What type of oil does a 5.7 Chevy take?
Short answer: Most 5.7-liter GM V8 engines use 5W-30 motor oil in a full-synthetic or synthetic-blend formulation, and many newer models require Dexos1 Gen 2-certified oil. Always verify your exact vehicle’s requirements in the owner’s manual or on the under-hood label.
The 5.7-liter Chevrolet engine family has powered a wide range of trucks, SUVs and performance cars over the past two decades. Oil specifications have evolved with GM’s Dexos standard, so the precise oil you should use can vary by model year, climate and engine variant. This article lays out the typical expectations and explains how to confirm the right grade for your specific vehicle.
Oil specifications you should know
Here are the essential specifications you may encounter when selecting oil for a 5.7 Chevy.
Dexos certification
Dexos is GM’s engine oil specification designed to protect emissions equipment and ensure compatibility with GM engines. Many 5.7L engines built since the early 2010s require a Dexos-certified oil. If your vehicle specifies Dexos on the owner’s manual or under-hood label, use Dexos1 Gen 2 (or the Gen version your vehicle requires).
- Dexos1 Gen 2 certification is commonly required for many 5.7L GM engines from the 2011–2020 era and newer.
- If the manual does not require Dexos, API-certified oils (such as API SP) may be acceptable for older engines; Dexos oils are preferred when specified.
Conclusion: Use Dexos-certified oil if your vehicle requires it to maintain warranty and emissions compliance.
Viscosity options
Viscosity indicates how thick the oil is at operating temperature and can vary by climate and engine variant.
- Common baseline: 5W-30 for many 5.7L GM engines in normal driving conditions.
- Cold climates: 0W-30 may be recommended to improve cold-start lubrication.
- Hot or severe service: Some applications may call for 5W-40 or other viscosities as specified by GM for high-temperature operation or performance variants.
Conclusion: Always follow the viscosity listed in the owner’s manual or on the under-hood label for your exact vehicle.
API and oil types
Oil types must meet the API service category and, if required, the Dexos specification.
- Most current GM engines require API SP (or its successor) and may also require Dexos certification.
- Synthetic or synthetic-blend oils are commonly recommended for the 5.7L engines, with full synthetic often preferred for longer drains or extreme conditions.
Conclusion: Use an oil that satisfies both the API specification and Dexos requirement when indicated by your vehicle.
How to determine the exact oil for your 5.7 Chevy
The following steps help you verify the exact oil specification for your particular vehicle.
- Consult the owner's manual for the exact viscosity, Dexos specification, and service interval recommended by the manufacturer.
- Check the under-hood oil cap and the engine dash label for Dexos or viscosity notes.
- Inspect the vehicle’s maintenance sticker or the Warranty & Maintenance booklet for the required oil specification.
- Use GM’s official VIN-based service portal or contact a GM dealer to confirm the exact oil requirement for your VIN.
- Choose an oil that meets the indicated API SP (or later) and carries the Dexos certification if your manual requires Dexos.
- If you’re unsure, select a 5W-30 Dexos1 Gen 2-certified oil from a reputable brand and follow the recommended drain interval.
Following the correct oil specification helps protect emissions systems, engine longevity and warranty compliance.
Summary
In general, a 5.7 Chevy is typically equipped to run 5W-30 synthetic or synthetic-blend oil, with Dexos1 Gen 2 certification required on many newer models. Always confirm the exact requirements for your year, model and VIN in the owner’s manual or via a dealership, and choose a reputable brand that meets both Dexos and API specifications. If you cannot locate Dexos or viscosity information, consult a qualified technician before purchasing oil.
