1990 Chevrolet Corvette Oil Type & Capacity
The 1990 Chevrolet Corvette oil type depends on the engine: the Base, 2D Convertible, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 takes 10W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Base, 2D Convertible, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 takes 10W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Base, 2D Convertible, Standard takes 10W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Base, 2D Coupe, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 takes 10W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Base, 2D Coupe, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 takes 10W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the Base, 2D Coupe, Standard takes 10W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the ZR-1 takes 10W-30 (8.6 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- Base, 2D Convertible, Automatic, 4L60/MD8: 10W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Base, 2D Convertible, Automatic, 700R4/MD8: 10W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Base, 2D Convertible, Standard: 10W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Base, 2D Coupe, Automatic, 4L60/MD8: 10W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Base, 2D Coupe, Automatic, 700R4/MD8: 10W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- Base, 2D Coupe, Standard: 10W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- ZR-1: 10W-30, 8.6 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base, 2D Convertible, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 — Base | SAE 10W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| Base, 2D Convertible, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 — Base | SAE 10W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| Base, 2D Convertible, Standard — Base | SAE 10W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| Base, 2D Coupe, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 — Base | SAE 10W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| Base, 2D Coupe, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 — Base | SAE 10W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| Base, 2D Coupe, Standard — Base | SAE 10W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 5.00 QTS. | 4.00 QTS. | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
| ZR-1 — ZR-1 | SAE 10W-30 (Below -20Deg.F to Above 100Deg.F) | 8.60 QTS. | 7.60 QTS. | Use oil that has been certified by the American Petroleum Institute. |
Buy the right oil
Buy 10W-30 motor oil on Amazon1990 Chevrolet Corvette oil filter on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases made through these links.
More specs & repair guides for your Corvette
1990 Chevrolet Corvette factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
16.7 quarts (15.8 L) — 50/50 mixture of Ethylene Glycol Base Antifreeze and water. GM Specification 1825-M.
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 1990 Chevrolet Corvette take?
It depends on the engine: Base, 2D Convertible, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 uses 10W-30; Base, 2D Convertible, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 uses 10W-30; Base, 2D Convertible, Standard uses 10W-30; Base, 2D Coupe, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 uses 10W-30; Base, 2D Coupe, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 uses 10W-30; Base, 2D Coupe, Standard uses 10W-30; ZR-1 uses 10W-30.
How much oil does a 1990 Chevrolet Corvette take?
Capacity depends on the engine: Base, 2D Convertible, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Base, 2D Convertible, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Base, 2D Convertible, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Base, 2D Coupe, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Base, 2D Coupe, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; Base, 2D Coupe, Standard holds 5.0 quarts with filter; ZR-1 holds 8.6 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 1990 Chevrolet Corvette?
Yes. 10W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 1990 Chevrolet Corvette. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.