GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

My 05 Vibe owners manual specifically states that I should only use oil that meets GM6094M standard and has the API starburst symbol on the container. What is the GM6094M standard and what if the oil is API certified but makes no mention of the GM standard? Will I screw up my engine or is this some kind of scheme to get you to buy Goodwrench oil and/or go to the dealer for oil changes?Thanks,Dan

a quick google for that spec number turned up http://www.roadandtrack.com/ar...ber=1, where they sayQuote »Goat OilI purchased a 2004 Pontiac GTO in January 2004. In my owner's manual it says to use only oil identified as meeting GM standard GM6094M and having the starburst symbol on the front of the oil container.There's nothing in the auto parts stores marked like this. I talked to the dealership and even called GM; they didn't know anything about these numbers.I know the car has a Corvette engine, but I was trying to avoid using Mobil 1 because it's so expensive.John AdamsGranbury, TexasThe General Motors oil specification you cite — GM6094M — denotes specific loads and temperatures to be met in the test lab. Our research did not uncover the specific goals of GM6094M, but quickly showed that many synthetic and mineral based oils meet the requirements, so there is nothing too exotic about your engine's oil requirements. Both Havoline (mineral) and Redline (synthetic) 5W-30 oils meet this specification, for example, so you ought to be able to find a number of oils that will work.As for the starburst, that is simply the certification mark of the American Petroleum Institute. It will be found on any quality motor oil.also, http://www.castrol.com indicates that their oils meet GM6094MI imagine most major brand oils are going to meet the spec requirements.

Here is a list of oils (from the GM TechLink website) that meet the GM6094M standard:

Attached files synthgd.pdf (72.5 KB) 

OT:That guy paid over $30k for a GTO and won't put out a few extra bucks per oil change for a better performing oil?That's really sad.

Interesting. Didn't see any Valvoline SynPower. But I got an email from Valvoline saying that they meet that spec!

Quote, originally posted by 04BlkVibe »Interesting. Didn't see any Valvoline SynPower. But I got an email from Valvoline saying that they meet that spec!IIRC, that's a relatively new product to the market. Comparatively, anyway.Perhaps SynPower was released after that document's last revision? EDIT: Never mind, just saw it was revised on 5/9/05. Screws that theory.

A little surprised I don't see Valvoline on the list. Very insightful. Thanks.

I switched to Mobil 1 0w30 as soon as I gto it home from the dealer and have been running it ever since .I live in extreme weather ,it can hit temps in the -40 to -75 with the windchill and I have the car starting without a problem,once I got the battery changed but thats a whole another story.