Engine Oil

How/how often do I check my engine oil?

You should check your engine oil at every fuel fill-up so you notice any problems early. The engine needs to be warmed up, on level ground and engine off for a few minutes to get an accurate reading. Then pull out your engine oil dipstick, wipe it off, reinsert fully, pull out again and check that it's between the high/low marks/in the crosshatch section. IF it's at the 'add' line, then you need to add some oil, but be sure not to overfill.

What viscosity oil should I use?

The answer to this question is located in your owners manual and often on the oil filler cap. In general you will be using a 5w-30 for all years, for most it's the preferred viscosity, and for some years you 'can' use 10w-30 for above 0°F usage. In an emergency you could use SAE30 if operating above 40°F. GM says to never use any other viscosity, like 10w-40 or 20w-50 or 0w-20 etc.

What type of oil should I use?

Synthetic does perform better, but there is a cost that goes along with that.

Switching from standard to synthetic can cause oil leaks to show or increase. While not really the fault of the oil itself, if you have high miles and it's not leaking, might want to stick with standard oil.

What brand of oil should I use?

As long as it meets the specifications, you are good to go. Most of the rest is simply marketing(which is cool if you are into that kind of stuff).

Do I need a high pressure/volume oil pump?

Unless you are building a loose engine(larger bearing gaps), or for extremely high RPM, then a standard oil pump is just fine.

Everything is a compromise, higher pressure = more drag/heat plus more stress on the pump drive(cam/distributor drive gear)

http://www.enginebuildermag.com/2015/06/choosing-the-right-oil-pump/

http://www.onallcylinders.com/2014/10/23/oil-well-choosing-proper-pressure-volume-oil-pump/

http://www.badasscars.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=91/prd91.htm

What brand oil filter should I use?

I use the cheap ones and change them at every oil change. If you think that the advertising makes it better, then by all means go with what you feel. http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/engine/129-1202-oil-filter-comparison-fodder/

Can/should I remove the engine oil cooler?

This is really a personal decision, some of them came with them, some of them didn't. The rate of failure of the oil cooler hoses made me go ahead and remove mine. I haven't noticed any changes other than slightly better oil pressure.

Remove the filter, filter screw, two hoses, cooler adapter(two bolts), reinstall the filter screw and the filter(optional but recommended-remove hoses and plug oil cooler loop in radiator). Done. Engine Oil Cooler