I would reccomend that whatever you use make sure its made by Mobil, they make excellent motor oil.

Here'* my personal recommendation.

Some cars like the Bonneville GXP benefit from being able to use fully synthetic oil and get a higher mileage per oil change. Mine for example will get 6-8k miles on one change. However, on the Regal'* 3800, I never got over 4000 miles before I could feel the engine start running rougher and had to change the oil. Its simply not worth it when you have to change it every 3k anyway.

My recommendation is to get 4 quarts of conventional oil and a bottle of rislone engine treatment. Pour the rislone bottle in first, then add 3 quarts of the conventional oil, and use the 4th quart to top it off.

More important than the actual oil is the filter, and this is something most people ignore. The filter you use is EXTREMELY important. Please take the time to read these two articles:

http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oilfilters/mopar.html
http://minimopar.knizefamily.net/oil.../opinions.html

I have heard that our oil filters actually get clogged up before our oil change is due. For this reason, I decided to go with a larger filter. The factory filter for our cars is a GM PF47. What you may not know is the PF52, a filter that'* 1.5x longer and costs exactly the same, also fits on our cars. There is absolutely no disadvantage to doing this, and you get better filtration.

When you go to the store to pick up a filter, ask for a filter from a 1992 Chevy Lumina Z34 (3.4L) as those are one of the cars that use the PF52. I believe other 4.3L Vortec motors also use the PF52. Just make sure you have enough clearance and you're good to go.

This might help you.

Long Oil Filters that replace AC Delco PF47.

AC Delco - PF52

AMSOIL - EAO23

Baldwin - B35-*

GM - 25171377 (New#-19210286)

K&N - HP2001

Mobil1 - M1201

NAPA GOLD (WIX) – 1036

Purolator – 24011

WIX – 51036

Ive been running the Super Tech Synthetic from Wal Mart for years in my high milers. I started using it in my 97 Chevy with a 4.3 at 180k. It has 237k with no leaks and no oil consumtion. I change the oil between 8k and 10k. I also do plenty of highway driving and extended idling, towing and running the AC in extreme SW heat. Also use the same oil in my 99SLE. Bought the car with 92k in February and have 112k on her now and no problems. I also change the oil between 6 and 7k using the stock filter, but after reading the other posts I will go for the longer filter from now on.

Hey XtremeRevolution,

In regards to using a longer filter, how much does this change the amount of oil you add? Right now, when I change my oil and replace the filter, I add 4.5 quarts and it brings the level right where it needs to be. If I put on a longer filter, whats the difference in oil added to bring it to the "full" mark again? Just wondering since i am really considering a longer filter!

thanks,
Eric