LT1 Oil Capacity

[94C4]

Can anyone tell me the oil capacity of a 94 LT1? The owners manual says that it takes 4 and a half quarts. When I change the filter and put that much in, the dip stick reads a half quart low. So does it really hold 5 quarts with a filter change? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[tlong]

The stick tells the story. Stay near the top of the crosshatch.

[-=Iron Mike=-]

I always use a full 5 qts myself.

[Tuna]

I'm closer to 5 quarts than 4.5 also.

[Edmond]

Are they accounting for the oil in the oil filter? I've always gone by the stick and 4.5 is always short so I use 5.

[B17Crew]

The difference may be the capacity of the oil filter.

I fill my filter (AC Delco PF-52) with oil before installing. This seems to put the oil level in the appropriate range. My total oil usage on a fill is 5 quarts. I had once read in one of the Corvette magazines that filling the oil filter can help with the brief oil starvation that happens after an oil change.

B17Crew

[Edmond]

Originally Posted by B17Crew

The difference may be the capacity of the oil filter.

I fill my filter (AC Delco PF-52) with oil before installing. This seems to put the oil level in the appropriate range. My total oil usage on a fill is 5 quarts. I had once read in one of the Corvette magazines that filling the oil filter can help with the brief oil starvation that happens after an oil change.

B17Crew

That's what I was always told.

[HTRK-1]

According to Gordon Kilbrew's tech manuals on the C4, using an AC Delco filter, the LT1 take 4.5 qts of mobile 1. The early '92 owner's manual listed 5 qt. Gordon says this was incorrect.

[B17Crew]

Originally Posted by HTRK-1

According to Gordon Kilbrew's tech manuals on the C4, using an AC Delco filter, the LT1 take 4.5 qts of mobile 1. The early '92 owner's manual listed 5 qt. Gordon says this was incorrect.

I have Gordons book, page 13 of Top 50 questions from Corvette Owners and Dealers with Answers addresses the LT1 oil capacity misprint. I referred to his write up before posting my experiences.

As far as I’m concerned, what Gordon Killebrew says is law, but I can’ for the life of me figure why the two LT1s I had and the LT4 I have now measure just right at 5 quarts.

Maybe because I let my oil drain for half an hour before reinstalling the plug and refilling?

B17Crew

[HTRK-1]

I would go by the dipstick....If 5 qts puts you where you need to be, then go with that. I have a 93, and also let it drain for 1/2 hour. I use a Pure one oil filter or a K/N, maybe this is the difference.

[Grizzly]

I vote with 5 quarts. Just changed mine with Mobil 1 filter. Took all five to bring it right to the top. I always get my engine good and hot. A nice 30 min blast, and then let it drain good. That could be the difference.

[B17Crew]

Timely thread, I'm due for an oil change!

I too let me engine oil heat up before oil changes.

I take it out before the change to let the oil hit 190°. Once I hit 190°, I head for home, go right up on the ramps -- then start to drain. The oils temperature make a big difference in the flow of oil out of the pan.

B17Crew

[94C4]

Be careful B17Crew! 190 degree oil can hurt!!!

[B17Crew]

Originally Posted by 94C4

Be careful B17Crew! 190 degree oil can hurt!!!

Very true. I’ve learned the hard way... I have been using extensions on my ratchet to keep my paws from getting burned. It takes just one time to appreciate how hot the oil can be when it comes out of the oil pans drain!

B17Crew

[rrubel]

Simple solution... a Fumoco drain valve... a little ball valve with a spring clip that you can push on without getting anywhere near the flow of oil. They're about $30 and well worth it.
[RICHR]