Oil Change and Air Filters

[Instrument 39]

Just bought a 2000 Silverado LS x cab with 5.3, 20K on the clock,and I love it. After 3 tanks of fuel I am getting a consistent 20.2 mpg. Is there an advantage to using a K&N drop in filter?  If I go to synthetic what grade should I use, ie 5w-30, 10w-30? I live in louisiana, drive about 2500 miles per month. Any other miantennace tip are appreciated.

[Y2K Silverado]

Is there an advantage to using a K&N drop in filter?  If I go to synthetic what grade should I use, ie 5w-30, 10w-30?

I would say no, don't waste your money on a K&N. I've tried several high flow filters and none have worked better than the Purolator paper filter I use. I've done my own 0-60 testing using a K&N, Delco, Fram and Purolators. The K&N and Purolator out perform the other two but the K&N didn't out perform the Purlator. I don't trust the filtering of the K&N either, I don't like the fact that you can see through it. I know they say the oil traps the dirt but I wonder how it can filter effectivly if you can see light through it. As far as oil, I use Mobil 1 5W-30 and a Delco PF-59 filter. I change the oil every 3K, I know they say the synthetic oil can go longer but it's good preventative maintenaince to me, clean oil is the life blood of an engine. Of course, these are just my opinions.

Jim

[99silveradoz71]

I'll agree with the other comments so far.  Nothing wrong with changing that oil often even though it's synth.  I've got 42k and change on my 99 and have used Mobil 1 5w30 since about new with no problems.  Also a good idea to consider some of the other fluids in a few miles if you feel motivated.  I believe there are some tech articles about them on the front page.  If not, just ask and I'm sure we can find some links.

[SilveradoWV]

I use a K&N Drop in, used one in every vehicle I have had, especially the Silverado (I dont wanna pay $15 for a cheap paper filter). K&N doesnt void the warranty so it has to filter out enough particles to satisfy the leading automakers. I didnt get it for the performance because there isnt any noticeable difference no matter what vehicle I drop one in. As far as oil I just use plain ol Castrol GTX 5w30, I have had too many bad experiences with synthetic, plus I think its throwing money away unless you really max out the tach all of the time or something.  My Dad has a '91 K1500 with a 350 and has always used the cheapest oil he could find on the shelf, but it gets changed every 3000 miles, it has had no problems and will just about outrun my Silverado (Just about)!  All of this is just what "I" do and are MY opinions, I dont wanna start a big brawl in here!

[nhkid28]

I also use regular Castrol GTX 5-30 in the winter and 10-30 in the summer.  I change the oil and filter every 2K.  My oil is always clean!!!

[HiG4s]

I also use regular Castrol GTX 5-30 in the winter and 10-30 in the summer.  I change the oil and filter every 2K.  My oil is always clean!!!

EVERY 2K????

I won't say a nother word, I'm sure it would be like beating my head on a brick wall!!!!

 

K&N filters, These are trucks, not drag cars. The K&N will make a difference in 1/4 mile times and 0-60. if you make the other necessary changes, IE: computer program! If you want to do a serious test for K&N preformance do controlled checks on gas mileage. You might also note that the stock throttle body is very limiting.  I don't care if you run with no filter it will only let in so much air. Same with the MAF. Put in a after market throttle body and a Granitalli MAF and without a high flow filter you will not get what you expect. And even with that until you free up the flow on the exhaust, well I'm sure you get my point.

 

The K&N oil builds up a static charge that traps smaller particles as well as a finer paper filter.

 

Fact, The internal combustion engine is basically a fancy air pump! The more air in, the more air out the more power per amount of fuel used.

[nhkid28]

Changing my oil at that interval is cheap insurance for me and peace of mind.  

[Black02Silverado]

If you change your oil every 3k then stick with regular oil. If you want to extend that then go with a synthetic. Just change it as recommended by the manufacture. There are several oils out there that offer extended drains if your interested. Neo, Redline, Schaffers and Amsoil to name a few.

For the part of the country your in 5w-30 is fine.  You could run 0w-30 if you wanted to. It just makes starting your truck easier. Not putting as much of a strain on your starter or battery when it is cold out.

 

As for air filters the choice is yours. K&N offer that fact that you can keep it for ever just about. Just clean it once a year or sooner if you live in a dusty enviroment. Saves you from all those paper purchases. There is also the choice of a foam cleanable air filter that Amsoil offers. This filter is also cleanable and lasts a long time. Foam is a really good filter by the way the air has to travel through it and that the dirt sticks to the oil as it travels thought the filter. Seen different tests done and the Amsoil foam filter flows just as well as the K&N but does a better job at filtering. I've noticed that a lot of Moto Cross riders run foam due to the enviroment and performance.  So the choice is yours. Paper, K&N or Accell and the other brands out there that copyied K&N, or Amsoils foam air filter. It is all in what you want to run and gives you a piece of mind.   :thumb:

 

[HiG4s]

Changing my oil at that interval is cheap insurance for me and peace of mind.  

The manufacturerers recommeded interval is extreamly conservative. They make sure there is no possible way they could get sued because what they recommend. I have been doing most of my own mechanic work since my first motorcycle at 13. My dad owned a garage for some time when I was young. Back when I lived in MI I actually passed the Motorcycle portion of the master mechanics certification. And I will guarantee you motorcycles are harder on oil than any stock auto engine especially a V8. Changing less than manufacturerers recommendation, even using regular oil, is helping keep us dependent on the Arab oil countries and causing undo environmental issues. If you really want to protect your engine. Change at recommended intervals with either Mobil 1 or Amsoil. Both are created from scratch on a lab, they do not start with crude so they do not help Arab countries, and protect way better than ANY non-synthetic even if you changed it every week.

[MiSdIrEcTeD_1]

I have a K&N filter, but its not the drop in... Its a cone on the end of my MAC intake... I definately noticed some gain mileage and performance wise with the setup... BTW, I change my Mobil 1, 5W-30 every 5k...

Keep in mind that the synthetic may still be good to go for a while longer, but there is no filter that is honestly good for any longer than that.

[nhkid28]

Changing my oil at that interval is cheap insurance for me and peace of mind.  

The manufacturerers recommeded interval is extreamly conservative. They make sure there is no possible way they could get sued because what they recommend. I have been doing most of my own mechanic work since my first motorcycle at 13. My dad owned a garage for some time when I was young. Back when I lived in MI I actually passed the Motorcycle portion of the master mechanics certification. And I will guarantee you motorcycles are harder on oil than any stock auto engine especially a V8. Changing less than manufacturerers recommendation, even using regular oil, is helping keep us dependent on the Arab oil countries and causing undo environmental issues. If you really want to protect your engine. Change at recommended intervals with either Mobil 1 or Amsoil. Both are created from scratch on a lab, they do not start with crude so they do not help Arab countries, and protect way better than ANY non-synthetic even if you changed it every week.

 

Thats makes alot of sense, Thanks

 

What is a good interval with synthetic then?  Every 5K?

[KMT15]

how can you get 20mpg with a 5.3?  I would love the get that nice of gas mileage.

 

-KMT15

[clk7711]

how can you get 20mpg with a 5.3?  I would love the get that nice of gas mileage.

 

-KMT15

Thats a good question. I'm lucky to get 16 if I drive 60mph everywhere.  ???

[SilveradoWV]

even using regular oil, is helping keep us dependent on the Arab oil countries and causing undo environmental issues.

When I can get 6 quarts of Mobil 1 for $8.63, week in and week out i'll gladly switch to a synthetic.  

[Instrument 39]

As for my fuel mileage, i don't know how i am getting 20 mpg. I seem to get that reaction from a lot of others. Most of my driving is rural and interstate. I keep it around 65 to 70 and avoid mashing my right foot down, too much.

 

Lots of comments on the topic but i still don't know what direction i am going. Very valid points on either issue of synthetic or regular oils. Thanks again for the inputs, but still indecided.

 

One thing i did do was change out the in cabin filters. this truck is a 2000 model with 20K on the clock, the filters were very filthy. So if you haven't done it i recommend it. I bought my filters from a parts chain. Went to the dealer to see if there was any difference in filters; it was the same filter with diffrent numbers.