How much oil does a 1990 5.7 Chevy take?
A typical 1990 Chevrolet 5.7-liter V8 engine takes about 5 quarts of engine oil with a new filter (roughly 4.7 liters). If you drain the oil and do not replace the filter, plan for about 4 quarts. Always verify the exact figure for your specific model in the owner's manual or on the under-hood sticker.
Oil capacity basics for the 1990 5.7L V8
These engines were used across several 1990 GM cars and trucks, including C/K pickups, Suburbans, Caprices, and Camaros. The published capacity for a standard oil change is 5 quarts with a filter. The "without filter" figure (about 4 quarts) applies when the filter isn’t replaced during the drain.
The following options cover the standard oil-change capacity depending on whether you replace the oil filter during the change.
- With a new oil filter: 5 quarts (4.7 L)
- Drain and do not replace the filter: about 4 quarts (3.8 L)
Bottom line: Start with about 4.5–5 quarts, run the engine briefly, then recheck the level on a warm engine and top off as needed to reach the full mark.
Filling and checking the oil correctly
To ensure an accurate reading and avoid overfilling, follow these practical steps. These guidelines align with the recommendations used by many owners and service manuals for the 1990 5.7L engines; always check your owner's manual for the exact grade and capacity for your vehicle.
- Bring the engine to normal operating temperature, then shut it off and wait a few minutes for the oil to settle.
- Add oil in small increments (about 1/2 quart at a time) using a clean funnel until the dipstick shows the full level on a warm engine.
- Reinsert the dipstick, wipe it clean, recheck the level on a level surface with the engine off.
- Avoid overfilling. If you accidentally add too much, remove the excess and recheck again.
The exact oil grade (for example 10W-30 or 5W-30) depends on climate and GM specifications in the vehicle’s manual. Some 1990s 5.7L configurations used 10W-30; confirm the correct grade for your car before buying oil.
Bottom line after these steps: aim for a full reading on a warm engine, and always verify with the manual for your model since configurations and equipment (like oil coolers) can affect the precise quantity.
Summary
In short, the standard oil capacity for a 1990 Chevrolet 5.7L V8 is about 5 quarts with a new filter, roughly 4 quarts if the filter isn’t replaced during the drain. Practically, most owners start with 4.5–5 quarts and adjust after checking the dipstick on a warm engine. Always consult the owner’s manual or under-hood decal for your exact model, and follow the recommended oil grade for your climate and engine configuration.
How much oil does a 5.7 L Chevy V8 take?
Capacity: 5.1 quarts (with filter). After refill check oil level.
What kind of oil does a 1990 5.7 take?
SAE 5W-30
5W-30 (All TEMPS) - SAE 5W-30 is preferred. Capacity: 5 quarts (with filter).
How much oil does a 1990 Chevy 350 take?
A 1990 Chevy 350 engine typically requires 5 quarts of oil with a filter change for the 5.7L engine. For the 7.4L (454) engine, the capacity is 8 quarts. Always check the oil level after the refill to ensure it's correct for your specific vehicle.
- For 5.7L (350) engine: 5 quarts with a filter change.
- For 7.4L (454) engine: 8 quarts with a filter change.
- Recommendation: After adding oil, start the engine, let it run for a minute, then shut it off and check the dipstick to confirm the level is correct.
How much oil does a 1990 Chevy 1500 5.7 take?
A 1990 Chevy 1500 with a 5.7L engine holds 5 quarts of oil when changing the oil and filter. It's recommended to use a 5W-30 viscosity oil for all temperatures, though 10W-30 is also an option. After adding the oil, it's important to check the dipstick to ensure the level is correct.
- Oil Capacity: 5 quarts (with filter)
- Recommended Oil Viscosity: 5W-30 (for all temperatures)
- Alternative Viscosity: 10W-30 (for temperatures above -18∘Cnegative 18 raised to the composed with power cap C−18∘𝐶 or 0∘F0 raised to the composed with power cap F0∘𝐹)
- Final Check: Always check the oil level with the dipstick after refilling and add more if necessary.
