Some interesting oil capacity data
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 20,246
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From: Katy Texas
Some interesting oil capacity data
I recently did the second oil change in my 2001 C5 at 7000 miles. To my surprise, the engine took exactly 6.5 quarts to get the dipstick to read full when cold. This seems contrary to what a lot of other folks have said about needing 7 quarts to get to the full line.
I've been struggling with trying to correctly read the dipstick ever since I had the car, but this time it was clear as day. Makes me realize that the dealer that did my first oil change at ~2500 miles did not put the proper amount of oil in, grr.
I've been struggling with trying to correctly read the dipstick ever since I had the car, but this time it was clear as day. Makes me realize that the dealer that did my first oil change at ~2500 miles did not put the proper amount of oil in, grr.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Irwin PA
Re: Some interesting oil capacity data (chadwick)
Did you have the car level or real close to level while draining? The C5 needs to drain for at least 7 minutes while level or slightly tilted toward the rear. If it is not done properly then all the oil does not come out. Hope that helps, if you did that and your dipstick reads full then you are ok, although I don't think that .5 quart will change your reading much.
:seeya
:seeya
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Irwin PA
Re: Some interesting oil capacity data (chadwick)
It sounds like 6.5 is ok. I have never done mine yet, 1750 miles on it. When I do I will take note and see. I was just trying to make sure you had the oil all out. It sounds like you did. So 6.5 must be ok, everyone else is around that too.
:seeya
:seeya
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,361
Likes: 0
From: Sugar Land, TX USA
Re: Some interesting oil capacity data (chadwick)
If I drain my 01' when level, only see 6.5 qts. No matter how long I let it drain.
If I lift the rear end a few inches higher than the front, it will drain 7 qts everytime.
Go figure :confused:
If I lift the rear end a few inches higher than the front, it will drain 7 qts everytime.
Go figure :confused:
Drifting
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 1,976
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From: Herndon Va
Re: Some interesting oil capacity data (David Lively)
I always prime my oil filters before installation and the official shop manual specs for my 1999 LS1 are 6 1/2 qts including the filter change and coincidentally that is what it takes to get it to the full level on the dipstick. I do think it is important to get the car level and let it sit a while before checking the level.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,221
Likes: 899
From: CA
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '08
Re: Some interesting oil capacity data (chadwick)
Mine takes just shy of 8 Quarts to fill it. That includes the extra for the Supercharger and the oil cooler. :D
JB
JB
Pro
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 640
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From: Upper Marlboro MD
Re: Some interesting oil capacity data (jbsblownc5)
Mine takes just shy of 8 Quarts to fill it. That includes the extra for the Supercharger and the oil cooler. :D
JB
JB
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,221
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From: CA
2017 C5 of the Year Finalist
St. Jude Donor '08
Re: Some interesting oil capacity data (Sir Sel)
I've recently switched to Amsoil 0w30 2000 series. They say this is there best oil. I broke my heel shortly after switching and have not really been able to make a judgement yet.
JB
JB
Mine takes just shy of 8 Quarts to fill it. That includes the extra for the Supercharger and the oil cooler. :D
JB
What kinda of oil and weight do you use?
JB
What kinda of oil and weight do you use?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,122
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From: Annapolis, MD USA
Re: Some interesting oil capacity data (chadwick)
Chadwick - it is impossible (and not worth trying) to get every drop out of the sump when changing oil. Just do the best you can. Fill the new filter before you install, and make sure the stick says "full" or maybe a little bit more when you refill. Start & run, make certain there are no leaks, then shut down and check again after 30 minutes. Add if necessary to to the "full" line or a half quart more if you are taking the car to the track.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 4,350
Likes: 250
From: Minnesota
Re: Some interesting oil capacity data (rbeckham)
If you don't raise the back of the car a couple of inches (I drive the rear tires up on 2x4s), you will leave a 1/2 of qt. in the oil pan. With the rear raised, it will take about 7 qts. Preferred procedure is to have the rear slightly higher than the front. :yesnod:
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 304
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From: Dahlgren VA
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Re: Some interesting oil capacity data (chadwick)
7 qts. exactly for my 2k1. I always lift her big ole rear a few inches more than the front for complete drainage.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,630
Likes: 8
From: Virginia Beach Virginia
Re: Some interesting oil capacity data (C5go)
They designed the drain fill for the that inexperienced kid at Jiffy Lube who will only let it drain for about 5-6 minutes (level because it's in the pit) and because of that only about 6.5 quarts (with filter change) will drain. If you do a "complete" drain...i.e. lift the rear...you will get a total of 7.0 qts out of her. Dave Hill and his brethen engineers will tell you that 6.5 qts is the proper refill. I just put in 6.75 qts and make it compromise now (BTW, 6.5 qts registers only halfway on my dipstick).
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,209
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From: Pittsburgh PA
Re: Some interesting oil capacity data (Mark S.)
The manual states 6.5 for my 99 and that's what it takes to read full. Aren't the dipsticks on the '01's and '02's screwed up somehow? I thought I remember a heated debate on the subject a while back. In any case, that extra .5 qt. isn't going to hurt anything. You should actually overfill by a quart anytime you go open track racing so the pump doesn't suck dry under lateral load. :cheers:
