How hard is it to change the oil filter with the C/S installed?

[fourwhls]

I am getting ready to order an oil cool for my car and am trying to decide between just a cooler or a cooler and remote mount.

I would rather just go with the cooler, for both cost and weight conciderations. BUT...if changing the filter is a real PITA I will order the remote mount.

Whatcha think?

BTW...I don't have the C/S for my car yet.

[mx3jmcb]

It's no sweat...i have a 94 and you can do it over the top no problem!

[tann3r]

I just changed the oil on my 99 last weekend. Pre-coldside I'd just pull it out from the top. Post-coldside, I found it just as easy to get it from the pass-side wheel well.

[Kyp J]

I put in the Thompson relocation kit just to avoid the oil drippage from the side mounted filter.

[99mx5]

I changed to the new air intake design and my oil filter is easily reachable from the front. Theres even space to place rags to catch the drip.

[Mark]

I would rather just go with the cooler, for both cost and weight conciderations.

While I can appreciate the cost factor, I don't think weight should be considered. I added both a cooler and remote filter. The only difference in weight is the cast aluminum remote filter mount along with a smidge more oil.. I'd say less than 1 pound.

[ThomS]

The Thompson oil re-location kit it is great and easy. I found changing the oil without it was very hard and my arms not quiet long enough.
But I have an 02 and have a littlemore in the engine bay then some others.

[GO MAN GO]

It's no sweat...i have a 94 and you can do it over the top no problem!

What???? What am I missing here? Go Go Gadget Arms!

[bogey]

Changing the oil (on my 96) is still a pain in the arm. I do it through the wheelwell just like before the supercharger, but it still makes a mess. You have the intake hose and MAF in the way...

I would love a relocation kit, but I really don't have room for it unless I run the lines to the hotside of the engine. I have plenty of room over there without the stock airbox...

Are there any issues with a long oil line run to the other side? I think the lines would be able to run across the bottom of the radiator like the AC lines. However, the lines would hold a lot of dirty oil when doing an oil change.

[mx3jmcb]

What???? What am I missing here? Go Go Gadget Arms!

I have no problem reaching under the blower from the front ....it seems easier to apply pressure for me than before with the stock intake manifold as the blower is farther away from the filter.

My arms are normal length btw ehehe...no need for a relocation kit in my case.

[fourwhls]

While I can appreciate the cost factor, I don't think weight should be considered. I added both a cooler and remote filter. The only difference in weight is the cast aluminum remote filter mount along with a smidge more oil.. I'd say less than 1 pound.

The aluminum remote mount, the extra hoses and fitting. 1lb may be an underestimate.

Also, my car is not a daily driven car. It is used for track and autocross where every ounce counts, let alone a pound.

[ThomS]

Changing the oil (on my 96) is still a pain in the arm. I do it through the wheelwell just like before the supercharger, but it still makes a mess. You have the intake hose and MAF in the way...

I would love a relocation kit, but I really don't have room for it unless I run the lines to the hotside of the engine. I have plenty of room over there without the stock airbox...

Are there any issues with a long oil line run to the other side? I think the lines would be able to run across the bottom of the radiator like the AC lines. However, the lines would hold a lot of dirty oil when doing an oil change.

I don't think you can run Oil lines that far. When I called and had Thompson make the lines he sent me a little longer, he said something like
Yes he can do that but not too much longer. Not sure why.
But I was able to make them fit on the coldside of the engine and I have as much or less room than you should. I have a 02 and belive me it is tight on the coldside. But now the oil change is a dream. SO EASY.

[bogey]

I don't know why line length would be a big issue. There are lots of truck that run remote filters, often a good distance from the engine. Also, what about having an inline oil cooler. That would add several feet of distance.

I think the issue is the potenially longer time before oil pressure is delivered to the engine after an oil change. If the lines are prefilled with oil, this would not be any different than having it close.

When changing oil, I think it would be a good idea to pressurize the lines with air to remove old oil, then refill them with clean oil.

Does anyone have any insight into this question? What else could be an issue?

[bogey]

But I was able to make them fit on the coldside of the engine and I have as much or less room than you should. I have a 02 and belive me it is tight on the coldside. But now the oil change is a dream. SO EASY.

Have any photos of your install? On an NA, things are even tighter on the coldside. The headlight mechanisn intrudes much further than an NB.

I would consider relocating the radiator overflow bottle to the hotside and placing a remote filter there...

[socal pat]

I think you just answered the question Bogey. Moving the washer bottle would be a big help. I just tossed mine. I bet the stock Thompson hoses might even still work.??? Just talking out of my..... well anyway it would be worth looking into. I put one in and love the thing. even makes it a breeze to hookup oil pressure and temp gauges.

[Mark]

I would consider relocating the radiator overflow bottle to the hotside and placing a remote filter there...

I purchased a generic radiator overflow bottle and have it right where the stock airbox sits. I had to move it so that I could keep the IAC over on the coldside. NA + ABS = No room.

[da_blue]

Interresting posts here... I am about to do my first oil change with the CS installed. I have always found the experience quite painful, I don't think it will be any easier now. Anyways... a relocation kit is very likely to be added to my winter projects list.

Thanks for sharing your tricks and all !

[Race Grandpa]

Changing the oil (on my 96) is still a pain in the arm. I do it through the wheelwell just like before the supercharger, but it still makes a mess. You have the intake hose and MAF in the way...

I would love a relocation kit, but I really don't have room for it unless I run the lines to the hotside of the engine. I have plenty of room over there without the stock airbox...

Are there any issues with a long oil line run to the other side? I think the lines would be able to run across the bottom of the radiator like the AC lines. However, the lines would hold a lot of dirty oil when doing an oil change.

I have a 97 and the same problems as you do. And I need HELP.

And I wonder what affect the longer hoses might have on the oil pressure. One might have to put in more oil to make sure the oil pressure is where it should be. But how does one put more oil into the engine while making sure the lines are full of oil.

Do the lines put material into the oil? If not, then synthetic would be OK.


WHAT we need for the NAs is a way to relocate the filter and MAF. The only modifications I have seen are for 99 and newer models.

Someone mentioned moving the water bottle. I do not see how that can be done in my NA (97).

I am on the leading edge of how to fix a Briggs and Straton or 1962 VW motor. So, I am probably out to lunch on this topic. :stuart:

As always, I definitely need HELP.

[Wayne-n-Fla]

Why not use the cross over intake tube like "snake bit" did ?

[bogey]

Why not use the cross over intake tube like "snake bit" did ?

There are a couple issues with this... The problem is the intake hose that drops below the engine and partially blocks access to the oil filter.

A relocation kit would be a great fix, but there is no room on the passenger side of the engine. The washer bottle is not really the problem. Relocating/replacing the coolant overflow tank to the hotside of the engine where the stock filter box was is probably the best option to clear up space on the passender fender for the thompson oil filter relocation kit.

If the airfilter/MAF can be relocated on an NA using the new silicone elbow, that would make oil changes easier. I am awaiting someone to try it and report back results.

[bogey]

Do the lines put material into the oil? If not, then synthetic would be OK.



What do you mean by this...???

[Race Grandpa]

What do you mean by this...???

This came to mind when I read your comment in a post that said "The lines could hold a lot of dirty oil."

[Race Grandpa]

It appears that 99mx5 has a solution for those of us that have an NA.

Information is available in the Modifications section under Production Version of New Air Intake. :rockon: