winchman

I got the car new in July of 2009. The oil was changed in December of '09 at 1727 miles, May of '10 at 3113 miles, November of '10 at 4709 miles, and May of '11 at 5955 miles. The service has to be done every six months regardless of mileage.

I did put in a new Nissan filter and crush washer when I did the change.

I don't drive the car much, so there's a lot of life left in the synthetic oil. That's why I decided to start doing the oil changes myself.

I'm going to reuse the synthetic oil from the Z in my other vehicles. That'll give me "free" synthetic oil for the Silverado and Accord, and I'll save the labor charges on all three vehicles, too. I change the oil in the older ones every year or so, since they don't get many miles either.

HP10T

I wouldn't stress it. I personally do not like the OEM Nissan oil filters and will never use one after what I saw.
Currently running a DEFI oil pressure gauge on my SR20VE engine and oil pressure held very well during normal driving shifts on the street, changed my oil... same oil as always but used Nissan filter, went for a little drive and it was very odd.. Oil pressure was good under throttle but if I barely moved the steering wheel left to right oil pressure would bounce from 30-80PSI or so. As soon as I would shift the oil pressure dropped to 20PSI in a heart beat and then as soon as I was back in gear giving throttle it was back up to 80PSI. Tossed in a K&N filter and symptoms went away, oil pressure held consistent during cornering and any sudden movement of the car and didn't drop nearly as fast during shifts.
I am not a genius but it's almost like the pressure relief valve in the OEM filter I was using was either bad or something was up with it? K&N oil filters all the way.

pcressey

iTrader: (3)

Wait... what... dealerships cut costs and rip off the all suspecting consumer? They probably used maple syrup for oil as well... good luck.

I would never take my car near a dealership unless it was for warranty related issues.

chitownpete

I do all my oil changes myself but don't call someone a retard just because they don't have the skills and knowledge we do. Not everyone has the desire to work on their cars, some people just like to drive.
If you only spend 20 minutes total changing your oil you aren't getting all the old oil out. Sounds kind of "Jiffy Lube" to me. Its no big deal but why not spend a little longer and really do it well?

Flo-ridaZ33

iTrader: (60)

There's no way your doing a 20min oil change in your driveway on a Z... I've done almost all my own oil changes b/c of how low my car is and it's at least a 30-40min ordeal.

winchman

The cure for a low car. Had to make my own, since I couldn't find one that would clear the front bumper.

Flick Montana

Takes me that long just to get the plastic shield off. It's usually another 15 mins of bicep-tearing strain trying to just reach the oil filter, another 10 minutes getting it off, and equally as long getting it all back together.

I have no idea why I enjoy doing it.

Flo-ridaZ33

iTrader: (60)

Me too... but no way is anyone getting done in 20mins on their back.

How do you think I feel trying to get a jack under this thing

VO...

iTrader: (25)

+1

Very crafty. I made my own as well.


Last time I took my Frontier into the dealership, they had to replace the ECU, because they "stripped" it. The idle was off after that. I kindly asked the to do the "re-learning" procedure, which they obviously didn't do. The service guy tells me they don't do it for free. Give me a break! That's standard procedure when you replace the ECU. My fellow forum heathen found the reset procedure for me in 5 mins flat. I called him back and told him My350z found the procedure for me and I didn't need his assistance anymore, I'd do it myself...

Flo-ridaZ33

iTrader: (60)

I'm looking at getting raceramps for my Z but I'm not sure the 10 degree angle will work with my Do-Luck.

winchman

My ramps are sloped at 10 degrees, which gives just enough clearance to be comfortable at the closest point, maybe 3/4-1", IIRC.

Corbic

iTrader: (1)

Change your own oil next time.

Flo-ridaZ33

iTrader: (60)

LOL the new guys... read the whole thread dude

Flo-ridaZ33

iTrader: (60)

Is your car lowered? I have an extended nose on the bumper so It'll have to be like 5-7degrees

JLS2GOZ

Edit.... double click

JLS2GOZ

Well im a female and CAN change my own oil, but I currently am still under warranty, so I will pay the price and have it done at the appropriate intervals (I put 3,500-5,000) yearly so it gets changed every three months until I am outside of warranty. Talk to anyone who has had a major malfunction of an engine on a "sports" car that changed their own oil ????? even with reciepts, logs and what knot.... your in for the long hall with the dealership/warranty company

derekinthez

iTrader: (32)

That's why its called the stealership!~

winchman

My car isn't lowered. The 10 degree slope also works with the Accord, which wouldn't clear the ramps locally available, either.

BTarb24

iTrader: (1)

It might just be the peeling paint, but this looks scary! Are the supports made of wood or did you weld some metal?

winchman

Not to worry. The paint's just peeling off the 2" x 3/16" angle I got out of the scrap pile at the shop. The shorter supports are made from 2"x1/2" steel strips. I'm a VERY good welder, so I have confidence in them.

The 2"x12" pine boards will actually support the weight of the car without the two inner supports, but the sag was kinda unsettling. I hate it when my wife starts screaming.