Oil Change...
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 708
Likes: 1
From: Blaine Minnesota
Oil Change...
This may be a dumb question but I need to know! I am due for my first oil change. I have the jacking "pucks" (actual purchased set). I am wondering if RAMPS are required or helpful to do an oil change? If so which ones work well? Anyones info on their oil change procedure for jacking etc will be helpful. If you use a lift good for you, not an option for me! Thanks! 
Racer
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 285
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '13
I've used the Race Ramps with good results.
I initially used them both on the front but now just use them both on the drivers side and crawl under from there.
You can get them here:
http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/m-116-race-ramps.aspx
If you jack the car up instead make sure you use jacking pucks/blocks.
I initially used them both on the front but now just use them both on the drivers side and crawl under from there.
You can get them here:
http://www.westcoastcorvette.com/m-116-race-ramps.aspx
If you jack the car up instead make sure you use jacking pucks/blocks.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 388
Likes: 2
From: Raleigh NC
In order of preferance:
a) 4 or 2 post lift
b) Race ramps
c) 3 pieces of 2x12's beveled & nailed together in stagered sequence
d) Floor jack and jack stands
c) Get you waist line down below 26" and slide under
a) 4 or 2 post lift
b) Race ramps
c) 3 pieces of 2x12's beveled & nailed together in stagered sequence
d) Floor jack and jack stands
c) Get you waist line down below 26" and slide under
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,025
Likes: 2,716
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
My hydraulic floor jack is pretty low, but I still need to drive the front wheels onto a pair of 2 x 10's so the jack will fit under the front of the car. Clearance at the rear is no problem.
So I need:
2 x 10's about 3' long, beveled end.
hydraulic floor jack.
blocks (chocks) for wheels.
hockey pucks.
jack stands.
Some people use a long socket extension to unscrew the oil plug, and somehow get the filter off/on; without jacking up the car at all.
Me, I take it to the dealer that charges about $62 for an oil & filter change done by their Corvette tech, and every 6th change is free.
So I need:
2 x 10's about 3' long, beveled end.
hydraulic floor jack.
blocks (chocks) for wheels.
hockey pucks.
jack stands.
Some people use a long socket extension to unscrew the oil plug, and somehow get the filter off/on; without jacking up the car at all.
Me, I take it to the dealer that charges about $62 for an oil & filter change done by their Corvette tech, and every 6th change is free.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 18,098
Likes: 1,597
This is what I use and works great.........
Attachment 47679242
Attachment 47679243
I back the front tires on to these and then use my floor jack to jack up the rear and level off the car. Gives you just enough room to get it done.
Attachment 47679242
Attachment 47679243
I back the front tires on to these and then use my floor jack to jack up the rear and level off the car. Gives you just enough room to get it done.
Last edited by R&L's C6; Sep 4, 2011 at 09:42 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 913
Likes: 36
From: Scottsdale Arizona
This may be a dumb question but I need to know! I am due for my first oil change. I have the jacking "pucks" (actual purchased set). I am wondering if RAMPS are required or helpful to do an oil change? If so which ones work well? Anyones info on their oil change procedure for jacking etc will be helpful. If you use a lift good for you, not an option for me! Thanks!
Lift the car
Reach under and remove filter and drain plug
Let it back down for draining
Lift again and reinstall plug and filter.
Had many Corvettes, but none with an easier oil change
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 18,098
Likes: 1,597
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,024
Likes: 13
From: Loveland CO to Central Coast CA
DIY? I prefer it. That way I make sure it gets syn oil (Mobil 1 for me).
And I make sure it is not over- or under-filled. That is, the Z06 & GS manual have a dry sump that holds ~10 quarts... whereas, my 09 LS3 holds ~6 quarts. Unknowledgable Technicians might not know there's a difference.
For the 1st oil change, you might need a breaker bar (factory gorillas really tighten the drain plug & filter). The correct-size filter wrench is also a big help.
I use homemade ramps like R&L's C6.
I jack-up the right side to get most of the oil drained. I don't think it's essential to jack-up the rear, but I'm not that fussy about getting every last drop.
And unless your jack can fit without damaging the rocker panels, use jacking pucks!
And I make sure it is not over- or under-filled. That is, the Z06 & GS manual have a dry sump that holds ~10 quarts... whereas, my 09 LS3 holds ~6 quarts. Unknowledgable Technicians might not know there's a difference.
For the 1st oil change, you might need a breaker bar (factory gorillas really tighten the drain plug & filter). The correct-size filter wrench is also a big help.
I use homemade ramps like R&L's C6.
I jack-up the right side to get most of the oil drained. I don't think it's essential to jack-up the rear, but I'm not that fussy about getting every last drop.
And unless your jack can fit without damaging the rocker panels, use jacking pucks!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8,514
Likes: 235
From: Currently somewhere in IL,IN,KY,TN,MO,AR,MS,AL, or FL
That's the way I do it also. Wally World makes a pan that fits nicely even with the jack lowered. Also, if you have zerks in the rear you can grease them while it is draining. If this is your first change be prepared that a gorilla installed the plug and filter at the factory. Lots of people complain how hard they are to remove the first time. Reinstall should be 18 ft/lb for the plug and 22 ft/lb for the filter but 3/4 turn past first contact seems to work for me on the filter.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: New York NY
Advance Auto Parts have Blitz RhinoRamps 8,000 Vehicle Ramps for $32.99 - $10 off code A123 = $22.99 with free store pickup. Hopefully, theres a store near you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 7,244
Likes: 3
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,949
Likes: 1,336
From: Houston Tx
Depends on how long your arm is, but I can do it without jacking or ramps. I'm 6'2", and if I turn the steering wheel full lock left, and then reach in behind the left front wheel, I can just barely reach the drain plug with my right hand's thumb & index finger to twist it in and out once loosened with an extension wrench. I cannot reach it if wheels are straight ahead. The filter is closer so no problem. I use a galvanized pan I got at the hardware store so don't need jacking for drain pan clearance either. My CTSV is exactly the same. Full wheels left are required, but I can just barely do it all without jacking if wheels are full left.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
Likes: 64
From: San Clemente CA
In addition I use a jack stand. You can't be too careful.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 648
Likes: 85
From: Rock Hill S.C.
I jack the l/f wheel (using pucks)remove tire,drain oil and remove filter,lower the car and let drain for a while.jack up again install drain plug,replace filter(I fill the filter with oil first)install tire lower jack and fill with 51/2qts. oil.(DON'T FORGET TO USE A JACK STAND)
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 10,399
Likes: 26
From: Austin Texas
Buy oil & filter on sale.
Drive to Jiffy Lube.
Hand them the oil & filter.
Wait 10 minutes while you watch them drain and add oil.
Pay them aprx. $20.00.
No jacks or ramps, no wrenches, no prep, no cleanup, no disposal and maybe 30 minutes total.
Keep the receipts in case there's a Warranty question.
Drive to Jiffy Lube.
Hand them the oil & filter.
Wait 10 minutes while you watch them drain and add oil.
Pay them aprx. $20.00.
No jacks or ramps, no wrenches, no prep, no cleanup, no disposal and maybe 30 minutes total.
Keep the receipts in case there's a Warranty question.
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,250
Likes: 55
From: Philadelphia PA
Pro
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 587
Likes: 5
From: Aurora Colorado