Removing Oil Pan In Trans Am Firebird: Step-By-Step Guide

If you want to remove the oil pan in a Trans Am Firebird without removing the motor, you'll need to raise the front of the vehicle. This can be done by lifting the engine until the transmission touches the top of the transmission tunnel. You'll need to disconnect the exhaust y-pipe, starter, distributor cap, torque converter dust shield, and two motor mount bolts. Once the engine is lifted, you can slide the oil pan out. It's important to note that this process is much more difficult than simply removing the motor, and it's recommended to use a hoist or pulley system to make it easier.

Lift the front of the car to access the oil pan drain bolt

To access the oil pan drain bolt of your Trans Am Firebird, you'll need to lift the front of the car. Here's a step-by-step guide to doing this safely:

Park your car on a level surface: Find a flat, sturdy area to park your car, away from traffic and on solid ground such as tarmac. Avoid soft or broken surfaces like dirt roads. If you're unable to find a suitable location, consider calling a tow service.

Secure your car: Turn on your hazard lights and use cones or reflective hazard triangles for added safety, especially if you're working near traffic. Straighten your steering wheel, put the car in park (for automatic transmissions) or first gear (for manual transmissions), and engage the parking brake.

Locate the jack points: Refer to your owner's manual to identify the specific spots where the jack should be positioned. These are usually reinforced jack points welded to the body, located behind the front wheels or in front of the rear wheels.

Position the jack: Place the jack under one of the identified jack points. Make sure the jack is facing the correct side up; refer to the jack's user manual for visual instructions if needed.

Raise the jack: Depending on the type of jack you have, use the jack handle to turn or pump the lever and raise the jack until it touches the car. Continue raising the jack until the nearest wheel leaves the ground. Ensure that the jack remains stable and doesn't lean to one side.

Use jack stands: If you plan to work underneath the car, it's crucial to use jack stands for added stability and safety. Place a jack stand next to the jack and raise it until it touches the jack point. Then, slowly lower the jack until the jack stand supports the car's weight.

With the front of your Trans Am Firebird securely lifted, you can now access the oil pan drain bolt and proceed with your maintenance or repair work. Remember to always exercise caution when working on your vehicle and follow the recommended safety guidelines.

Drain the engine oil

To drain the engine oil in a Trans Am Firebird, follow these steps:

First, lift the front of the vehicle and support it with jack stands. Alternatively, you can drive the car up onto a set of 2x4s or ramps to gain the necessary ground clearance. This will give you access to the oil pan drain bolt.

Next, open the hood and remove the engine oil filler cap. This will allow the oil to flow out of the pan more easily once the drain bolt is removed. Position an oil catch pan underneath the engine oil pan and remove the drain bolt. Clean the drain bolt of any small metallic particles while the oil continues to drain.

Once the oil has finished draining, slide the oil catch pan under the oil filter to catch any remaining drips. Remove the oil filter by turning it counter-clockwise. In some cases, you may need a filter wrench to loosen the filter. As the filter is loosened, oil will slowly emerge from its base, so be sure your catch pan is properly positioned. Once the filter is removed, place it upside down in the catch pan.

Now, lightly oil the filter sealing ring with fresh engine oil before installing it into the filter housing. The service manual recommends tightening the filter to 22 ft/lbs, but you can usually achieve this by securely tightening the filter by hand, which will also prevent damage to the filter housing threads that can be caused by over-tightening.

Finally, install the oil pan drain bolt and torque to 18 ft/lbs.

Remove the oil filter

To remove the oil filter from a Trans Am Firebird, follow these steps:

• Lift the front of the vehicle: Use a floor jack to lift the front of the car and support it with jack stands. Alternatively, drive the car up onto a set of 2x4s or car ramps to gain the necessary ground clearance.
• Open the hood and remove the engine oil filler cap: This step allows the oil to drain more easily from the oil pan.
• Position an oil catch pan: Place the oil catch pan under the engine oil pan to collect the drained oil.
• Remove the drain bolt: This will allow the oil to flow out of the oil pan.
• Clean the drain bolt: As the oil drains, wipe away any small metallic particles from the drain bolt.
• Slide the oil catch pan under the oil filter: Once the majority of the oil has drained and slowed to a drip, reposition the oil catch pan to catch any oil that may spill when removing the oil filter.
• Remove the oil filter: Turn the oil filter counter-clockwise to loosen and remove it. In some cases, you may need a filter wrench to loosen it. As you loosen the filter, oil will slowly emerge from its base, so ensure the catch pan is properly positioned. Once removed, place the old oil filter upside down in the catch pan to prevent spilling.

Refit the oil pan drain plug

To refit the oil pan drain plug, follow these steps:

• Install the oil pan drain bolt and torque to 18 ft/lbs.
• Fill the engine with the required amount of engine oil for your application as outlined in the service manual.
• When finished, install the filler cap.
• With the engine full of oil, start the vehicle.
• Monitor the oil pressure gauge to ensure oil pressure is quickly achieved after the engine is running.
• Check for any oil leaks before lowering the car off of jack stands/ramps/or blocks.
• Shut the car off and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before checking the oil level.
• Top off with oil as necessary.

Fill the engine with fresh oil

Once you've drained the old oil and replaced the oil filter, it's time to fill the engine with fresh oil.

Firstly, replace the oil pan drain bolt and torque to 18 ft/lbs.

Next, fill the engine with the required amount of engine oil for your application. When finished, install the filler cap.

With the engine full of oil, start the vehicle. Monitor the oil pressure gauge to ensure oil pressure is quickly achieved after the engine is running.

Check for any oil leaks before lowering the car off of jack stands/ramps/or blocks.

Shut the car off and allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes before checking the oil level. Top off with oil as necessary.

Now, you've changed your oil and saved a bunch of money.

Frequently asked questions