oil change questions

[SBMIANO]

I have had 2 vipers 06 and now 09. I have always chaged the oil b4 i put it in storage. I have put 2k miles on my viper this summer and I checked the oil today, not low and still lite tan clear, like when they put it in. Is it necessary to chage the oil that soon?

Thanks for input.

 

[vpower01]

No, your fine.

 

[01sapphirebob]

There has been some debate on this very topic. I have always followed the owners manual which states to change the oil before storage.

 

[bluesrt]

dont need to change the oil till its dirty- period

 

[Hamrhead]

dont need to change the oil till its dirty- period

X2.

My .02 says what's the difference if the oil sits in your oil pan all winter, or sits in a bottle in your garage all winter?

 

[bluesrt]

I doesnt matter. Dont change it till its dirty

 

[viper_itch]

Define storage...


I'm thinking it is unlikely my 08 will hit the main streets from the first snow until the last plus a few good salt removing rain storms. If a typical winter, I would assume from late December until April. 3 full months plus. However, I'm sure I'll run it up and down neighborhood streets a few times. Maybe even warn it up a few times outside, so that I can bring it into the garage to warm the place up.

I guess my point is, I don't really call that storage. However, your winter could be a whole different ball game.

 

[3whitevipers]

It seems to me that this question was weighed in by the grailkeeper and he went to the SRT engineers who also said that you were fine to not change it. I have the same problem with 2 Vipers, a Vette and a Cobra. I really don't put the miles on them either due to rotation of use and just not long trips in them. I'm going to stick with every 2 yrs.--Dave

 

[viperdrummer]

There is so much over changing of oil with car guys it is ridiculous. Good oil is vitally important but folks really over do it.

 

[GTS Bruce]

If you can't afford to change the oil as cheap insurance maybe you should get rid of the Viper and get something else. GTS Bruce

 

[snakebitdave]

If you can't afford to change the oil as cheap insurance maybe you should get rid of the Viper and get something else. GTS Bruce

Just because one has a Viper doesn't mean he/she should spend money unneccesarily. The topic has nothing to do with whether or not he can afford it.

 

[Timnineside]

It seems to me that this question was weighed in by the grailkeeper and he went to the SRT engineers who also said that you were fine to not change it. I have the same problem with 2 Vipers, a Vette and a Cobra. I really don't put the miles on them either due to rotation of use and just not long trips in them. I'm going to stick with every 2 yrs.--Dave

Wish I had your problems!

I get it changed in the Spring. Leave it all winter, won't hurt nuffin! I start mine every few days, and its heated in there anyways so little to worry about.

 

[bluesrt]

i would not be starting the car and letting it just sit and idle- unless your gonna run it down the sub street for 5 min, dont start it at all

 

[Flexx91]

If you can't afford to change the oil as cheap insurance maybe you should get rid of the Viper and get something else. GTS Bruce

Obviously, you missed the whole point of this discussion........

 

[351carlo]

If you can't afford to change the oil as cheap insurance maybe you should get rid of the Viper and get something else. GTS Bruce

I take it you change your trans, diff, clutch and brake fluid as cheap insurance as well?

Give the guy a break, the oil is fine and designed to not just break down from sitting.

 

[VIPER R]

I put on about 3000 miles a year, change the oil every 12 months. Why not just change it before you store it. Used oil becomes acidic, why leave it sit, kill two birds with one stone.

 

[SBMIANO]

Thanks to all for your input except GTS Bruce. It about the hassel of bring it to a dealer. I have the same issues with my benze and supercharged range rover. Maybe that answers your affordability questions GTS Bruce. I have always said if its not constructive keep it on the sidelines.

 

[3whitevipers]

Remembered that this issue was discussed by Herb Helbig on page 17 of the May/June 2011 issue of the VCA magazine. In the Q&A section it was stated that if you put on 800 miles or so a year and the miles were such that the car was always completely warmed up and not track miles, that you could go 3 yrs between changes. Check out the mag. I agree with you SBMIANO that it's an issue of potential damage every time you let someone loose on your Viper, not an issue of money. I try to do all oil changes myself along with anything else I can tackle for the very reason that I don't want anybody messing with my toys.---Dave