2011 Silverado oil recommendation

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Hey folks, just picked up a 2011 Silverado with the 4.3L V6 in it that has roughly 63000 miles on it. The dealer changed the oil with whatever semi-synthetic bulk swill they have before I bought it. This is my first vehicle with an OLM on it. Annual mileage is about 6500 of mostly commuting rural roads back and forth to work. Occasional hauling/towing, but nothing major. I am thinking 12 month OCI with either a good conventional or a semi-syn blend? What say you?
 
Likewise. We run a fleet of GM vans and trucks and always use pretty much whatever synth is on sale and follow the OLM.

GM's olm system in their trucks is excellent and following the above regimen yields us engines that easily outlast the entire truck...
 
My co worker has the same truck, but its a regular cab "work truck" i.e. rubber matting on floor, plain vinyl bench seat and 4x4. He runs QSGB 5W30 until his OLM says to change the oil.
 
I have a 2011 also but with the 5.3 ltr V8. Starting in 2011 Gm requires you to run a Dexos approved oil. They are either synthetic blend or full synthetic any will work, I always use a AC Delco filter, you can get them at Walmart really cheap.
 
Try to use the same oil that the dealer installed. 12 months is a long time. Switching oil brands can result in increased burning which can catch you off guard, if you forget to check the dipstick.
 
Originally Posted By: bigdawg74
Hey folks, just picked up a 2011 Silverado with the 4.3L V6 in it that has roughly 63000 miles on it. The dealer changed the oil with whatever semi-synthetic bulk swill they have before I bought it. This is my first vehicle with an OLM on it. Annual mileage is about 6500 of mostly commuting rural roads back and forth to work. Occasional hauling/towing, but nothing major. I am thinking 12 month OCI with either a good conventional or a semi-syn blend? What say you?


For 6500 miles, I think you're on the right track with an annual change. Just make sure to change it sooner in the unlikely event that the oil life monitor says so. If you buy your oil at Walmart like a lot of people on here do, then Pennzoil Gold is a Dexos approved semi-synthetic oil, and five quarts of it only costs $1.50 more than five quarts of Pennzoil conventional. Seems like a non-brainer to me (assuming you already buy your oil there).
 
On my 2005 Silverado, I ran a group III synthetic and quality oil filter using the OLM. It always ran great with no issues, but it did seem to run smoothest on PP.
 
Imy 2005 Silverado with the 5.3L seems to run smoother on SOPUS oils, Quaker State & Pennzoil. It could just be me, but that's my observation. I will be switching back to QSUD with my next oil change.
 
Thanks for the opinions, fellas. Sicko, I like the idea of the Pennzoil Gold. I am thinking about running a Wix/Napa Gold filter, or possibly a Bosch.
 
Wix/Napa Gold is a better choice. The Bosch premium filters that are re badged PureOnes have exhibited media failures by many as of now.

I would still recommend a tough guard though over the Wix for its higher efficiency. (99% vs 95% @20 microns)
 
Originally Posted By: Noshow13
Imy 2005 Silverado with the 5.3L seems to run smoother on SOPUS oils, Quaker State & Pennzoil. It could just be me, but that's my observation. I will be switching back to QSUD with my next oil change.



Mine has been smoothest and quietest on Valvoline Synpower 5w30. Before synpower i used PYB
 
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