GM 8.1 496 gas engine "normal" oil loss/use?

Fairly normal. I use about a quart every 3000 miles, has since it was new. Now at 144,000, doesn't use any more, or any less either....

I would stay away from additives, your oil usage doesn't indicate a loss of compression or other problem.

There is an oil level sensor in the pan, if it 2 qts low the message center will say "Low Oil Level"...just add a quart of your favorite 5w 30 and you are back in business. I usually carry an extra quart on long trips so I have the same brand that I put in at the last change. So don't worry about it getting too low without you knowing about it.

Some folks complained about oil consumption along with the infamous "piston slap" in the early days of the 8.1 The design of the pistons is hypereuritic(sp?) or some such, meaning they expand as they heat up and therefore have extra clearance when cold. I find that I use more oil with short trips start/stop around town than on long drives, even when towing.

The GM yardstick for "excessive" oil consumption was more than a quart for every 100 gallons of gas, which at 10 mpg is like 1000 miles. One of the reasons I never went to synthetic was I would just change the oil every 3000 miles, so I never had to add any.

I just went to Mobil 1 on my last oil change and am going to go 7000 miles and see what's what. We took a short camping trip (90 mins each way) the weekend before last, and I'm a 1/2 quart down already. Depending on how much Mobil 1 I have to add before the next change, I may go back to dino oil...

Based on my experience we the 8.1 I would say your usage is normal. Great engine, loves fuel and a little oil now and then.

RT

Try a product called Restore available at autoparts stores. I've used it on several high mileage vehicles to reduce the oil use and improve performance.

Way back when, I had a 1977 Honda Civic that had bad rings and was burNing a quart of oil with every tank of gas. The compression was so bad it would not hold in first gear on a hill with the engine off. I added restore and after 500 miles the engine used a quart of oil every 1000 miles and compression was good enough to hold on the same hill.

Mine uses about a liter every 3000 - 3500 miles. It now has about 110,000 miles & oil consumption has been the same since it was new. Seems to use the same whether towing or unloaded.

Not owning that engine, but my 454 used one quart of oil every 1000 or so miles. This was considered normal to GM. Later on I switched to a straight weight oil, and it made a world of difference in me adding oil between changes. I then could go over 3000 miles before adding anything.