Oil recommendation after DOD delete

Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.

MCAT069

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 2, 2017
Posts
216
Reaction score
83
Location
Texas
I just completed the DOD delete with L86 cam upgrade on the 2017 Tahoe due to #6 lifter failure. Is there a different oil recommendation after completing this or should I still run the factory spec 0/20?
 

B-train

Full Access Member
Joined
Sep 12, 2022
Posts
2,623
Reaction score
4,671
Just run 5w-30 full synthetic like the non-AFM (DFM) 6.6L truck motors run. It's the best middle ground for everyday use. You don't have the problematic lifters or system anymore, so lube it with a real oil that will do the job correctly. I've run it on my 2017 6.2L for almost 140k (178k on engine) thus far with no issues or oil consumption and I didn't do a delete.

If you're worried, do some research about CAFE and their gimmicks. Look at a 2016 Malibu 1.5L - requires 5w-30. Then look at a 2025 malibu 1.5L - requires 0w-20. The engine is the SAME, just the CAFE criteria changed so mfg are cutting corners to eek out mpg in factory tests. I say this because both of those mentioned cars reside at my house. And, because non CAFE motors have recommendations that reflect real life use and longevity requirements, thus running a heavier oil (read: correct oil).
 

Marky Dissod

Full Access Member
Joined
Mar 3, 2023
Posts
3,322
Reaction score
4,567
Location
(718)-
Any Group4 fully synthetic 0W30 or 5W30. B-train gave you the long story short about Corporate Average Fuel Economy.
If you want to learn more about the subject from a tribologist, search the terms 'Lake Speed Jr' & 'Stribeck curve'.
 

Jeff_

Full Access Member
Joined
Jan 9, 2021
Posts
329
Reaction score
429
Location
Scottsdale, AZ & N. Idaho
I run Driven DI30 5w30. Definitely better than the Castrol 0w20 I used to run.
Is it more money? Yes.
Does it offer better peace of mind for the long summer and winter road trips I bought this vehicle for? Yes.
 

BMPNUGLS

Full Access Member
Joined
Apr 5, 2015
Posts
238
Reaction score
114
Location
Mid-MO
Why not go with 0W-40 that GM is now saying needs to be used in the newer 21+ engines? After my warranty ran out I used 5W-30 for a few years then this year switched to 0W-40 and have the best oil pressure I’ve ever had…and it’s more consistent too….doesn’t fluctuate as much especially at a idle when it’s 90++* outside.

I use Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 0W-40….awesome stuff! And my 16 Denali XL has 181K miles on it (I bought it brand new with 6 miles on it)…engine has never been touched internally…neither has the transmission! I just keep the oil changed every 3-4K miles and trans fluid and filter every 40-50K miles…’knock on wood’…
 

Forum statistics

Threads
136,862
Posts
1,950,305
Members
101,565
Latest member
Radiator1
Back
Top