I changed the oil without a lift or ramps—wanted to learn if either were absolutely necessary—and to determine how much oil was actually left in the engine that my oil evacuator could retrieve after I had drained all the engine oil via the oil drain plug. Here is how to do it, and it is not all that much fun unless you are a diehard, BUT it can be done:
- Your 370Z must not be lowered via suspension mods.
- The Sports Package front chin spoiler pieces (3) must not be installed.
- Make sure that your oil catch pan is no higher than 5 1/2".
- Have the proper size oil wrench or oil end cap filter wrench.
- You have to remove the lower engine shroud—you cannot use the rear fold-down flap portion as there is simply not enough room for things to happen.
- A level smooth floor surface is idea.
- Before shutting down the engine turn the front wheels all the right (passenger's side); this will allow for more room under the 370Z to get the oil filter off and access the oil drain plug.
Findings:
- After the engine was drained, oil filter removed, filler cap off, and had been sitting for about an hour I was still able to retrieve another 8+ ounces of oil out of the engine with the oil evacuator residing in areas of the oil pan that do not drain out even when the oil plug is removed.
- I was able to use my torque wrench to properly install the oil drain bolt.
- Since you cannot see the fastener locations of the lower engine shroud you need to double-check—by feel alone—all the fasteners to insure you have not missed any. I also use a very "low strength threadlock" so that I can easily remove the fasteners and do not have to cinch-down so much into the plastic engine shroud; this is also very good should you actually forget to tighten down a fastener as the fastener will be there the next time you go to remove the shroud.