{"id":670,"date":"2026-06-28T18:11:30","date_gmt":"2026-06-28T22:11:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.worldsbestdieseloil.com\/oil-guide\/1981-pontiac-grand-prix-5-7l-8-cyl-diesel-maintenance-guide\/"},"modified":"2026-06-28T18:11:30","modified_gmt":"2026-06-28T22:11:30","slug":"1981-pontiac-grand-prix-5-7l-8-cyl-diesel-maintenance-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.worldsbestdieseloil.com\/oil-guide\/1981-pontiac-grand-prix-5-7l-8-cyl-diesel-maintenance-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"1981 Pontiac Grand Prix 5.7L Diesel Maintenance Guide | Oil & Filter Specs"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"AMSOIL
AMSOIL diesel oil guide for trucks, vans, SUVs and diesel engines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For the 1981 Pontiac Grand Prix with the 5.7L 8-cylinder Diesel engine (Engine Code N), the oil capacity is 7 quarts with a filter change. Recommended viscosities include 10W-30 for temperatures below 16\u00b0C, 15W-40 for -18 to 16\u00b0C, and 30 weight oil for continuous driving above 0\u00b0C. AMSOIL recommends using Signature Series 10W-30 Max-Duty Diesel Oil<\/a> paired with an AMSOIL Oil Filter (EAO64-EA)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What oil does a 1981 Pontiac Grand Prix 5.7L Diesel take?<\/h2>\n

This vehicle requires an oil with a CF grade specification. Depending on your operating temperature, you should select the appropriate viscosity: 10W-30 for temperatures below 16\u00b0C, 15W-40 for environments between -18 to 16\u00b0C, or a 30 weight oil for continuous driving when temperatures are above 0\u00b0C.<\/p>\n

AMSOIL product recommendations<\/h2>\n

The following AMSOIL products are specifically listed for the 1981 Pontiac Grand Prix 5.7L Diesel to assist with routine maintenance and engine protection.<\/p>\n

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

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

Coolant & Antifreeze<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
Product Name<\/th>\nCode<\/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<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
Product Name<\/th>\nCode<\/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

Viscosity Guide<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
Temperature Range<\/th>\nRecommended Viscosity<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Below 16\u00b0C<\/td>\n10W-30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
-18 to 16\u00b0C<\/td>\n15W-40<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Above 0\u00b0C (Continuous Driving)<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

How much oil does it take with a filter change?<\/h2>\n

The total capacity for the 5.7L 8-cylinder diesel engine is 7 quarts when performing a service that includes replacing the oil filter. It is important to check the oil level after refilling to ensure accuracy.<\/p>\n

Engine Oil Capacity & Torque<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n
Component<\/th>\nCapacity \/ Torque<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Oil Capacity (with filter)<\/td>\n7 quarts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Oil Drain Plug Torque<\/td>\n20 ft\/lbs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

Automatic Transmission Fluid Specifications<\/h2>\n

The transmission requirements vary by the specific model used in your Grand Prix. Note that manufacturer technical service bulletins have updated the specification from Dexron II or III to Dexron VI for these applications.<\/p>\n

Transmission Capacity & Specs<\/h3>\n
\n\n\n\n\n\n
Transmission Model<\/th>\nTotal Fill<\/th>\nInitial Fill<\/th>\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

Note:<\/strong> The AMSOIL lookup references the AF6 specification for these transmissions.<\/p>\n

Coolant Specifications<\/h2>\n

The cooling system capacity is 16.9 quarts. Maintenance of the cooling system is vital for managing the thermal profiles of early diesel technology.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n
Component<\/th>\nCapacity<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n
Coolant System<\/td>\n16.9 quarts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n

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

Maintenance for the ‘Engine Code N’ diesel requires specific attention to several areas:<\/p>\n