Nacho_ZR1

I've always heard 2 varying opinions:
I was on eBay looking around today and came across this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CORVE...Q5fAccessories

Just wanted to know what ya'll thought....

8388

Magnet oil drain plug is the way to go.

FU

All my cars have magnets on the oil filters and drain plug(s). Maybe too cautious.
The drain plug magnets saved my butt one time in a Mustang.

Paul Workman

I wouldn't worry too much about ferrous material becoming magnetized and thus sticking to an aluminum block/heads, etc. With a quality filter installed, that should catch anything but "smoke" size particles. I've always thought a drain plug magnet was a good thing - if nothing else it can be readily inspected and can be a first alert if there is a problem.

Either way, I don't see how they are going to hurt anything UNLESS you have a glob of filings collect on the oil filter magnet - that breaks away during a sudden WOT spurt and becomes a slug of metal filings delivered to the bearings...

I'd say use the Bosch filter and put a magnet on the drain plug if it makes you feel warm and fuzzy.

P.

Aurora40

Does anyone make a magnetic drain plug for the LT5? All my other vehicles have one (I think?) and it is nice to have. Mainly it's nice to see there is nothing horrible stuck to it.

ScottC95ZR1

MAGDANA does - it was introduced here: http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-z...roduction.html

Link to product: http://www.magdana.com/15201/index.html

Flyin Ryan advised in a thread on the registry forum that he's found the copper gasket provided with their plug to leak.

http://www.zr1.net/forum/showthread.php?t=5839

Jerry carries gaskets that I'll use with MAGDANA's plug.

Goldcylon

Scott just picked up one of these. Which of Jerrys gaskets did you use?

Nacho_ZR1

So I am seeing lots of replies for magnetic drain plugs. What about the oil filter magnet coupled with a magnetic drain plug?

ScottC95ZR1

Sorry Daryll, I haven't made it that far yet - My DIMPLE is still cherry. Think Jerry posted he carried 3 different gaskets but I haven't checked them out yet.

Nacho_ZR1

Cherry Dimples? Let me take a few!!!

8388

Your filter is upside down, which is exposed to at least 80 psi of pressure. The drain plug is not exposed to pressure, which allows any particles that settles to it to remain there.

Aardwolf

I voted no partly because of the cost, I've seen those oil filter magnets costing $30, which is silly. The other part of why I voted no is because quite a bit of oil can be bypassed around the oil filter. The magnet is of no benefit then because that oil isn't going through the filter. I like the drain plug magnets but have always felt more could be done. I haven't done this but I've been thinking of it, making something like what's in transmission pans. They are flat magnets that stick on inside the pan.

It's fine to use one though, the metal magnetized and captured is less filling up the oil filter media. On this engine combo I just put together I don't have a drain plug with a magnet that fits. I cut my oil filters open to see what's in them, since this is a fresh rebuild. I've been thinking of putting a filter magnet on and seeing just what is stuck on there when the filter is cut open.

8388

Your best bet when running an engine for the first time is to remove the bypass during the initial start up and tune. (of course make sure to re-install it after) This way you insure that all the oil will be filtered. The idea of a magnet inside the pan would work if you are planning on removing the pan with every oil change, otherwise, it's best not to do so.

The best plan even if you run synthetic is to change the oil sooner rather than later. Some people think that because they're running synthetic it's ok to change the oil every 5000-7000 or even 10,000 miles. While the oil may not break down, the particles inside the oil (even the smallest particles of carbon) adds to the friction.

Paul Workman

P.

Tyler Townsley

Its an aluminum engine, bearing surfaces are not magnatic. It there something metalc in the pan its too late for a magnet to be of any help.

Tyler

VetteMed

The copper gasket from Magdana does in fact leak, mine's been proving that point for a few months now.

8388

Most autoparts stores have the rubber ringed style, similar to what G.M uses now, which I've had very good luck with.

TommyL

They are hard to find around here but if I do come across some I will buy a half dozen.

VetteMed

Jerry's Gaskets sells a nice drain plug gasket... I have one for my next oil change.

Goldcylon

My Dimple just came in. So... Which gasket did you buy from Jerry?