1987 Chevrolet El Camino Oil Type & Capacity
The 1987 Chevrolet El Camino oil type depends on the engine: the Classic, 4.3 Z, 200-4R/MW9 takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the Classic, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the Classic, 5.0 H takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the SS, 4.3 Z, 200-4R/MW9 takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the SS, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 takes 5W-30 (4.0 quarts qt with filter); the SS, 5.0 H takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Classic, 4.3 Z, 200-4R/MW9: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- Classic, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- Classic, 5.0 H: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- SS, 4.3 Z, 200-4R/MW9: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- SS, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9: 5W-30, 4.0 quarts with filter
- SS, 5.0 H: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic, 4.3 Z, 200-4R/MW9 — 4.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to over 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Classic, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 — 4.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to over 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| Classic, 5.0 H — 5.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to over 100Deg.F) | — | 4.00 QTS. | — |
| SS, 4.3 Z, 200-4R/MW9 — 4.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to over 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| SS, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 — 4.3L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to over 100Deg.F) | 4.00 QTS. | — | — |
| SS, 5.0 H — 5.0L Eng | SAE 5W-30 (Preferred) (Below -20Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 10W-30 (0Deg.F to over 100Deg.F), 30 (40Deg.F to over 100Deg.F) | — | 4.00 QTS. | — |
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More factory specs & repair guides for your El Camino
🛞 1987 Chevrolet El Camino Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1987 Chevrolet El Camino Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1987 Chevrolet El Camino Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1987 Chevrolet El Camino Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
13.2 quarts (12.49 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water. GM Specification 1825-M.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1987 Chevrolet El Camino take?
It depends on the engine: Classic, 4.3 Z, 200-4R/MW9 uses 5W-30; Classic, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 uses 5W-30; Classic, 5.0 H uses 5W-30; SS, 4.3 Z, 200-4R/MW9 uses 5W-30; SS, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 uses 5W-30; SS, 5.0 H uses 5W-30.
What is the oil capacity of a 1987 Chevrolet El Camino?
Oil capacity depends on the engine: Classic, 4.3 Z, 200-4R/MW9 holds 4.0 quarts with filter; Classic, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 holds 4.0 quarts with filter; Classic, 5.0 H holds 5.0 quarts with filter; SS, 4.3 Z, 200-4R/MW9 holds 4.0 quarts with filter; SS, 4.3 Z, 200C/MV9 holds 4.0 quarts with filter; SS, 5.0 H holds 5.0 quarts with filter.
How often should I change the oil in my 1987 Chevrolet El Camino?
Most 1987 Chevrolet El Camino owners follow a 5,000–7,500 mile interval with conventional oil, or up to 10,000 miles with full synthetic. Always check the oil life monitor if equipped, and consult your owner's manual — Chevrolet recommends intervals based on driving conditions, not just mileage.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1987 Chevrolet El Camino?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1987 Chevrolet El Camino. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.