[Z06] Doing first Oil Change HELP!
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,182
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
Doing first Oil Change HELP!
Hey guys its my first oil change on my 03ZO6 the car as of right now has 22,000 miles on it. I bought it used at 19,900 miles. I do go to the track from time to time and I do race the car. I was wondering what is the best way to go? Which oil filter (part number appriciated) and also which oil to use and what weight?
Thnks For all the Help.
Kamil
Thnks For all the Help.
Kamil
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,824
Likes: 1
From: Middleboro Massachusetts
Originally Posted by Kamil
Hey guys its my first oil change on my 03ZO6 the car as of right now has 22,000 miles on it. I bought it used at 19,900 miles. I do go to the track from time to time and I do race the car. I was wondering what is the best way to go? Which oil filter (part number appriciated) and also which oil to use and what weight?
Thnks For all the Help.
Kamil
Thnks For all the Help.
Kamil
Mobile 1 5w-30 is recommended for your car. 10w-30 can be used as long as temperatures above 0 degrees are present. In Chicago IL., I recommend 5w-30 as I use here in Massachusetts. Here is a good link to any other questions you may have.
http://www.c5forum.com/diy/oilchange.php
Last edited by zo6vetteman2003; Sep 8, 2006 at 08:14 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 1
From: prescott AZ
DOn't forget to fill the new oil filter before you install it ( dry starts take their toll on an engine). I use Mobil 1 M1-207 filters an 3 1/2 qts of 10-30 and 3 qts of 5-30 Mobil 1 because I do not totally trust a 5-30 in a hi-pro engine. In the summer it is all 10-30. Also, give it at least 30 minutes for all the drips and oil to drain.
I like the Mobil 1 filters because you can use a oil filter wrench because of its hex shape on the bottom. The band wrenchs are difficult to get in there with and if the filter is on tight or takes a set it can be VERY difficult to get the filter off with a band wrench.
I believe the Mobil filters filter better than the K&N which may flow better but not filter as well. I did not like the K&N air filters for the same reason- when you hold it up to the light you can see through it and that is the same place dirt goes through. I know there are many people who disagree with me on this but someone has the be wrong.
I like the Mobil 1 filters because you can use a oil filter wrench because of its hex shape on the bottom. The band wrenchs are difficult to get in there with and if the filter is on tight or takes a set it can be VERY difficult to get the filter off with a band wrench.
I believe the Mobil filters filter better than the K&N which may flow better but not filter as well. I did not like the K&N air filters for the same reason- when you hold it up to the light you can see through it and that is the same place dirt goes through. I know there are many people who disagree with me on this but someone has the be wrong.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Aptos, CA.
Wix 51042 and Mobil 1. I also change mine every 3500mi. Wix filters always have the same base so if you need to use a filter wrench, I suggest getting a filter socket to remove it. You don't need one to install. Put a film of clean oil on the gasket and as mentioned, fill the filter first before installing.
Last edited by weendoggy; Sep 9, 2006 at 10:36 AM.
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 474
Likes: 14
I use the stock delco oil filters and 10w30 Mobil1. I dont drive my car in the winter. I figure GM knows best.
Dont forget you need to change oil after every event (and before if you can swing it). Change the filter every other time. Also, GM recommends that you overfill 1 quart for driving events because high G corners can cause loss of oil pickup.
It depends how hard you run, but you will also want to watch your differential fluid as well. The stock fluid will breakdown very easily at track speeds/temps. If you start to hear a grinding noise from your differential, this is a good indicator that your fluid is bad (You can hear the noise easily if you drive at slow parking lot speeds in a figure 8. You generally wont hear it at higher speeds).
I change my diff fluid after two events to be safe (And dont forget the friction modifier bottle from GM!). I use stock fluid, but I hear Amsoil is decent and I may try that in the future to see if it lasts longer.
Dont forget you need to change oil after every event (and before if you can swing it). Change the filter every other time. Also, GM recommends that you overfill 1 quart for driving events because high G corners can cause loss of oil pickup.
It depends how hard you run, but you will also want to watch your differential fluid as well. The stock fluid will breakdown very easily at track speeds/temps. If you start to hear a grinding noise from your differential, this is a good indicator that your fluid is bad (You can hear the noise easily if you drive at slow parking lot speeds in a figure 8. You generally wont hear it at higher speeds).
I change my diff fluid after two events to be safe (And dont forget the friction modifier bottle from GM!). I use stock fluid, but I hear Amsoil is decent and I may try that in the future to see if it lasts longer.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,177
Likes: 0
From: VALENCIA PA
Originally Posted by Kamil
Hey guys its my first oil change on my 03ZO6 the car as of right now has 22,000 miles on it. I bought it used at 19,900 miles. I do go to the track from time to time and I do race the car. I was wondering what is the best way to go? Which oil filter (part number appriciated) and also which oil to use and what weight?
Thnks For all the Help.
Kamil
Thnks For all the Help.
Kamil
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,824
Likes: 1
From: Middleboro Massachusetts
Originally Posted by TRACKMAN2
just wondering what guy that can afford a new z is doing changing his own oil?
I won't even let the dealer touch my car and erase my tune hehe.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,491
Likes: 1
From: prescott AZ
I think we all here are changing our own oil not to save money but to have it done right. Right meaning no cracked oil pans, no stripped drain plugs, no filters falling off down the road, and the feeling it was done right.
The last time my car was worked on and I could not do the work myself the dealer say I could not drive it up on their ramps. I had to watch the " mechanic" learn my clutch by letting it slip so I could smell the clutch lining. He get it up on the ramp just as I got to the car to releave his presence from my car. I was in the car to drive it off the lift and there was a disagreement about that.
The last time my car was worked on and I could not do the work myself the dealer say I could not drive it up on their ramps. I had to watch the " mechanic" learn my clutch by letting it slip so I could smell the clutch lining. He get it up on the ramp just as I got to the car to releave his presence from my car. I was in the car to drive it off the lift and there was a disagreement about that.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 7,179
Likes: 2
From: Charlotte, NC
Originally Posted by Kamil
Hey guys its my first oil change on my 03ZO6 the car as of right now has 22,000 miles on it. I bought it used at 19,900 miles. I do go to the track from time to time and I do race the car. I was wondering what is the best way to go? Which oil filter (part number appriciated) and also which oil to use and what weight?
Thnks For all the Help.
Kamil
Thnks For all the Help.
Kamil
If you don't feel like changing it yourself, I offer oil changes on C5's for $55 This included Mobil 1 (either 5w30 or 10w30) and AC Delco Filter.
I even have evening and weekend hours availble..
Just give me a call 630-991-0622
Rick Anthony Motorsports
www.LS9Vette.com
-=Rick
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,182
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
Ok guys the first Oil Change is done and I will definetly come see you Vette Tech for my next one. I made my own ramps read soem info on the forums got the right angle and everything else. But of course I forgot one thing; I forgot to fill the Oil Filter. Is that really bad???? I had a problem getting the drain oplug out thats a pain when you have not much room under the car. You guys have any suggestions on how to make this easier??? Anyways i filled it with MOBILE1 5W30 Full Synthetic, and I also used a K&N Filter. Any more suggestions on filters and oils plz feel free to go ahead and give. Anything that might be better for the car will obviously help.
Thnx
KAMIL
Thnx
KAMIL
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 2,461
Likes: 354
From: Madison Alabama
Flame suit on...I never pre-fill the oil filter and have yet to have a car fail on me.
While I'm coming clean I also use Fram filters on my other cars (Mitsu Spyder GT, Toyota Sequoia and '82 Corvette) and have not had any problems with them either. Of course the oil/filter is changed out pretty routine every 3 Months/3K miles.
I went with the K & N filter on the Z because for the first time in my life I'm letting a computer tell me when to change the oil/filter rather than the trusty 3 Months/3K miles.
Glad your home-made ramps worked out for you. I built my own as well and had no problems getting under the car. I did lift the rear with a floor jack to level out the car (actually put her in somewhat of a nose down position) but drained out less than half of a quart more; not so sure that’s necessary now.
While I'm coming clean I also use Fram filters on my other cars (Mitsu Spyder GT, Toyota Sequoia and '82 Corvette) and have not had any problems with them either. Of course the oil/filter is changed out pretty routine every 3 Months/3K miles.
I went with the K & N filter on the Z because for the first time in my life I'm letting a computer tell me when to change the oil/filter rather than the trusty 3 Months/3K miles.
Glad your home-made ramps worked out for you. I built my own as well and had no problems getting under the car. I did lift the rear with a floor jack to level out the car (actually put her in somewhat of a nose down position) but drained out less than half of a quart more; not so sure that’s necessary now.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,911
Likes: 1
From: Augusta GA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Originally Posted by XFIRED
I like the UPF44 AC Delco filters, Just my opinion. RP 5W30 for oil and all seems fine
Changed mine last weekend with RP. Like the oil but do not like the price hike they just did. I have tried K n N and mobil 1 filters and like them both. Try and get mine done every month when I am making passes at the track...miles? not much less then 1kDave
Now if Syncro Mesh would come in, I could do my trany too
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 160
Likes: 0
I never take my car in for an oil change, I will always do it myself.
Most of the time, simple jobs like oil changes are given to the mechanic with the least amount of experience. The chances of stripping the drain plug hole are somewhat slim, but those chances are greatly increased when that praticular job is given to the one guy in the shop that normally sweeps floors and cleans toilets.
I have known many people that have had to take these "fast food" style oil changers as well as dealerships to small claims court for a stripped drain plug hole. The problem is; you will not know they damaged your car until the next oil change and because it is not easy to prove the mechanic stripped the drain hole months later, you might end up footing the bill for their error!
Most of the time, simple jobs like oil changes are given to the mechanic with the least amount of experience. The chances of stripping the drain plug hole are somewhat slim, but those chances are greatly increased when that praticular job is given to the one guy in the shop that normally sweeps floors and cleans toilets.
I have known many people that have had to take these "fast food" style oil changers as well as dealerships to small claims court for a stripped drain plug hole. The problem is; you will not know they damaged your car until the next oil change and because it is not easy to prove the mechanic stripped the drain hole months later, you might end up footing the bill for their error!