2001 GMC Savana Special Oil Type & Capacity
The 2001 GMC Savana Special oil type depends on the engine: the 5.7 R, L31 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 5.7 R, L31/KL6 takes 5W-30 (5.0 quarts with filter); the 6.5 F takes 15W-40 (8.0 quarts with filter); the 8.1 G takes 5W-30 (6.5 quarts with filter), per the factory service manual.
Factory-spec answer
It depends on the engine:
- 5.7 R, L31: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 5.7 R, L31/KL6: 5W-30, 5.0 quarts with filter
- 6.5 F: 15W-40, 8.0 quarts with filter
- 8.1 G: 5W-30, 6.5 quarts with filter
Oil capacity by engine
| Engine | Oil Type (viscosity) | Capacity w/ Filter | Capacity w/o Filter | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7 R, L31 — 5.7L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, use 10W-30 if the outside temperature is higher than 18Deg.C (0Deg.F). Do not use other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W-50. If your vehicle is operated in an area where the temperature falls below -29Deg.C (-20Deg.F), consider using a SAE 0W-40 oil, it will provide easier cold starting and better protection for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 5.7 R, L31/KL6 — 5.7L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 5.00 QTS. | — | SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, use 10W-30 if the outside temperature is higher than 18Deg.C (0Deg.F). Do not use other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W-50. If your vehicle is operated in an area where the temperature falls below -29Deg.C (-20Deg.F), consider using a SAE 0W-40 oil, it will provide easier cold starting and better protection for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
| 6.5 F — 6.5L Eng | API - CH-4/CG-4, SAE 15W-40 | 8.00 QTS. | — | SAE 15W-40 is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 10W-30 if it's going to be colder than (0°C) 32°F before your next oil change. When it's very cold, below (-18°C) 0°F, you should use SAE 10W-30 to improve cold starting. SAE 30 may be used at temperatures above freezing, (0°C) 32°F. These numbers on the oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do not use other viscosity oils such as SAE 10W-40 or SAE 20W-50. |
| 8.1 G — 8.1L Eng | API - SAE 5W-30 | 6.50 QTS. | — | SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, use 10W-30 if the outside temperature is higher than 18Deg.C (0Deg.F). Do not use other viscosity oils, such as SAE 20W-50. If your vehicle is operated in an area where the temperature falls below -29Deg.C (-20Deg.F), consider using a SAE 0W-40 oil, it will provide easier cold starting and better protection for the engine at extremely low temperatures. |
Buy the right oil
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More specs & repair guides for your Savana Special
2001 GMC Savana Special factory service manualAll fluid capacities (transmission, coolant, brakes)Powered by factory manual data from our partner site AllOEMManuals.com.
Coolant capacity
17.0 quarts (16.08 L) — 50/50 mixture of DEX-COOL and clean, drinkable water
Frequently asked questions
What type of oil does a 2001 GMC Savana Special take?
It depends on the engine: 5.7 R, L31 uses 5W-30; 5.7 R, L31/KL6 uses 5W-30; 6.5 F uses 15W-40; 8.1 G uses 5W-30.
How much oil does a 2001 GMC Savana Special take?
Capacity depends on the engine: 5.7 R, L31 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 5.7 R, L31/KL6 holds 5.0 quarts with filter; 6.5 F holds 8.0 quarts with filter; 8.1 G holds 6.5 quarts with filter.
Can I use synthetic oil in my 2001 GMC Savana Special?
Yes. 5W-30 is widely available as a full synthetic, and synthetic is safe (often recommended) for the 2001 GMC Savana Special. What matters most is matching the factory viscosity and specification, then changing the oil and filter on schedule.