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First Oil Change

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Old May 29, 2002 | 12:18 PM
  #1  
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Default First Oil Change

Apologies ahead of time if this has already been discussed but I couldn't find the answer through searching.

Is there a consensus on the best mileage for a first oil change? My dealer said to wait 1000-1500 miles before doing it but I have seen some folks do it at 500. Some of my other car owners' manuals in the past suggested you should not do it until the first recommended time because the oil helps the engine break in properly...

Thanks for the advice - 402 miles on the clock and wondering when to change...
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Old May 29, 2002 | 12:20 PM
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Default Re: First Oil Change (Bertrand)

I changed mine when the DIC said so... :D
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Old May 29, 2002 | 01:09 PM
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Default Re: First Oil Change (Bertrand)

Some folks like to change the oil very early to get rid of any manufacturing 'debris' which may remain in the engine. Others feel like the filter will take care of this, and simply follow normal change guidelines. Do whatever feels right to you. I waited until about 2K miles to do my first.
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Old May 29, 2002 | 01:10 PM
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Default Re: First Oil Change (pewter99)

My first change was 1500 and there after when ever the DIC calls for it (approx. 6000)!
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Old May 29, 2002 | 01:28 PM
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Default Re: First Oil Change (Bertrand)

I would probably change at 1,500 then defer to the DIC's readout for the next one.

After I got comfortable using Amsoil, I got to the point where I would actually change the filter at 3,000 miles and let the oil go until 6,000 miles before changing it, too.
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Old May 29, 2002 | 03:15 PM
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Default Re: First Oil Change (Bertrand)

I was tempted at 500 miles to change the oil. I was having so much fun with the car that I waited till app 1500 miles! When it was changed at 1500 miles the oil vitually looked like it was right out of a new bottle! Now that it is broken in I am doing anywhere from 13k-14500 mile intervals
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Old May 29, 2002 | 04:31 PM
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Default Re: First Oil Change (Bertrand)

I changed my oil at 2,000 miles.
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Old May 29, 2002 | 04:35 PM
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Default Re: First Oil Change (Bertrand)

The local dealer told me that they recommend 3000 miles for the first change. I have always understood that "break-in" is actually a "wear-in" and if you never let your oil get somewhat dirty, you'd have to wait a very long time to benefit from proper break-in.

For this reason, I waited until 2900 miles before changing oil for the first time. It looks like I will be changing oil every 4 - 5000 miles if I do the change at a D.I.C.-indicated 10% remaining oil life.
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Old May 29, 2002 | 04:36 PM
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Default Re: First Oil Change (Tom/99)

after 3000 for me, then every 3000
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Old May 29, 2002 | 04:36 PM
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Default Re: First Oil Change (Tom/99)

A friend of mine that bought a 02 T/A changed his oil at 500 miles and there was a lot of shavings in it.
I get my new 02 Red/ Mod Z06 on Friday and I will be sure to do the 500 mile change!
:smash: :smash: :smash:
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Old May 29, 2002 | 04:47 PM
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Default Re: First Oil Change (Bertrand)

I did mine at 720 miles and the oil definitely didn't look "out of a bottle". In fact, I was seriously questioning whether that was mobil one synth they used from the factory.

I also add a magnetic drain plug during the first change. You can pick them up at any chevy dealer for $2-$5.
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Old May 29, 2002 | 05:03 PM
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Default Re: First Oil Change (Bertrand)

Just had mine changed last week 2,000 miles.
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Old May 29, 2002 | 10:20 PM
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Default Re: First Oil Change (Bertrand)

I'm in the minority in that I followed the manufacturer's guidelines and let the DIC be my guide.
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Old May 29, 2002 | 10:37 PM
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Default Re: First Oil Change (chocoholic)

I'm in the minority in that I followed the manufacturer's guidelines and let the DIC be my guide.
I'm wondering how the DIC knows when I need to change the oil. How does it get it's input ? :confused:
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Old May 30, 2002 | 01:46 AM
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Default Re: First Oil Change (Bertrand)

My 2001 has 2600 miles still going on factory oil and DIC shows 57% remaining. I will probably change around 3000 - 3500. Down only half a quart so far and seems to have stabilized. Looks like I don't have one of the 2001 oil burners. The thought of taking it to the dealer for a ring job sends cold shivers up and down my spine.
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Old May 30, 2002 | 09:56 AM
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Default Re: First Oil Change (alc2001)

I owned a repair shop for 30 years, built and raced all kinds of cars and felt and stil feel that an oil change every 3,000 - 3,500 miles with a filter is still the cheepest maintenance you could do to a car to prevent possible premature engine wear. Until I got out of the business, I would buy all of my cars from my customers and would consider a car with 80-90k still new for me since I usually drove them to 200-300k. just my 2cents. wcj
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Old May 30, 2002 | 01:22 PM
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Default Re: First Oil Change (wcj)

Thanks everyone for all the great feedback! This forum rules!

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Old May 30, 2002 | 02:28 PM
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Default Re: First Oil Change (onedef92)

I would probably change at 1,500 then defer to the DIC's readout for the next one.

After I got comfortable using Amsoil, I got to the point where I would actually change the filter at 3,000 miles and let the oil go until 6,000 miles before changing it, too.
Can you change the filter w/o changing the oil???? :cheers:
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Old May 30, 2002 | 03:25 PM
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Default Re: First Oil Change (mike76002)

Yes, you can change just the oil filter without having any problems.

When the engine is not running there is no pressure anywhere is the oil circulating system, so the only oil that you will lose will be the amount of oil in the oil filer cannister plus a few drops.

Can you believe that the service manager and technician was hesitant about just replacing the oil filter like they didn't believe that it could be done (or were they just trying to con me into an expensive full oil change?).
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Old May 30, 2002 | 03:40 PM
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Default Re: First Oil Change (KC98C5)

They don't know how to deviate from the norm...probably didn't have a price set up for it or something stupid... That's a dealer..... :bs
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