I've been playing around with various oil companies's oil selector software. Pennzoil specifies 10W-30 for a 2003 Buick LeSabre and 5W-30 for a 2004 LeSabre. Now other than the 2004/3800 having an all metal upper intake manifold and drive by wire accelerator system, what other differences about the 2004/3800 would prompt the oil companies to specify 5W-30 ?
Differences between 2003 and 2004 GM 3800 ?
- Thread starter Merkava_4
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The oil companies specify exactly the same grade as the oem does in each respective year.
Lubricant manufacturers don't recommend anything unless its the oem recommendation.
Lubricant manufacturers don't recommend anything unless its the oem recommendation.
API SM service classification took over in 2004 resulting in higher quality 5w30s beginning to be a better choice than older SJ 5w30s.
ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2024
Not enough to split hairs between 10W-30 and 5W-30, especially in California. I just run 10W-30 on sale synthetic in my 04 3800. Did the same in my 98's and my 01.
GM did change it. Can't tell you why.
GM did change it. Can't tell you why.
It just told me that Ultra Platinum is recommended for my run-of-the-mill, 10 year old pickup truck.
Granted, I do use Pennzoil, but Ultra Platinum in that truck will never happen. There's no reason whatsoever, to make such a "recommendation". That engine doesn't have any need that conventional oil can't take care of.
That's just worse than worthless.
Granted, I do use Pennzoil, but Ultra Platinum in that truck will never happen. There's no reason whatsoever, to make such a "recommendation". That engine doesn't have any need that conventional oil can't take care of.
That's just worse than worthless.
Originally Posted By: ls1mike
I just run 10W-30 on sale synthetic in my 04 3800.
Which brand synthetic is that?
I just run 10W-30 on sale synthetic in my 04 3800.
Which brand synthetic is that?
I have heard the 3800 is much better than the 3.8 but I don't know the respective year models, or why it's better. Can you refresh my memory?
ls1mike
$50 Site Donor 2024
Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
Originally Posted By: ls1mike
I just run 10W-30 on sale synthetic in my 04 3800.
Which brand synthetic is that?
Whatever is on sale, I try to get a Mobile 1, right now it has Castrol Edge, but any ole quality oil will work in it.
Originally Posted By: ls1mike
I just run 10W-30 on sale synthetic in my 04 3800.
Which brand synthetic is that?
Whatever is on sale, I try to get a Mobile 1, right now it has Castrol Edge, but any ole quality oil will work in it.
Originally Posted By: jorton
I have heard the 3800 is much better than the 3.8 but I don't know the respective year models, or why it's better. Can you refresh my memory?
The 3800 IS the 3.8...
3800cc = 3.8 liters
I have heard the 3800 is much better than the 3.8 but I don't know the respective year models, or why it's better. Can you refresh my memory?
The 3800 IS the 3.8...
3800cc = 3.8 liters
Originally Posted By: jorton
I have heard the 3800 is much better than the 3.8 but I don't know the respective year models, or why it's better. Can you refresh my memory?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_V6_engine
In a nutshell they made some tweaks when they renamed many of their V6s, including the 3800.
The 3.1 turned into the 3100 in around 1996 and got a HP boost as well, for example.
I have heard the 3800 is much better than the 3.8 but I don't know the respective year models, or why it's better. Can you refresh my memory?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buick_V6_engine
In a nutshell they made some tweaks when they renamed many of their V6s, including the 3800.
The 3.1 turned into the 3100 in around 1996 and got a HP boost as well, for example.
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