Access to Oil Filter & Drain Plug

Discussion in 'Dodge Challenger General Maintenance' started by SRT-Tom, Nov 20, 2018.

  1. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    As we all know, it is an annoying and time wasting chore to remove the belly pan from Challengers in order to change the oil and filter.

    Yesterday, I changed the oil on my wife's 2017 Hyundai Elantra and it was a breeze. Hyundai, conveniently, designed two access holes for the drain plug and the oil filter. All you need is an oil cap wrench for your socket. Also, unlike some other import manufacturers, they have a canister-type oil filter rather than a messy cartridge.

    It made me wonder, why the Challenger belly pan does not have these access holes? It would make things so much easier.
     
  2. 70-426_10-SRT

    70-426_10-SRT B&E body lover

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    Because MOST people today, take their cars to the Dealership, or JiffyLube instead of working on their own cars.

    Kids these days........
     
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  3. Hopslayer

    Hopslayer Full Access Member

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    They do oil changes cheap where I work, plus I get an employee discount. Brought my own oil and filter in and it cost me $14.40 and tax to get it done, and I didn't have to mess with any old oil. :)
     
  4. Wizard of Iz

    Wizard of Iz Full Access Member

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    The belly pan on our ‘17 Durango R/T has an access hole for oil changes.
     
  5. IntimidatorRT

    IntimidatorRT Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator

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    on challengers, 3G Customz has a belly aluminum belly pan which has the cut outs for the filter and the drain plug that way you don't have to keep taking it off every time you change oil.
     
  6. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    I think the solid belly pan on the Challenger was influenced by the former owner, Daimler. Porsche cars have the same thing.

    It was probably designed for two things- aerodynamics and protection of aluminum alloy parts (i.e., steering wheel rack and oil pan).
     
  7. ZEN357

    ZEN357 Full Access Member

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    It's four bolts. Seriously? I'd rather have a full belly pan under my car that I had to remove versus an access hole where something could get knocked or thrown up in and hit part of my engine. Besides, getting dirty and turning a wrench is what it's all about!!!! :)
     
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  8. 2009 Classic B5

    2009 Classic B5 Full Access Member

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    I have to agree with Zen. It takes >2 minutes to remove 4 ea 10mm screws and push the pan out of the way. And considering how dirty the underside of old cars got without this shield, I am glad to do this.
    Plus doing this at home takes less time than driving to a quick lube and waiting in line. And I do not trust teenagers working on my car. Friends have had drain plugs drop out and oil put in their brake system (Big Ouch!).
    I also like to visually inspect things so I can anticipate problems like leaking PS, etc.
     
  9. IntimidatorRT

    IntimidatorRT Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator

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    well i go to reputable oil shop which is local for me, he has a few hot rods himself and knows that things have to be done right plus he is a member of our local car club..... I know most of his employees and the ones that work on my car when I take it in for an oil change or tire rotation. Having back issues prevent me from crawling under my car to do oil changes. Plus the my buddies shop don't mind me bringing in my own oil and filter. it still cost me $18 for his fee on the oil change.
     
  10. SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    Just curious...What brand oil filter do you use. I use the SRT filter. It is made by Wix and was built to the specifications of the SRT engineers. I usually buy them on E-Bay for about $12.