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 qt with filter); the Base, 2D Convertible, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 takes 10W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 2D Convertible, Standard takes 10W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 2D Coupe, Automatic, 4L60/MD8 takes 10W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 2D Coupe, Automatic, 700R4/MD8 takes 10W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the Base, 2D Coupe, Standard takes 10W-30 (5.0 quarts qt with filter); the ZR-1 takes 10W-30 (8.6 quarts qt 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. |
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More factory specs & repair guides for your Corvette
🛞 1990 Chevrolet Corvette Tire Size & Pressure →🌧️ 1990 Chevrolet Corvette Wiper Blade Sizes →💡 1990 Chevrolet Corvette Light Bulb Sizes →📖 1990 Chevrolet Corvette Factory Service Manual →All fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner network 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.
What is the oil capacity of a 1990 Chevrolet Corvette?
Oil 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.
How often should I change the oil in my 1990 Chevrolet Corvette?
Most 1990 Chevrolet Corvette 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 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.