Changing oil in the Z?

[Mikey_ZX]

Hello, I'm changing the oil in my 1994 NA Z. How many quarts of oil should I put in, if I'm not changing the filter?

[es.biggs]

Why don't you change the filter? My Z takes 4 quarts of oil, but I've never changed it and left the same filter on. I'd guess about 3.6. Then just top it off if you need to.

[robomatic12]

Change the filter, worth the extra like 5-10 bucks

[Mikey_ZX]

Thanks guys, I'll take your suggestions into account and change the filter as well.

[Z31toZ32]

change everything and put in 3.5. start it up and let it run for 20 seconds, then check the oil level. then add up to the "H" line. it is kinda hard to see with the nissan dipsticks.

[es.biggs]

Good call on the filter, Mikey

[grk nickafis]

why are you posting this if you could easily call and ask autozone or google it.

[grk nickafis]

Also, while you're down there changing your oil get a filter and a neodymium oil drain plug.

[CrazedZ32Owner]

change everything and put in 3.5. start it up and let it run for 20 seconds, then check the oil level. then add up to the "H" line. it is kinda hard to see with the nissan dipsticks.

stupid dipsticks

[NissanFairladyZ32]

Use Walmart Oil, The Best Oil

[CrazedZ32Owner]

no better yet....the generic oil in the gas stations cant go wrong lol

[es.biggs]

Sorry mikey, some people feel the need to show their asses to new folks. Don't pay them any attention.

[Mikey_ZX]

why are you posting this if you could easily call and ask autozone or google it.

FYI, I would ask Autozone, but they don't have any employees who own Z32's and I like inquiring from people who actually own the same car that I own, the information is more precise and it isn't someone over the counter just trying to answer your question in any old way. For example, I went to Autozone to pick up some transmission cooler line and they kept trying to sell me fuel line. When I GOOGLED it said there is a difference in longevity between the two hoses, the way the rubber is made. So, why use fuel hose as a substitute when you can use the actual transmission cooler hose. I do google most of the questions that I need answered, which is always my first try, but this forum is a lot more efficient when it comes to some of the questions that I have to ask. Again, thanks to everyone who has helped me!

[Z32man]

for z32 TT does it really only hold around 3.4 quarts? that seems very low for a 3.0L TT...

[Porschetech38]

your car would like you better if you changed the filter. pretty much pointless to do an oil change without filter. Although porsche calls for the first oil change after engine break in to be done without a new filter. I think mercedes does too. But thats a different scenario

[canadian booster]

FYI, I would ask Autozone, but they don't have any employees who own Z32's and I like inquiring from people who actually own the same car that I own, the information is more precise and it isn't someone over the counter just trying to answer your question in any old way.

I AGREE! I called a shop about getting something done and i asked if they specifically knew about my z32 and the guys said "yea we do Nissan" .. and i said NO! This isn't some Sentra or a Pathfinder, this is a twin turbo right hand drive nissan 300zx VGDETT screamin bat out of hell.. do you know how to work on these? his reply.. "i thought Toyota made those.."

*sigh*

[Redzunz]

hi, im new here, i know this is a dumb question but whats the best oil for the 300zx tt with high mileage???

[vulcanrush]

hi, im new here, i know this is a dumb question but whats the best oil for the 300zx tt with high mileage???

not a dumb question. there isn't really a "best" oil. redline is pretty good, but pricey...for a 300zx tt with high mileage...mobil 1 10w-40 high mileage is pretty good. mobil 1 0w-40 european formula, castrol 0w-30 european formula are pretty good also.

[es.biggs]

The way I see it, oil is oil. Synthetic is always better, unless you have leaks, in which case it might make the leak more apparent. If you use synthetic or not, the most important part is regularly changing the oil and filter. Most people including myself recommend every 3,000 miles. I use synthetic oil as well - usually Valvoline.

[Redzunz]

THANKS!!!

[canadian booster]

the most important part is regularly changing the oil and filter. Most people including myself recommend every 3,000 miles. I use synthetic oil as well

i change mine every 5000 km also, mobil 1 synthetic 10-40W. also when you get a filter, if they have a performance one, or something that costs $5 more please get it! I figure for the cost, i may as well have one with better flow and filtering

I've heard of people using regular oil on high mileage 300zx's and adding Lucas (http://www.lucasoil.ca). i've used Lucas before on my other cars, but they weren't turbo'd
edit: i used it on my firebird and pathfinder

[red 300zx]

How can there be this long of a thread about an oil change

[es.biggs]

I agree with Canada, a few extra dollars for a better oil filter is worth it!

[vulcanrush]

How can there be this long of a thread about an oil change

you'd be surprised, there is a forum dedicated to oil changes --- bobistheoilguy.com/

[red 300zx]

That's crazy you'd think if you looked at a book it would solve all your oil change questions... i.e. filter and amount, what else is there

[es.biggs]

Everything can be complicated if you analyze it.

[vulcanrush]

That's crazy you'd think if you looked at a book it would solve all your oil change questions... i.e. filter and amount, what else is there

it's for ppl who run extended oil change intervals, 8k+, etc.

they wanna see the wear and tear, it can get pretty addictive, i've personally mailed in my oil changes 3-4 times already.

[Mikey_ZX]

I didn't download the service manual until recently, however it is kind of difficult to gauge the dipstick because one side would look full and the other would look empty. When I bought my car, all I could think of is that the previous owner overfilled the engine with oil. Also, when I use this forum to ask a question it's kind of like a conformation or a double check sort of thing. Furthermore, thanks to those members who have helped me with all my questions and who didn't give me a hard time about asking them, even if some of my questions are kind of as some would think nonsense. IMO, an oil change is a very important maintenance routine, and I don't see a problem with clarification.

[es.biggs]

You're fine man no worries!