The amount of oil in your Chevy 350 engine does not have to be exact to the last drop. However, Chevy 350 oil capacity matters for a few reasons. And while discovering the amount you need may be as simple as checking the oil filler cap, you also need to know the correct oil type.
This feature gives a deeper insight into the Chevy 350 oil capacity and oil types to help you understand your engine needs. I’ll also take you through the best oil and oil filters for Chevy 350.
By the time you get to the last line, you’ll be ready to perform an oil change confidently.
Chevy 350 Oil Capacity and Oil Type Lookup
Chevy 350 of all versions has the same engine size (5.7L) and oil capacity (5 quarts).
The chart below displays the details.
Select “Engine Model” to find the oil capacity and oil type for your vehicle.
To Reset, click on the values shown below the filter.
Leave a comment (at the end of the post) if you cannot find yours.
Engine Model | Year | Oil Capacity | Oil Viscosity (Type) |
---|---|---|---|
Chevy 350 L31 | 1996-2002 | 5 quarts | 5W-30 (All TEMPS) SAE 5W-30 is preferred. |
Chevy 350 L05 | 1987-1996 | 5 quarts | 5W-30 (All TEMPS) SAE 5W-30 is preferred. |
Chevy 350 L98 | 1985-1992 | 5 quarts | 5W-30 (All TEMPS) SAE 5W-30 is preferred. |
Chevy 350 L83 | 1982, 198 | 5 quarts | 5W-30 (All TEMPS) SAE 5W-30 is preferred. |
Chevy 350 LT9 | 1981-1986 | 5 quarts | 5W-30 (All TEMPS) SAE 5W-30 is preferred. |
Chevy 350 LS9 | 1969-1986 | 5 quarts | 10W-30 (Above -18°C) 5W-30 (All TEMPS) SAE 5W-30 is preferred. |
Chevy 350 L81 | 1981 | 5 quarts | 10W-30 (Above -18°C) 5W-30 (All TEMPS) SAE 5W-30 is preferred. |
Chevy 350 L82 | 1973-1980 | 5 quarts | 10W-30 (Above -18°C) 5W-30 (All TEMPS) SAE 5W-30 is preferred. |
Chevy 350 LT1 | 1970-1972 | 5 quarts | 10W-30 (Above -18°C) 5W-30 (All TEMPS) SAE 5W-30 is preferred. |
Chevy 350 ZQ3 | 1969-1974 | 5 quarts | 10W-30 (Above -18°C) 5W-30 (All TEMPS) SAE 5W-30 is preferred. |
Chevy 350 LM1 | 1977-1988 | 5 quarts | 10W-30 (Above -18°C) 5W-30 (All TEMPS) SAE 5W-30 is preferred. |
Chevy 350 L65 | 1970-1976 | 5 quarts | 10W-30 (Above -18°C) 5W-30 (All TEMPS) SAE 5W-30 is preferred. |
Chevy 350 L46 | 1969-1970 | 5 quarts | 10W-30 (Above -18°C) 5W-30 (All TEMPS) SAE 5W-30 is preferred. |
Chevy 350 L48 | 1967-1980 | 5 quarts | 10W-30 (Above -18°C) 5W-30 (All TEMPS) SAE 5W-30 is preferred. |
Read more: Chevy 350 vs. 305: Which Is the Better Engine For You?
Chevy 350 Oil Capacity
The Chevy 350 is a small-block V8 engine manufactured by Chevrolet under GM between 1967 and 2002. It’s perhaps the most popular, mass-produced Chevy engine starting with the 265ci., that powered the Camaro in 1967.
This engine’s horsepower ranges between 145 and 370 depending on the year and model. It has a 4-inch bore and 3.48-inch stroke and has up to 380 lb.-ft of torque. This motor is in various Chevy vehicles, including the Corvette, Caprice, El Camino, Nova, Impala, etc.
The Chevy 350 has a 5-quart oil pan and uses a wet-sump oiling system. That’s to say that its oil capacity is 5 quarts. However, modified models in the Chevy 350 line can take 6 quarts of oil. This is critical since too much of it causes oil to whip into a froth, meaning it will not lubricate the parts. On the other hand, too little oil, and there will be barely enough to reach the engine’s critical components.
By the time its mass production stopped in 2002, this engine had seen all sorts of alterations and was (still is) a favorite among hot rodders and street racers. The first version of this engine was the L48 (1967-1980), with a 300 hp rating and 8.5:1 compression ratio.
The L46 came after the L48 (1969-1970), featuring a 350 hp rating and 11.0:1 compression ratio. It had the highest horsepower output until the 1970s fuel crisis, where the 350 horsepower was toned down to 145 hp in the L65 (1970 – 1976).
This trend continued in the other versions, including the LM1, ZQ3, LT1, L82, L81, LS9, LT-9, L83, L98, L05, and L31. All these motors had a hp rating of 145 to 250, except the L31, which revived the 350’s former glory with 350 horsepower.
Although the 350 pave the way for more fuel-efficient engines, it’s still powering many classics and vintage vehicles.
Read more: What Year Is The Best Chevy 350 Engine?
Chevy 350 Oil Type
Motor oil for the Chevy 350 has unique characteristics, but it all comes down to viscosity. The manual usually has a recommended oil weight. However, the Chevy 350 has exchanged so many hands that it’s impossible to find a Chevy 350 manual lying around.
To this end, the recommended oil type for Chevy 350 is 5w30 and 10w30. This engine requires these specific viscosities to prevent exerting extra stress and wear to the engine parts.
Later Chevy engines made after 1980 like the LT9, L83, L98, L05, and L31 use 5w30 oil like the Castrol 03128C Edge.
For older Chevy 350 engines, including L46, L65, LM1, ZQ3, LT1, L82, L81, and LS9, most people use 10w30 like the Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic Oil.
Some drivers prefer 10w40 like Mobil 1 High Mileage Full Synthetic Oil. Nonetheless, some folks swear by 20w50 oil, so the Castrol 03095 GTX is a no-brainer.
Keep in mind, though, that using 10w40 and 20w50 can void your engine’s warranty. Also, remember that the best oil viscosity choice for any Chevy 350 at any temperature is 5w30 (like the Castrol 03128C Edge).
What Does 5w30 10w30, 10w40, and 20w50 Mean?
These numbers represent the viscosity of the oil at various temperatures. In the 5w30, for example, the 5 and 30 are for viscosity while the “w” means “winter”. The bigger the number, the greater the thickness of the oil.
Since the goal of the engine oil is to lubricate the engine, it should be able to protect the engine in winter when the temperatures plummet. In this case, oils should be able to reduce their viscosity enough to run the engine without difficulties with cold starts.
All oils with two numbers are multi-grade oils since they get light enough to lubricate the engine in winter, and they can maintain a good level of viscosity at high temperatures. Note that oil that’s too light will not lubricate the engine.
5w30 operates in temperatures between -13°F and 77°F, while 10w30 operates between -13°F and 86°F. Meanwhile, 10w40 is ideal at -22°F and 104°F, and 20w50 is good at 68°F and higher to function optimally.
Which Oil Viscosity Is the Best?
5w30 is the ideal oil viscosity for all temperatures for Chevy 350 engines manufactured after 1980. I’m talking about LT9, L83, L98, L05, and L31 motors.
10w30 oil is suitable for L46, L65, LM1, ZQ3, LT1, L82, L81, and LS9 at temperatures above 0°F (-18°C).
Nevertheless, 5w30 is still the appropriate oil for any Chevy 350 at all operating temperatures.
Best Oil for Chevy 350
As I’ve mentioned, 5w30 and 10w30 are the acceptable oil types for Chevy 350 engines. Let’s dive in and see the brands with the best oils for your car.
1. Castrol 03128C High Mileage 5w30 Synthetic Oil
Castrol is one of those brands you can’t go wrong with when choosing motor oil for Chevy 350. The Castrol 03128C High Mileage 5w30 Synthetic Oil is a top-quality oil, especially for a motor that has been running for decades. It supports extended engine life by preventing sludge formation, which can lead to engine knocking.
This synthetic oil boasts Extra Fluid Titanium Technology to boost film strength and minimize film breakdown. In addition, this engine oil also uses Phosphorous Replacement Technology to reduce phosphorous and protect the catalytic converter and your car’s emission.
Castrol Edge high mileage oil provides ten times better low and high-temperature performance. It reduces wear, leaks, and oil burnoff on high-performance and high mileage cars. For this reason, it is ideal for Chevy 350 engines made after 1980, which have over 75K miles on them.
Pros
- Improves fuel economy
- Reduces friction immensely
- Minimizes sludge and deposit formation
- Prevents engine from ticking during cold starts
- Maximizes performance in 75K+ Chevy 350 engines
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Can be thicker than anticipated at very low temperatures
Get the best lubrication features for 1980 and later Chevy 350 engines with the Castrol Edge High Mileage motor oil. You’ll never have to worry about engine knocking, leaks, and oil burnoff in your high-performance motor.
Castrol 03128C
2. Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 5w30 Motor Oil
Instead of using crude oil, Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 5w30 Motor Oil is the only motor oil made from natural gas. It’s another high-performance oil that promises better fuel economy and engine maintenance. To this end, Pennzoil Platinum keeps pistons 45% cleaner than top-rated industry-standard oils.
Pennzoil Platinum promises to add 550 miles to your yearly miles. Hence, whether you take your vehicle on weekends, drive on unpaved roads or haul heavy loads, this oil will maintain your engine’s integrity. It delivers faster oil flow in low temperatures while protecting the motor in high temperatures.
Since it’s made from natural gas, it has exceptional performance in extremely hot temperatures. This is because it resists the tendency to evaporate, which usually happens with other oils. You can use it in a hot rod or street racer where the engine gets unbearably hot.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Uniform molecules for even lubrication
- Great extreme weather flow
- Resists burnoff in high mileage Chevy 350
Cons
- Does not get rid of rattle in old race cars
- No satisfaction guarantee
Extend the life of your engine by cushioning its pistons and preventing engine clogging impurities with Pennzoil Platinum 5w30. It boasts exceptional performance for high mileage engines like your Chevy 350.
Pennzoil Platinum
3. Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil 10w30
Mobil 1 is a recognizable brand in the engine lubrication industry. Any Chevy 350 made before 1980 will benefit from Mobil’s 10w30 Advanced Synthetic Oil. This oil is highly regarded for protecting the engine and providing exceptional cleaning abilities.
Mobil 1 Advanced Synthetic Oil is designed with uniform molecules that reduce friction while preventing sludge and deposits buildup. As such, you can go up to 10,000 miles between oil changes. On top of that, it has an outstanding low-temperature performance of -20°F. Thus, it delivers quick cold-weather startup
This engine oil meets ILSAC GF-6 standards. Therefore, it provides low-speed pre-ignition and timing chain wear protection. It helps to control oxidation and prevent oil breakdown in pre-1980 engines. Lastly, Mobil 1 Advanced Synthetic Oil improves fuel mileage in high-mileage motors.
Pros
- Lasts 10,000 miles between changes
- Keeps engine quiet
- Squeezes a little more MPG
- Prevents oil burnoff
- Fast delivery
Cons
- A bit expensive
- Cap leaks oil once the seal is off
You better get on the Mobil 1 Advanced Synthetic Oil wagon if you’ve never found a trustworthy motor oil. It’s an incredible option for old Chevy 350 engines susceptible to sludge buildup. This brand offers outstanding engine cleaning, excellent fuel economy, and reliable extreme weather performance.
Mobil 1 10W-30
4. Castrol Edge 03129C High Mileage Advanced Synthetic Oil 10w30
If you live in a favorable climate and have a Chevy 350 made before 1980, the Castrol Edge 03129C is the right oil for your car. This model also uses Extra Fluid Titanium Technology to protect engines with high mileage (over 75K miles). This feature is known for increasing film strength to provide better lubrication of parts.
This oil is ideal for preventing catalytic converter failure by reducing the level of phosphorous. It improves both short- and long-term engine performance, especially if your engine has been through high-performance enthusiast drives.
Castrol Edge 03129C exceeds industry standards regarding extreme weather performance. It protects the engine when temperatures reach below 0°F and gives it the lubrication it needs in the 90s. Thus, you won’t worry about using different oil types every season.
Pros
- Economical in terms of quality
- Maximizes engine performance
- Great cleansing properties
- Holds up better than other oils
- Improves oil pressure in LS1 motors
Cons
- Container quality could be better
- Minimal MPG improvement
From a trusted name, this full synthetic oil is within your budget. It maximizes the Chevy 350 engine’s performance for models with hundreds of thousands of miles.
5. Mobil 1 High Mileage Full Synthetic Oil 10w40
Mobil 1 has been the industry’s benchmark for motor oils. The Mobil 1 High Mileage Full Synthetic Oil 10w40 promises to extend your engine’s life for motors with over 75,000 miles on them. As such, it works great for your pre-1980 Chevy 350 engines.
Mobil 1’s proprietary blend of the highly-efficient synthetic base comes fortified to provide extra engine protection for high mileage motors. It meets and exceeds the industry’s most demanding standards and is actually better than Mobil 1’s synthetic blend and conventional high mileage oils.
This oil provides usage for up to 10,000 miles Owing to its formulation. It reduces sludge that contributes to short oil change intervals. As for weather performance, Mobil 1 High Mileage Full Synthetic Oil 10w40 can protect the engine in temperatures as low as -30°F and as high as 500°F.
Pros
- Low-speed ignition and timing chain protection
- Never breaks down
- Up to 10,000 miles service changes
- Controls oxidation
- Prevents deposit and sludge buildup
Cons
- More expensive than other high mileage oils
- Container is brittle
Mobil 1 wins when it comes to long-term engine protection. From preventing sludge buildup to providing superb weather protection, you can’t afford to miss out on the Mobil 1 High Mileage Full Synthetic Oil 10w40 advantages.
Mobil 1 10w40
Best Oil Filters for Chevy 350
It’s recommended to change the oil filter when changing your car’s oil. These are the filters that work well with the Chevy 350.
1. K&N PS-3002 Premium Oil Filter
The K&N PS-3002 Premium Oil Filter improves engine performance by minimizing oil filter restrictions. It has an exceptional flow rate for smooth oil flow to the engine. In addition, it is compatible with synthetic, blended, and conventional oils.
K&N PS-3002 Premium Oil Filter uses a pleated, synthetic-blend media that can remove contaminants down to 25 microns. This filter comes with a bypass valve to prevent engine starvation if it fills with debris. Also, it has a nitrile rubber anti-drain back valve to give oil to the engine immediately upon start.
The black-fluted canister boasts strong sidewalls for high burst strength. You can remove it easily with an oil filter wrench. This filter is a must-have for the kind of protection that it provides for the engine throughout its life.
Pros
- High-flow design for old engines
- Lots of pleats guarantee engine protection
- Outstanding filtration of small particles
- Easy to remove with a traditional oil filter wrench
Cons
- Pricier than competing brands
- Filtration efficiency not indicated
The K&N PS-3002 Premium Oil Filter is an excellent addition to your high-mileage engine. It can withstand long service intervals, especially when you choose an oil that provides 10,000 miles of use.
K&N Premium Oil Filter
2. WIX Filters 51069 Spin-On Lube Filter
WIX is a great example of why you should buy an oil filter based on quality other than brand. While it’s not a Bosch, the WIX Filters 51069 Spin-On Lube Filter keeps out harmful contaminants. It prevents premature engine failure owing to its high-grade pleated paper media.
This filter has low oil flow restrictions to prevent engine starvation. Not to mention, it’s highly durable that it can withstand routine oil service intervals. Additionally, installing it is a breeze since it comes with the gasket, mounting plate, inner element tube, and center tube to increase dirt holding capacity.
Being a spin-on oil filter, it prevents the entry of tiny particles into the engine. It helps to prolong the engine’s life and also reduces maintenance costs. For a motor like the Chevy 350, it’s the filter you need to improve filtration efficiency.
Pros
- Low maintenance
- Simple to install
- Excellent filtering capacity
- Extends oil and oil filter change intervals
Cons
- Packaging could be better
- Does not fit the 1993 Camaro with 5.7L Chevy 350
Let your filtration system catch the smallest particles that can shorten the life of your Chevy 350 engine. The WIX Filters 51069 Spin-On Lube Filter can save on maintenance costs while you enjoy a smoothly running motor.
WIX Filters
Conclusion
Determining the oil capacity and oil type for the Chevy 350 engine is crucial in defining its performance. Remember that it has thousands of miles on it, so choosing the best oil and oil filter for Chevy 350 is just as essential. I hope this post covers it all, so now you can purchase your vehicle’s engine oil with confidence.
Download the chart here.