2004 Workhorse P32 Vortec 7.4 (454) OIL RECOMMENDATIONS

You should also consider the climate you are going to be in.

great tips all... thank you.

And I made big mistake on engine size.. you are correct, it is the 496.. 8.1. Sorry about that.

thanks again!

Nothing less than a FULL synthetic oil, be it Mobil 1 or Amsoil, or whatever you prefer and can easily obtain locally. If the oil drain is not on the bottom of the pan, but rather on the side, you might consider a Fumoto drain, as it makes the oil change process very easy. You just dont want to install it if it will be hanging down where something on the road can shear it off.

Also use a full synthetic transmission fluid meeting the specs for the transmission. I prefer Amsoil, (In my Sprinter, I use a fluid approved by Mercedes however) It would be worth considering installing a deep aluminum pan on the transmission. You get a drain plug, a place for a temp probe for a trans temp gauge, and extra capacity to help keep it cool, plus an aluminum pan seems to dissipate heat better than a stamped steel one.

Charles

rgatijnet1 wrote:
Are you positive about that engine? I thought that in 2004 all of the P32's had the 8.1L 496 engine.
I would use the 2 quart oil filter instead of the standard 1/2 quart oil filter. Besides the extra oil capacity which aids in cooling, it gives you four times the filter capacity. Any good 5W-30 oil will work altho some think the synthetic oil will extend the engine life.

X-2, Ronnie my 2004 Workhorse has a 8.1 Vortex, 496 CI, and I use synthetic oil 5W-30.

Are you positive about that engine? I thought that in 2004 all of the P32's had the 8.1L 496 engine.
I would use the 2 quart oil filter instead of the standard 1/2 quart oil filter. Besides the extra oil capacity which aids in cooling, it gives you four times the filter capacity. Any good 5W-30 oil will work altho some think the synthetic oil will extend the engine life.