I have a new 2008 vette and i m wondering if most of you change the oil yourself or bring it to the dealership. I hate having a stranger working on my car. but I can t find any ramps that will work being the car is so low. please give me some advise. Thanks

 

Get a low profile floor jack.

 

I purchased the large plastic ramps at Autozone. I have seen the same ramps at all the auto parts stores. My lower air dam scrapes on the way up and down, but both are plastic, so no damage. I then jack up the rear above horizontal and place jack stands under the rear to secure it and drain the oil.

I buy the oil at Wal Mart in the five quart bottle and I get the oil filter there.

 

There are many many threads on this subject including everything you ever wanted to know about changing the oil on a C6. Many different ramps that work and many great suggestions and solutions... many with pictures.

If you ENJOY working on cars then changing the oil is a great place to start. It's extremely simply, fast and leaves a nice sense of satisfaction with this DIY. On a difficulty scale of 1 to 10 I'd give changing your oil a 2....

I like to DIY because I also can check other things on my vette at the same time. Do a "search" and you'll find everything there is know about changing your oil...........

 

 

WOW! It's been at least a day since this subject has been mentioned.

You don't need ramps. In fact, I would never use ramps unless you also raise the rear because it tilts the oil pan and you don't get a complete drain. Even at my age I can still reach under without any jack. But I normally use an inexpensive floor jack to raise the side just enough to make it easier to reach under and loosen the plug and filter and slide the pan under. Pull the plug and lower the car. Do the Z51 zerks while it is draining. Raise again to change the filter, reinstall the plug, remove the pan. Lower and fill with oil.

 

I did oil change on my C5 yesterday.
You do not need ramps for this job.
Get yourself some 10"x2" or 12"x2" lumber and cut to size to insert under the wheel after you've jacked up the car.
Here's what I did: Jacked the driver side of car to get front wheel off the ground enough to insert 2 of the boards (use 3 boards if you have trouble fitting under the car). Then lowered the jack and removed it so I'd have room to reach in to remove filter and oil plug. This can all be done from the side of the car, provided your arms are long enough. Most guys here are able to do it this way. Of course, place chocks in front/behind wheels for safety.
I have used Rhino ramps for my oil changes, but find it's much easier/safer to keep the car on the ground.

 

I used ramps to drain the oil. When I raised the rear up level I really didn't notice much more oil coming out.

 

I use my dealer. Never had a problem after numerous changes.

 

Have not changed my oil yet but when I do I will take it to the dealer. I have no desire to get under the car and do it myself.

 

http://raceramps.com/56raceramps.html

 

Just remember if you do it yourself to check and recheck the plug and filter for leaks or drips, there have been more than one first timer that did not do this and paid big time. Above all else dont forget to put oil back in the engine as this has happened also even with the quick change places or dealerships. Not trying to discourage you, just pointing out the facts. Good luck and if you follow the advice on this forum you will have no problems. There is a lot of satisfaction in doing it youself.

 

Easy to accomplish without lifting, especially using a long drive extension.

 

Good choice!

 

I always change my own oil. It costs less than half of what the dealer charges and it gives me a chance to look everything over. I use ramps for the front and a jack to lift the back level with the front. It takes about 30 minutes and gives me a chance to become one with the car.

A day spent with the Corvette is a day well spent!

 

Changing your own oil, is the only way to know that it was done right. I get alittle ocd, and let oil drain out of pan for at least 30 min. You can be sure the dealership does not. They leave about 3/4 quart of old oil in the pan.So they top it off w/ less new oil, but charge you the full $$$.

 

Drive up onto pieces of wood so that a jack will now fit. Then only jack up as much as you need to drain. We only cheat ourselves out of fun and out of bonding with our Vette's when we farm the easy work out, and we become a kind of a pseudo enthusiast. When people see you drive past they admire you falsely. Do it yourself and you can look 'em right in the eye and wave.

 

I buy the oil at Costco or Sam's, the filters at Walmart or Auto Zone and Chevy and/or Cadillac charge me $20-25 to change it.