In this article, I will illustrate how to change the engine oil from a C8 Corvette. It is actually the most easy and straight forward process as far as oil change goes.
When should you change the oil on your C8 Corvette? Some owners follow the oldschool 3k rule and strictly change their oil at 3,000 miles or every 3 months, which ever comes first. Others watch their engine oil life meter and change the oil when it hits 10%-30%.
Me? I change the oil when ever the oil life meter is between 0% and 10%, which equates to about once a year based on how I drive the C8.
I will post a write-up on how to change the DCT (dual clutch transmission) filter in a separate article.
Required Products
- ACDelco GM Original Equipment PF64 Engine Oil Filter
- ACDelco GM Original Equipment 12695700 Oil Pan Drain Plug Gasket
- Mobil 1 Supercar Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-40, 2 packs for 8 quarts total
Tools Used
- FloTool 11909ABMI RhinoRamp Vehicle Ramp Pair – for Low Clearance Vehicles
- 15-flute oil filter cap wrench (I own a multi-piece kit) – (74-76mm)
- 12 quart motor oil catch pan
- Breaker bar (if needed, to remove an over-tighten oil filter)
- Funnel
- Nitrile gloves
- Safety goggles
- Scott Shop Towels
- Manual torque wrench
- 15mm socket and ratcheting wrench
- Wheel Chocks
Instructions
Step 1
Make sure to park the C8 Corvette on a flat and level area. While my driveway is flat and level, it has a slight incline. So I completed this project inside the garage where the floor was level.
Step 2
Place the RhinoRamps behind the rear wheels, ensuring that they are parallel with the wheels. Start your C8 Corvette and slowly back onto the RhinoRamps. Place a wheel chock on each of the front wheels.
Leave the car running idle for at least 20 seconds to return all of the engine oil back into the dry sump oil tank (pg. 220 of the C8 Corvette Owner’s Manual).
Step 3
Squeeze underneath the chassis and locate the 15mm oil drain plug. The location of the oil drain plug is directly in front of the oil filter:
Unbolt the drain plug with the 15mm socket and ratcheting wrench, until you can you can unscrew it by hand. Leave the drain plug in place and move the oil catch pan beneath the drain plug. Continue unscrewing the oil drain plug and set aside. Let the oil drain completely, about 20 minutes (depending on oil temperature).
To help drain the oil faster, open up the rear hatch and loosen the oil filter cap to vent it.
Step 4
Inspect the O-Ring on the oil drain plug and replace as necessary. Since the O-Ring is a cheap part, I replace it every time I change the oil for peace of mind.
Replace the oil drain plug using a torque wrench set at 25 N·m (18 lb-ft. torque). Wipe off any residual old oil with shop towels.
Step 5
Use a 15-flute oil filter cap (74-76mm) to remove the oil filter from the chassis. If the old oil filter is stuck to the oil filter cap socket upon removal (due to over-tightening), simply tap at the area between the oil filter and the cap socket with a hammer to separate the two.
Pour a small amount of fresh oil into the new AC Delco PF64 oil filter, about ¼ cup and apply a smear of fresh oil onto the rubber gasket.
Screw the new oil filter by hand until hand-tightened, then give it a final ¼ twist to secure it into place. Using the oil filter cap is optional. Wipe any residual oil with shop towels.
Step 5
Remove the oil fill cap completely from the engine bay and set it aside. Place a funnel into the oil fill hole, then add 7.5 quarts of Mobil 1 Supercar Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-40.
I had to order these through Amazon since none of the local auto parts store carry them. I had to order two 6-packs, since they are not sold individually nor in jugs. In fact, I just maintain a 6-month subscription from Amazon to ensure that I have plenty of supply in the garage. I also keep a healthy supply of the oil drain plug O-ring gasket on hand.
Step 6
Remove the wheel chocks and start the C8 Corvette. Drive the Corvette off the RhinoRamps so the car is now level with the ground, and then let it idle until the oil temperature reaches 175°F. Once the temperature is reached, check the engine oil level and oil pressure. The oil pressure should be between 27-32 PSI. Check the oil level and add more motor oil as necessary. The oil level should be within the cross-hatched area near the tip of the dip stick.
Take the Corvette out for a drive around the block to thoroughly circulate the fresh motor oil inside the LT2 engine. Turn off the Corvette and check for leaks. Take the old motor oil and recycle it at a local AutoZone, O’Reilly or any municipal hazardous waste recycling center.
Maintenance
According to pg. 219 of the C8 Corvette Owner’s manual, the engine oil level should be checked regularly at 400 miles and especially prior to a long trip. If the oil reading is below the cross-hatched area of the dip stick, add 1 qt of Mobil 1 Supercar Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-40.
How to Check the Engine Oil
- Park the C8 Corvette on a flat and level ground
- Turn the engine on and let it warm up to at least 80 °C (175 °F)
- Once the engine is warm, check the oil while the engine is running at idle