Bone Daddy

Well first let me offer a sincere "thank you" to every one who responded with the kudos and such to my very long-winded post Thursday regarding my Bowling Green experience. Much appreciated!

Well I needed a few more miles to get my 1000 to do my early oil change, so I took my new C6 out for some "spirited driving" this morning to get the oil nice and hot to drain. That was actually an understatement because I actually took her out and paddled the crap of out it. I babied this car all the way home from Bowling Green to Houston last week and it was time to Romp! I quickly learned these cars are monsters. (I can't imagine what a Z06 feels like). I think even the stock exhaust sounds mean when you are hard on the throttle.

So....I went out for about 20 mins of near red-line paddle shifting up-and-down....up-and-down as I learned the ins-and-outs of the steering wheel paddles and what it took to hustle car the best. I must say I got pretty good before I made it back to the house and quickly realized I could get snappier and harder upshifts by letting off the gas for an instant vs just keeping your foot in it. The 1st gear (while in sport/paddle mode) is insanely low and you can easily smoke the tires with ease even on rough concrete. We will see.... but I'll don't see a MN6 taking me from the launch. Paddle downshifts come nice and firm and produce quite a mean gurgle if you have your rpms nice and high. They are quick and very inspiring way to engine break.

Hey wait a minute! This is supposed to be an oil change post! LOL.

Okay here it is. Possible items of interest: Link at bottom with collection of pics. (Start from page 2 and go backwards).

* Rhino Ramps. Depicted is your clearances driving up on ramps. No problem at all driving right up. The plastic air damn on the car barely even contacted it. Not an issue.

* BMW permanent jacking pucks (yes you can remove if desired....but designed to stay in place). They work perfect (just snap right in) and will be along for the ride as long as I own my car. Very small and non-obtrusive but get the job done. $25 bucks

* I fought like hell getting the OE filter off. Damn what were they thinking? Can only wonder what gorilla put mine one. It was starting to crumble and collapse after about 30 mins of trying, and I thought I was about to drive a screw driver through it. Whoa!!! Also note that red funk they used on the filter plate face. (???) That is what probably was keeping it from coming off. Either way I couldn't remove this red stuff (and it seemed smooth) so I just put new Bosch filter right over it.

* I installed my new Fumoto Oil Drain Valve. I have been using these high integrity ball valves for approx 15 years (on many vehicles) and IMO they are the best thing since sliced bread. It has a 90 degree on/off lever with a lock-out. They COMPLETELY take the mess out of changing your oil. Just put a short section of clear vinyl hose and down to your drain receptacle. Viola! Note the C6 requires the adapter to push it out an inch so the top-works of the valve do not clash with the pan. I tried to capture some photos which depict that this valve rides higher than the front cross member by over and inch. If road debris comes below your car this valve is protected. Note in the photos that like a Bone-Head.....I poured in 6 quarts of oil. (For some reason I just remembered that from other post here). Not a problem. Before starting and after consulting my owners manual I quickly just drained 1/2 quart back into the Mobile 1 jug for next time leaving me with 5.5qts of fresh slippery stuff. See pic of that too.

* Also had a chance to lift the rear with my new Northern Tool Crossmember spanner. It worked perfect and I didn't even have to affix it to the floor jack. Very solid.

* Note the photo I took of bottom of floor board. It is a "NCM" sign-off of David, Steve, and Cody done on 2-22-06. Does anyone know what that's about? Is this from the UAW guys, or NCM people? I don't see the plant building cars any different for NCM delivery. (???)

Anyway I hope this helps some of you Newbies (like me) do your first oil change.
Enjoy!
Bone

http://photobucket.com/albums/e372/r...ange/?start=20

2005ArcticWhite

Great photos

Jagcvette

I used to change my own oil, but by the time you purchase the ramps and everything else plus have to take the old oil in for recycling, it's just easier to take it to a shop. I do provide my own oil and filter, think it costs me $10-15 to have them change it.

su8pack1

I like those ramps. Where did you get them?

C-INRED

For all of us lazy folks...

C-INRED

Thanks for the write-up and photos.

I've done my first oil change but need to streamline the process a bit.

Where did you get your drain valve and extension?

Are the Rhino ramps just standard or are there other models available? I have other ramps (that I use for another vehicle) but they are too steep.

I didn't see the photos of the drain valve. Would be interested if you have them.

Thanks again.

P.S. Had to wrestle with my filter also. Ended up using one of the nylon strap wrenches which took it right off (collapsed it just a bit).

Did 5.5 qts. bring yours up to full? Mine took exactly 6 qts. (non-Z51).

Forvettes

NCM all the way!! David Smith is the supervisor.
Here are the sigs on my mine.

water boy

You give a good detailed write up, both this and your NCM experience.

thanks

WB

OnyxC6

My first time (@ 1000 miles)..
I used the peek-a-boo method. The driveway slope out of the doorway is just enough to make the car level on Rhinos.

The 5Q+1Q Mobil 1 bottles works out pretty good eh?

LS WON

Will that drain valve void the factory warranty? Same thing for the Bosch oil filter or perhaps the Bosch filter is acceptable to Chevrolet and meets their standard like the mobil One oil ?

Corvette SSX

Thanks for the write-up. I'm going to be doing my first C6 oil change this weekend. Where did you get that cross member spanner? Looks like something I should have.

BTW, I'm in Sugar Land also.

Diocles

Exact method I used. The car wasn't completely level but close enough and I use Redline oil. After reading all the posts I had the impression changing the oil was going to be a PITA, but it was easy.

busysignal

Guy's, spend the $3k on a four post lift. I have had one for about 10 years and don't know how I got along without it. They are handy beyond words. You can usually raise one car up and scoot another (Corvette hight) underneath even in residental garages. You name the chore from exhaust work, oil changes, tire changes (there is a center span that slides so you can get a bottle jack under), even detailing the car without bending over is a pleasure! Of all the dough I have spent in my 58 years, this was the best money I ever spent.

TheKomoman

Good write-up and pics, thanks!

Took me some digging on their site to find the crossmember adapter.. wound up just having to search with "cross" to find it.

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...=47686&R=47686

His link takes you to page two of the pics, here's a link to page 1:

http://photobucket.com/albums/e372/r...Oil%20change/?

Craigster05

Great details and pics, guys. This is a great thread and will be useful to everyone.

Now the only question I have is,

Drum roll Please....

Does the oil drain out of a Z-51 faster than an F-55?????

Bone Daddy

Thanks Gents.....Let me see if I can address all these in one post
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I used to change my own oil, but by the time you purchase the ramps and everything else plus have to take the old oil in for recycling, it's just easier to take it to a shop. I do provide my own oil and filter, think it costs me $10-15 to have them change it.

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Yea but the problem with that is not only is there a pretty good chance there is a person w/o a high school education wrenching on your car.....they don't allow much of the residual oil to drain. They have the plug out and back in, in less than 10 mins. Have you seen how much dirty oil will drain over night?
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I like those ramps. Where did you get them?
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G. Wally World. (Wal-Mart). Those are the Rhino 8000's The small ones. Less than $30 bucks
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CINRED.....Thanks for putting my pics on the forum for easy viewing.
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Where did you get your drain valve and extension?
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I ordered from here. A few bucks cheaper than Fumoto direct. Be sure to get the model with the "N" for hose nipple.
http://www.lubricationspecialist.com...tml=fumoto.htm
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Are the Rhino ramps just standard or are there other models available? I have other ramps (that I use for another vehicle) but they are too steep.
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These are the standard 8000lbs jobbers. They make a 12000lb model too. I laid them side by side and the approach angle on the 12's are just a tad steeper.
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I didn't see the photos of the drain valve. Would be interested if you have them.
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Please go back and see that Photobucket link. There are a few pics of valve there. (2 pages)
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Did 5.5 qts. bring yours up to full? Mine took exactly 6 qts. (non-Z51).
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Yes I'm right near the full mark and I feel good that it is buy the book at 5.5qts with filter for non z51.
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Will that drain valve void the factory warranty? Same thing for the Bosch oil filter or perhaps the Bosch filter is acceptable to Chevrolet and meets their standard like the Mobil One oil
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No...there is something called the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act passed in 1982 which makes it illegal for a manufacturer to void a new vehicle warranty if the consumer uses non-OEM maintenance items unless the manufacturer provides these items free of charge. That goes for oil, filters, plugs, tires, brake pads, etc. If the manufacturer does not provide the above free of charge, they cannot void the vehicle's warranty simply because you have installed an aftermarket item.
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Thanks for the write-up. I'm going to be doing my first C6 oil change this weekend. Where did you get that cross member spanner? Looks like something I should have. BTW, I'm in Sugar Land also.
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Cross Member spanner from Northern Industries. $29 (Right there at 59 and W. Belfort). I provided a pic of the box. Look me up if you need help. (Send PM).
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Guy's, spend the $3k on a four post lift. I have had one for about 10 years and don't know how I got along without it. They are handy beyond words. You can usually raise one car up and scoot another (Corvette hight) underneath even in residential garages. You name the chore from exhaust work, oil changes, tire changes (there is a center span that slides so you can get a bottle jack under), even detailing the car without bending over is a pleasure! Of all the dough I have spent in my 58 years, this was the best
money I ever spent
~~~~~~~~~~~
I would buy one in a heartbeat if I had a garage big enough to accommodate. My little cracker-box sized garage is a joke. My ceiling joist are at 8'-6" so that is out of the question. Point is I couldn't walk under car anyway so wouldn't buy me anything. Yea I know I need to move. Not going to happen now anyway.

Bone

Ucraz-E

Another nice write up ! I think you can drop the newbie tag now

I really thought there was going to be enough room without the adapter but, you proved me wrong Still looks safe to me and I'll be buying a valve before my next change. Thanks for doing the homework

This is the filter wrench I was telling you about.

I haven't come across a filter that this wrench couldn't handle with ease. Plus it'll fit any filter you happen to be using.

Thanks again for the great post

Bone Daddy

[QUOTE=Ucraz-E
Another nice write up ! I think you can drop the newbie tag now

I really thought there was going to be enough room without the adapter but, you proved me wrong Still looks safe to me and I'll be buying a valve before my next change. Thanks for doing the homework

This is the filter wrench I was telling you about.I haven't come across a filter that this wrench couldn't handle with ease. Plus it'll fit any filter you happen to be using.

Thanks again for the great post
[/QUOTE]

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Thanks Bro. That's one nasty looking filter gizmo. Never seen one like it. (???) Doesn't look like it would take any $hit. My problem was 2-fold. On too tight and seemed the AC Delco can (metal housing) was paper thin.

I have a collection of the kind of oil filter wrenches I showed in my photos and none of them fit the ACD filter. I don't plan on going to dealer for this filter in the future so I was going to be damned if I went to buy another filter to fit it.

Ucraz-E

Ya it's nasty looking because I've had that one for about ten years. You can pick them up at any parts store and you'll never have to search around for the one that fits. Go get yourself one and you can toss all the other ones you own

........and use the Ep version of Mobil1 on your next change. Your motor will thank you later

Larry B.

I saw a bottle of mobil 1 extended performance oil i one reply... mobil 1 EP DOES NOT have the GM spec on the bottle... The regular Mobil 1 DOES... Be carefull..... pay attention in case you need to use the GM warranty for engine repairs.. They will look for ANY excuse to not cover your repair. I also notied that it is 10W30... 5W30 is what is required.



Just looked on the Mobil web site. It varifies what I posted above. No GM spec on EP