[croever]

I was wondering what its the correct type of oil to put in the 3.8l. The person i bought my car from used to take it to wal-mart and there little sticker said they put pennzoil 5 w 30, but i have read that you need to put 10 w 30 in it. Someone please help.

 

[FBN Firebird Nation]

10W-30 is what you should use. Here is your manual.

 

[96firebird]

10w-30

 

[Injuneer]

If I read the manual correctly, it says that 5W-30 is "preferred", while 10W-30 is acceptable if the coldest temps are not going below 0*F. There is no negative impact of using 5W-30 year-round. The lower viscosity is only applicable to cold start, and will provide better flow at low temps. On the earlier year engines, the oil requirements are printed on the top of the oil fill cap (mine says "5W-30"). Is that no longer the case?

That said, I always used 10W-30 when my engine was stock, because it never was driven in extremely cold weather. Answer is, it doesn't matter.

 

[Jeff85]

5W-30 here, check location <<<

 

[FBN Firebird Nation]

If I read the manual correctly, it says that 5W-30 is "preferred", while 10W-30 is acceptable if the coldest temps are not going below 0*F. There is no negative impact of using 5W-30 year-round. The lower viscosity is only applicable to cold start, and will provide better flow at low temps. On the earlier year engines, the oil requirements are printed on the top of the oil fill cap (mine says "5W-30"). Is that no longer the case?

That said, I always used 10W-30 when my engine was stock, because it never was driven in extremely cold weather. Answer is, it doesn't matter.

I think you were going by the V8 suggestions Fred, and I think we are talking about the V6. It say's on page 6-15 "As shown in the following chart, if you have the 3800 V6 engine, SAE 10W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 5W-30 if it's going to be colder than 60 degreed F before you next oil change. When it's very cold, you should use SAE 5W-30.

There are two charts, one for the V8 (6-14) and one for the V6 (6-15).

 

[croever]

Thanks guys, and thanks Bob for the manual link, I did not get a manual when I bought my car so that link will be very useful. Thanks

 

[FBN Firebird Nation]

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Glad I was able to help.