First Oil Change

Billarf

Well, I'm 61 years old and to date I have owned over 19 -new- performance cars and trucks. Actually at 19 new vehicles I lost track or gave up counting I guess you would say. I have owned Vette, Cobra, Porsche, Mustang, Ford Lighting, 280Z turbo and the likes.

I have always filled a stock vehicle with the recommended fill amount as per the factory. If the factory says 6 quarts it is six quarts. Says 5 1/8 it is 5 1/8. I am by the way, a bit of a motor head and have been for many years. I do most of my own vehicle work/mods. I'm into High performance cars, bikes, 4 wheelers. In regard to the 370Z. It has a low and high mark (no actual full mark) and the manual clearly states proper fill is between the two marks with recommended oil input at oil change (per factory) being 5 1/8 quarts. Indeed filling up to the high mark on the 370Z dip stick is usually alright and as you said will keep you in oil lets say longer since the 370Z seems to like to use oil. Point I wanted to make is that FACT is the proper fill per the manual is 5 1/8 regardless of the rationale of someone on a forum. For me over filling that a novice or anyone at that matter might due is harmful in itself. Best bet is to teach / preach what the factory says and not what some forum individual decides is best. Hopefully, this thread will make those here that are not savvy know that overfilling is an issue just as under filling/running low is. The really best bet is to fill as per the FACTORY recommendation for the 370Z which is 5 quarts 4 ounces and then monitor your dipstick religiously/closely. Add oil as needed. Keep the oil level of an at operating temperature 370Z between the low and high marks on the dipstick just as Nissan recommends.

Yes, more oil offers more cooling, etc. and sure a few ounces more is a plus but if you are going to preach /recommend extra oil by over filling then state the factory recommendation and then your work around / idea of how to get more oil in the picture via overfilling. Teach by the book and then give your personal ideas and let the vehicle owner decide what he or she wants to do.

Billarf

Taken directly from the 370z manual

Modshack

Yeah, well I'm the same age and have had 57 High Performance cars. Filling to the H mark is always what I've done. It's the best way to monitor usage between changes. Do what you want...I don't really care. Too many here don't even check anyway until the engine starts making noises. With this crowd, buying a little time is the difference between trashing a motor or not.. It's happened more than a few times here.

__________________

Steal my car! (SOLD)...Now Porsche Cayman S
Oil Cooler DIY: Here!

Billarf

I'm not wanting to be-labor a point or get into a pissing contest here.. I just think since so many novices are here (first time car owners, young guys/gals) that info posted should be factual and by the manual. Armed with the facts / by the manual recommendations the vehicle owner can now decide what he or she personally with knowledge wants to do. Going per the manual or ignoring same is the owner's decision.

As for me if the manual says proper fill is such a spot on the dipstick then that is the fill point! If I want more oil in the system I go with a larger aftermarket oil pan, cooler, oil filter..... I am always very careful to warn a novice lets say that overfilling an engine can cause major, major issues just as running low on oil. As mentioned I try to pound into their heads, check oil levels routinely and throw in caveats about tire pressure, etc.

Mod Shack .... Did not mean to step on your toes or to . I from reading your posts on this forum do know that you are lets say savvy and provide lots and lots of valuable info here.