{"id":582,"date":"2026-06-22T22:25:20","date_gmt":"2026-06-23T02:25:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.worldsbestdieseloil.com\/oil-guide\/1981-chevrolet-impala-5-7l-8-cyl-diesel-maintenance-guide\/"},"modified":"2026-06-22T22:25:20","modified_gmt":"2026-06-23T02:25:20","slug":"1981-chevrolet-impala-5-7l-8-cyl-diesel-maintenance-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.worldsbestdieseloil.com\/oil-guide\/1981-chevrolet-impala-5-7l-8-cyl-diesel-maintenance-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"1981 Chevrolet Impala 5.7L Diesel Maintenance Guide: Oil & Fluid Specs"},"content":{"rendered":"
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AMSOIL diesel oil guide for trucks, vans, SUVs and diesel engines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For the 1981 Chevrolet Impala with the 5.7L 8-cylinder Diesel engine (Code N), the oil capacity is 7 quarts<\/strong> (including filter replacement). Recommended viscosities include 10W-30<\/strong> for temperatures below 16\u00b0C, 15W-40<\/strong> for -18 to 16\u00b0C, and SAE 30<\/strong> is preferred for temperatures above 0\u00b0C. AMSOIL recommends using Signature Series Max-Duty Diesel Oil<\/strong> or Heavy-Duty Synthetic Diesel Oil<\/strong> paired with an AMSOIL Oil Filter<\/strong> for optimal protection.<\/p>\n

What oil does a 1981 Chevrolet Impala 5.7L Diesel take?<\/h2>\n

The engine requires an oil with a CF grade specification. Depending on your operating environment, you should select the appropriate viscosity: 10W-30 for temperatures below 16\u00b0C, 15W-40 for temperatures between -18 to 16\u00b0C, or SAE 30 for temperatures above 0\u00b0C (where SAE 30 is preferred).<\/p>\n

AMSOIL product recommendations<\/h2>\n

To ensure your vintage diesel engine receives high-quality lubrication, AMSOIL provides several specialized options. Below are the recommended products for this specific application based on available data.<\/p>\n

Engine Oil Recommendations<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
Product Name<\/th>\nViscosity<\/th>\nPart Code<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL Signature Series 10W-30 100% Synthetic Max-Duty Diesel Oil<\/td>\n10W-30<\/a><\/td>\nDTTQT-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL 10W-30 Heavy-Duty 100% Synthetic Diesel Oil<\/td>\n10W-30<\/a><\/td>\nADNQT-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 100% Synthetic Max-Duty Diesel Oil<\/td>\n5W-30<\/a><\/td>\nDHDQT-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Oil Filter Recommendation<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n
Product Name<\/th>\nPart Code<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL Oil Filter<\/td>\nEAO64-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Coolant & Antifreeze Recommendations<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
Product Name<\/th>\nPart Code<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL Passenger Car & Light Truck Antifreeze & Coolant<\/td>\nANTPC1G-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL Propylene Glycol Antifreeze and Engine Coolant<\/td>\nANT1G-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Automatic Transmission Fluid Recommendations<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
Product Name<\/th>\nPart Code<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL Signature Series Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF<\/td>\nATLPK-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
AMSOIL OE Fuel-Efficient 100% Synthetic ATF<\/td>\nOTLQT-EA<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Engine Oil Specifications<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n
Specification<\/th>\nDetails<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Oil Grade<\/td>\nCF<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Engine Oil Capacity & Torque<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
Component<\/th>\nCapacity \/ Torque<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Total Oil Capacity (with filter)<\/td>\n7 quarts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oil Drain Plug Torque<\/td>\n30 ft\/lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Note: Always check the oil level after refilling.<\/em><\/p>\n

Automatic Transmission Fluid Specifications<\/h2>\n

The transmission requirements vary by model. For all listed units, the manufacturer’s technical service bulletin has updated the specification from Dexron II or III to Dexron VI<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Transmission Capacities<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Transmission Model<\/th>\nTotal Fill Capacity<\/th>\nInitial Fill<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
THM200-4R (4 speed)<\/td>\n11 quarts<\/td>\n5 quarts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
THM350C (3 speed)<\/td>\n10 quarts<\/td>\n3 quarts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
THM200C (3 speed)<\/td>\n9.4 quarts<\/td>\n3.5 quarts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
THM250C (3 speed)<\/td>\n10.8 quarts<\/td>\n4 quarts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Coolant Specifications<\/h2>\n

The cooling system has a total capacity of 16.4 quarts<\/strong>. AMSOIL offers both pre-mixed and concentrated options to maintain temperature regulation and protect engine metals.<\/p>\n

Coolant Options<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
Product<\/th>\nType<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
ANTPC1G-EA<\/a><\/td>\nEthylene glycol 50\/50 pre-mix formulation<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ANT1G-EA<\/a><\/td>\nConcentrated (requires mixing with distilled or high-quality water)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Diesel maintenance notes for this vehicle<\/h2>\n