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Since I change the oil on all of my cars, I need some advice regarding the first time on my C5. I got it in July and the oil had just been changed by the previous owner. I put about 400 miles on it and then it went to bed for the winter. I'll be changing the oil in the Spring and want to know the best way to access underneath the car. I have carbon ramps for the other vehicles but am thinking they won't work with the Vette due to it being so low. What do those of you who do this use?
I use ramps. No, I can't drive 'forward', on to them, as the front air dams are in the way. I put the ramps behind the wheels (both front and rear), and then back the car on to the ramps......
I use ramps. No, I can't drive 'forward', on to them, as the front air dams are in the way. I put the ramps behind the wheels (both front and rear), and then back the car on to the ramps......
Whew! Sounds like this requires some precision maneuvering skills.
I'm not understanding your statement that you put the ramps behind front and rear wheels. Isn't the front ramp too high to slide under and behind the front wheel? And are you speaking of lifting only one side of the car?
I use 2 piece Race Ramps (I think they are the “56) and the front end clears it (barely), I block the front tires, then jack up the rear slightly higher than the front so the all the oil drains. I back up the jack with 2 3 ton jack stands positioned on either side of the jack, just to be safe.
The angled part of the ramp slides out after you chock the tires for easy access. I think the 56” 2-piece ramps are only 8” high if I remember right, but it’s still enough room for me to maneuver.
Last edited by FX VETTE; Jan 22, 2018 at 10:02 PM.
I don't like to start a motor with old oil that's been sitting all winter. So I drive my car up on ramps for storage.
Either:
Change before, short drive to circulate, store
Store on ramps (due to clearance on these cars), change oil before starting
My own methodology
I use 2 piece Race Ramps (I think they are the “56) and the front end clears it (barely), I block the front tires, then jack up the rear slightly higher than the front so the all the oil drains. I back up the jack with 2 3 ton jack stands positioned on either side of the jack, just to be safe.
I use the Race Ramps as well, 56" (2-piece RR-56-2) seems to work fine for me.
There is at least one vendor on here that offers these from time-to-time at a discount. You could always contact them directly and ask if they offer a Forum Discount as well.
Others have made ramps by screwing together various lengths of 2z8 or 2x10 boards. It's a cheap way to make ramps. Check google you'll find lots of pictures.
On another note, you don't need to change 400 mile oil.
Been using RaceRamps for years on Corvettes. Light, stores well and works great. Also purchased a low profile alum. racing jack (Harbor Freight) and jack stands for the rear.
Last edited by runner140*; Jan 23, 2018 at 07:33 AM.
Reason: add
Whew! Sounds like this requires some precision maneuvering skills.
I'm not understanding your statement that you put the ramps behind front and rear wheels. Isn't the front ramp too high to slide under and behind the front wheel? And are you speaking of lifting only one side of the car?
My car is pretty low, but the ramps I have are 2 3/4" tall, and they still fit. No, I back on to 4 ramps, as the car has to be level, or the rear a tad higher, in order to properly drain the oil.
I'll admit, that the ramps I have, don't really allow good under-car access, but with the car on them, I can slide my floor jack under the front end, to lift the car a little, so I can remove the drain plug. I then lower it, while the oil is draining.
I use the heavy duty truck version of Rhino Ramps. I don't need the enhanced capacity but I do appreciate the extra width. I think they were about $29.00 10 years ago.
I place a set of 2" X 6" boards in front of them to drive up on. They pickup the nose enough to start my ascent without damaging my winglets. I can now reach under and pull the oil filter and break open the drain plug.
To get the last 1/2 quart I pickup the rear with a floor jack. This requires picking up one side of the car under the puck using a small jack so I can fit the floor jack and a 3/4" plywood spreader under the rear sub-frame. Then I lay there on the ground catching my breath and watching those last few drops dribble out of the oil pan.
This last part doubles time needed for an oil change but is demanded by the Corvette gods whom you do not want to anger.
I don't believe they would be angered by using your 400 mile oil this year. Your call.
First oil change
I use the Race Ramps as well, 56" (2-piece RR-56-2) seems to work fine for me.
