Otherwise I would definitely lift the car. 
C5 Oil Change
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Houston TX
C5 Oil Change
Quick question - I just finished changing the oil on my LS2 C6 and my dad asked me if would change the oil in his C5 for him when I visit for Thanksgiving.
I'm trying to get a quick idea on the differences between changing oil on the C5 and C6. Do I need to lift the car to access the oil filter and drain plug, or can I reach it simply by reaching underneath the car? On the C6, you can access both without lifting by turning the wheels to the left, and then reaching underneath the driver's side of the car -- will this work on a C5?
Also, what is the oil capacity for an LS1 -- 6qt?
thanks,
Mark
I'm trying to get a quick idea on the differences between changing oil on the C5 and C6. Do I need to lift the car to access the oil filter and drain plug, or can I reach it simply by reaching underneath the car? On the C6, you can access both without lifting by turning the wheels to the left, and then reaching underneath the driver's side of the car -- will this work on a C5?
Also, what is the oil capacity for an LS1 -- 6qt?
thanks,
Mark
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I always lift my C5 to change the oil since the filter is recessed in an area next to the oil pan. The C5 takes 6.5 quarts of oil to fill according to the manual, but other owners report needing 7 quarts to fill. Mine is full with the 6.5 quarts.
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Yes, you need to lift all four off the ground. The plug faces the front so you don't want to lift just the front. Make sure it is at least level to drain as much as possible. The oil filter is probably the easiest I've ever changed on any car.
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From: Louisville KY
Lift the front and put the jack stands under it. Then lift the back with the jack and make sure it is higher than the front (so the oil will all run out). You could put wood under the rear wheels after they are up in the air so it would be safer.
My 03 takes 6.5 quarts as others have stated.
My 03 takes 6.5 quarts as others have stated.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Alexandria Northern Virginia
2 things:
Thing 1:
Our club uses the local Chevy dealership about once a quarter for shop nights. The guru Vette tech tops them all of at 7 quarts and suggested we do the same. Thats been the case for mine now for a year and its been just fine every time I have checked it. I would imagine anywhere in between is fine. I would be very suprized if the extra half quart rose the level enough to be of any concern.
Thing 2:
I used to sell GM parts and was trained by GM Parts many many moons ago. I do know that GM has two separate part numbers on the boxes for filters ie. retail stores had different boxes and labels than GM parts. I have no way to prove this, but....I always imagined (and was told by other GM parts guys) the retail filters were not made to the specs of the GM distributed ones. In other words, bite the bullet and spend the extra buck to get your filter at a dealer. Again, I am sure others on the boards will disagree but this is my prized vehicle and well worth the added protection. GM filter media is an excellent material for a very good price. Good protection for the value.
I also installed a magnetic drainplug I got from the dealer. My 04 did not come with one....just my .25 unsolicited cents.
Cassidy
Thing 1:
Our club uses the local Chevy dealership about once a quarter for shop nights. The guru Vette tech tops them all of at 7 quarts and suggested we do the same. Thats been the case for mine now for a year and its been just fine every time I have checked it. I would imagine anywhere in between is fine. I would be very suprized if the extra half quart rose the level enough to be of any concern.
Thing 2:
I used to sell GM parts and was trained by GM Parts many many moons ago. I do know that GM has two separate part numbers on the boxes for filters ie. retail stores had different boxes and labels than GM parts. I have no way to prove this, but....I always imagined (and was told by other GM parts guys) the retail filters were not made to the specs of the GM distributed ones. In other words, bite the bullet and spend the extra buck to get your filter at a dealer. Again, I am sure others on the boards will disagree but this is my prized vehicle and well worth the added protection. GM filter media is an excellent material for a very good price. Good protection for the value.
I also installed a magnetic drainplug I got from the dealer. My 04 did not come with one....just my .25 unsolicited cents.
Cassidy
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I drive the front on Rhino Ramps, crawl under and unscrew the drainplug, let it start draining.... chock the front wheels (on the ramps). When the oil slows... I jack up the back with a floor jack slightly higher than the front. I don't bother with jackstands because I don't go under the car while it's up on the jack. When the oil stops, I lower the rear, crawl under and change the filter, put the new plug in and refill. A little more involved than the typical fill due to the front facing draing plug but not a big deal once you get your routine down.
Melting Slicks
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From: The 7th layer of hell - Western Washington
I make sure mine is good and hot when I change the oil, and that the front is lower than the rear. I pull both the filter and plug then let it drain until it doesn't even drip any more - takes a full 7 quarts to fill back up in this fashion. Use the time that it's draining to check tire pressure, all other fluids, and shake down front and rears looking for worn suspension or steering components.
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From: Guelph, Ontario
I personally think everyone is worried too much about having the rear of the car higher than the back. Especially if you're changing your oil too often (in my opinion) anyhow. I usually go about 8 or 9k between changes, I never raise the back when I drain it, and my oil analysis results look fine, with very low engine wear.
I just drive up on the rhino ramps, let the oil drain for about 20-30min, then dump in 7L of oil (almost 7.5 quarts) Yes, this is more than the listed capacity, but GM says it's safe for racing, and I've proven it's safe for street driving too (been doing it this way since I got the car in August 04, with no oil consumption at all either)
I just drive up on the rhino ramps, let the oil drain for about 20-30min, then dump in 7L of oil (almost 7.5 quarts) Yes, this is more than the listed capacity, but GM says it's safe for racing, and I've proven it's safe for street driving too (been doing it this way since I got the car in August 04, with no oil consumption at all either)
