I just changed my oil for the first time, and was stunned by how easy the oil change is (first car I've ever had where oil filter is adjacent to the drain plug where it should be !!!!) yet how equally difficult it was to get to the engine.

The belly pan was held on by 14 - yes 14 !! - bolts. You'd think it was structural the way that thing was secured.

There's no way I'm going through the torture of installation/removal of that thing every 3K miles. I'm not paying the dealer $40 a pop either. And I bet they leave it off too....;^)

For 0.000000000001 Cd I've lost, the time and effort saved in oil changes is worth it.

-- Brent
4DR Z - Black 6MT
Austin, Texas

 

Hey whatever floats your boat bro. I enjoy the whole process and take it off and replace it every time. But then I've got lots of time and don't mind that kind of stuff. The other factor besides the Cd is that the cover keeps things fairly clean under there too.
So to answer your question---Yes , every time. [img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img]

<font color=green>GSM</font color=green>

 

It's probably a bigger hit to the Cd than your guess. Underbody airflow is a pretty big deal. The rear underbody bits and rear spoiler from the Aero Package are worth 0.01.

14? Sheesh. My first oil change is coming up, but I get one free one from the dealer. Then I'll probably start doing it myself.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

It's because of those 14 bolts I'm changing to synthetic oil, extending my drain interval to the 7500 mile, non-severe maintenance schedule. 36K/yr is 10 oil changes a year (every 3750), removing and replacing that underbody shield every 5 weeks! No way!


03 G35
02 Sequoia

 

I'm definately thinking about going to synthetic and at least out to 7500mi per change. I'm debating whether or not to mess with a bypass filter.

2003.5 G35 Sedan Desert Platinum/Graphite Premium/Sport/Aero/Nav/Winter

 

I agree, after my free oil change with the dealer I have converted over to Synthetic and go about 7500 miles before chaning it.. I drive about the same 36K + highway miles a year...

http://www.adrenalinepump.com

 

I've been lurking the bobistheoilguy site and even asked a couple of questions; the consensus seems to agree that 7500 mile ODI with Mobil1 and a good filter, WIX, NAPA Gold, K&N, M1, would be a very safe way to go. I also plan an oil analysis after my first interval with Mobil1 at 7500 miles on the oil, just to ensure the oil survives and remains viable that long.

In fact there's an oil study with Mobil1 where the oil is up to 8K and stnot yet "worn out". http://neptune.spacebears.com/cars/s.../oil-life.html


03 G35
02 Sequoia

 

Where are you going to get an oil analysis from? Ive let mine go as much as 8.5K and I do have to be honest, the oil was almost as clean as it went it.

http://www.adrenalinepump.com

 

On the bob site, there are links to a couple of oil analysis companies. I ordered a free sample kit from Blackstone Labs, and the analysis costs $20 when I mail it in.


03 G35
02 Sequoia

 

chinee,

Cool thanks for the information!! Maybe I will do the same next oil change or so..

Thanks again!!

Frank

http://www.adrenalinepump.com

 

herridge: Just did my second oil change. I pulled the Belly pan off with a Makita screw gun and a #2 screwdriver tip in about 90 seconds. Leave the front center one with the plastic plunger for last so you don't drop it on your head. Next?

G35/S/MT....this car rocks!

 

You had to put it on ramps to fit the screw gun under there didn't you ? And I assume you meant 10mm ? There aren't Phillips heads on those bolts. I thought about the same thing, but it's still ridiculous.

-- Brent
4DR Z - Black 6MT
Austin, Texas

 

My 6MT has combo screws that have a Phillips in the center. I put it up on stands because I have a floor jack, but the ramps would work fine too. It is a pretty tough oil change, put for the next 5 years or so, I am okay with that. Then maybe I will lose the pan or take it to the kids at Jiffy Lube. In the mean time it's Mobil One and a new filter until the Honeymoon is over. love this car!

G35/S/MT....this car rocks!

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