Besides a brief hiatus from 2003 to 2009, the Chevrolet Camaro has dazzled the automotive scene since its 1967 model debut. Commuters and track enthusiasts alike have flocked to the Camaro for its powerful and efficient engine offerings–not to mention its sleek silhouette.
However, like any vehicle with an internal combustion engine, not using the right type of motor oil in your Camaro can significantly impact its performance and may even harm the engine.
To help keep your bowtie-wielding beauty running strong for years to come, JEGS is here with a detailed oil-selection guide. We’ll cover each Camaro generation, the different oil types and viscosity options, and further explain why using the right oil is so important.
Motor Oil Types & Viscosity Explained
Conventional vs. Synthetic vs. Blended
First up, you’ll have to decide on an oil type. Your options include conventional, synthetic, and blended. All work to ensure your engine’s moving parts stay properly lubricated, but not all are equal.
Without sufficient lubrication, friction will build within the motor and cause it to generate excess heat. An overheating engine will wear quicker and is more likely to experience problems, like a head gasket blowing or the block cracking or warping, to name a few.
- Conventional Oil: Conventional is the original oil type, derived directly from crude oil. This type of oil is typically the most affordable, somewhere around $25-$50 per five-quart jug.
Generally, conventional motor oil is a safe choice for most engines, especially older ones designed for its use. Yet, conventional oil tends to break down faster in high heat, like when you’re pushing your Camaro at the track on a hot summer day.
- Synthetic Oil: Synthetic oil is engineered from chemically modified petroleum molecules. Its refined structure grants it improved high-temperature stability, ensuring your Camaro's engine runs strong even when put to the test.
Synthetic oil is also better at maintaining its fluidity at cold temps, meaning your engine is more likely to fire up without issue on a cold morning. As you may have guessed, synthetic oil is a pricier option, roughly $35-$65 per five-quart jug.
Just note that the smaller molecular structure of synthetic motor oil makes it best for use in newer engines. Older motors, especially those with more wear and tear (wider clearances between engine parts), are more likely to spring a leak due to the oil's thinner consistency.
- Blended Oil: As the name suggests, blended oil is a mix of both conventional and synthetic. Blended provides the improved protection and durability of synthetic while costing more in line with conventional (about $25-$50 for a five-quart jug).
For the average driver, blended oil is a great option, whether in vintage or modern models. However, those who frequently push the limits of their Camaros, such as drag racing at the strip, might be safer choosing a full synthetic due to its improved resistance to break down.
Understanding Oil Viscosity Options
Before you can pick the best oil for your Chevy Camaro, you must also understand how its viscosity comes into play, which basically refers to how thick it is; how slowly it flows.
Use an oil that's too thin for your engine or driving habits, and it may not form a sufficient layer of protection between the motor’s moving parts or break down in high heat.
Use an oil that's too thick, and it may flow too slowly to lubricate the internals, or the engine may struggle to start in cold weather.
Thankfully, motor oil viscosity is categorized based on a standardized system designed by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
Looking at a jug of oil, you’ll see something akin to 5W-30; this is the oil’s SAE rating or grade. In this example, below is what each character means:
- 5 - Indicates the oil’s low-temperature viscosity (in this case, -18 C or 0 F) degrees Celsius)
- W - Stands for “Winter”
- 30 - Relates to the oil’s resistance to thinning at high temps (100 degrees Celsius in this instance)
As a comparison, a 10W-40 oil would remain more viscous in cold weather (better for freezing conditions), and “40” indicates it's less likely to thin out at higher temperatures (better for hard driving or hot climates).
Chevrolet Camaro Engine Oil Guide: Year & Engine
In this section, we’ll review general guidelines for choosing the right for your Camaro based on its year and engine.
Ultimately, the safest option is to use the oil type recommended by the factory, which you’ll find outlined in your car’s owner’s manual.
For example, if you’re looking for the 2015 Camaro oil type suggested by Chevy (SAE 5W-30), you’ll find it under the “Vehicle Care” section. Models from
- First and Second Generation (1967-1981)
The first and second-gen. Camaros boasted a plethora of engines, including inline-sixes, small-block V8s like the 4.6 and Chevy 350, and big-blocks like the 350 and 396. Given the age of these classic cars and their relatively simple, robust powertrains, conventional 10W-30 oil should provide adequate protection for most.
For higher-performance models that are pushed hard (like running an SS 396 on a track for hours on end), you may consider using a 10W-40 for its higher heat stability.
- Third and Fourth Generation (1982-2002)
As the Camaro moved into its third and fourth generations, it introduced more efficient, high-revving engines, such as the famous IROC-Z 5.0L and LS1 V8s. These engines benefit from the superior high-temp stability and flow properties of blended or synthetic oil, especially if the car is driven enthusiastically.
A 5W-30 synthetic is often a safe bet for these engines, providing optimal flow at cold starts and reliable protection under high heat and stress.
- Fifth and Sixth Generation (2010-Present)
Since the Camaro's 2010 return, the model has boasted many advanced engines, like the 6.2L LS3 V8 and the supercharged 6.2L LT4 in the ZL1. These high-horsepower motors, designed with tight tolerances between components, require full synthetic oils for optimal protection under heat.
Like most Camaro years and engines, 5W-30 oil should provide adequate protection and performance for the average driver.
As for how much oil your Camaro needs, that also depends on its year and engine, but most take five to 10 quarts. For example, the 2010 SS Camaro oil capacity, with its 6.2 V8, takes eight quarts, while a 2023 SS takes 10.
If you’re unsure how much oil to put in your Camaro, be sure to check the owner’s manual.
Importance of Using the Right Oil
Whether you commute in a modern four-cylinder, chase local car meets in a classic, or burn laps in a sixth-generation ZL1, using the right type of motor oil in your Camaro is an absolute necessity.
Oil lubricates the moving parts of your engine, minimizing the damaging effects of friction. For example, imagine rubbing your hands together quickly, where in one scenario, you use hand lotion, and in the other, you don't. The former builds more friction which can cause your skin to peel.
The same is true for an engine using the wrong motor oil. Add an oil that's too thin, and it may not provide a sufficient protective layer, leading to added wear and tear. Add oil that's too thick, and it may not flow smoothly through the engine, hindering how effective it is at keeping the motor lubricated.
Selecting the correct oil for your Camaro also helps keep engine temperatures from getting too high. Whether you're chasing your fastest lap time or commuting for long hours on a hot day, car engines produce massive heat, especially performance cars like the Camaro (200+ degrees Fahrenheit).
If you're not using motor oil designed to retain its stability under these conditions, it may break down when needed most, leaving the engine exposed to added wear. You may also experience reduced fuel economy and performance, difficulty starting the engine cold temperatures, excessive engine noise, and more.
Choose the Right Motor Oil for Your Camaro With JEGS
Now that you know which oil type you need for your Camaro, consider ordering through JEGS, a leading supplier of quality auto parts. While you’re at it, you may also consider a performance oil filter so your oil stays contaminant free, potentially prolonging the life of your engine.
