It's time for my springtime oil change on my 02 Coupe (MN6 with 28,000 miles), and I don't trust the dealer anymore, or the kids at the Jiffy Lube. I've changed the oil in many vehicles, but have had the dealer do my Vette in the past. I realize this has probably been asked a million times before, but I'm looking for any specifc dos or do nots y'all can give me. I seem to remember a specific post of "helpful hints" that seemed very informational. I searched the forum under "oil change instructions", etc, but can't seem to find the post I'm looking for, so I apologize in advance for being redundant.

I have a friend who fabricated a set of ramps specifically for his Z06 over the winter, so getting the front end in the air won't be an issue (this will be his first time doing his own Vette too). But, do I need to raise the rear to level it out, or will it drain fine with the front end in the air? Socket sizes for drain plug and filter? I usually just hand tighten oil filters, but do I need to make sure on the Vette that it's torqued to spec? How about the drain plug? I believe I've seen some people say their Vette always takes exactly 6.5 quarts, others have said 7. Without starting a huge debate, which one is correct?

Anything else which C5s are notorius for so I can be on the lookout?

Thanks for your help.

 

Hey partner, if you are going to start doing your own maintenance, why not by a service manual? It's been a lifesaver for me over and over.

 

 

You'll understand once you raise the car and look at the oil pan but the rear also needs to be raised, the car should actually have the rear raised a little higher than the front to drain all of the oil.

 

I just got my 97 and I built some ramps for my ramps so I could raise the vette. I only got 5 quarts of oil out of it this way, and it held 5.5 (with filter) so I can see that I did leave one quart of oil in there, but I change it every 3000 anyway, so I'll probably raise the backend next time. Are there any suggestions for places to jack the rear? Or do I have to have a lip?

BTW, I hand tighten all my filters. I did it once with a wrench on an old nissan and I like to never got the filter off.

I say hand tighten ( about as tight as you can get it with one hand -- unless you are a gorilla, then go easy) Just check for leaks when you start the car after change.

I saw some threads about some specific way to check the oil level because the oil gets inside the dipstick tube and makes it difficult to check.

 

How much does the service manual cost? Where's the best place to order one?

I'm sure it's a handy thing to have, but at least for the time being, I don't plan to get much more in-depth than changing the oil. I wouldn't think a guy would need to shell out the cash for an entire service manual for that. That's what forums are for!

I'll probably look to find a better shop the dealers in my area to help me with my Corvette needs.

Thanks for the replies. By the way, my driveway has a bit of an angle, have any of you tried pulling down onto ramps to keep the car level (or even a bit tail up)? Is this a viable option for getting all of the oil out?

 

I got a set of service manuals from C5 Parts section for $60.00.

 

Get a 2 ton floor jack and jack up the rear cross member to level it out.

but dont do it if your driveway is not level. find another spot to change oil

 

The oil pan capacity is 6 quarts, so with the filter you're going to need about 6.5 quarts. It's a good idea to use the dipstick to be precise. Just give the new oil plenty of time to reach the pan so you get an accurate reading.

 

The LS1 actually take a tad over 6.5 quarts. Its really better to get the rear of the car just slightly higher or the same height as the front for complete draining.

 

I do my own, without ramps.

Yea I have a set of rhino ramps but all you need to do is
1. Find a level area.
2. jack up the front left side enough to get to the plug and filter.
3. place a low oill drain pan underneath.
4. loosen the plug ( left loose ) take out plug.
5. lower vehicle until oil drains.
6. Jack back up and remove filter. (left loose)
7. Replace filter and draip plug ( right tight )
8. refill with oil.

Done deal.

 

When in doubt, read and believe your Owner's Manual. You will find that answer and many more right at your fingertips and it won't leave you wondering whom to believe. The Forum is an excellent source for information not covered in the Owner's Manual.