A Few Updates (2011 Challenger Oil Change, Loose Drain Plug, SpeedLogix Catch Can)

It has been a awhile so I figured I’d post an update.  We have a couple of projects going in the garage right now.  First is a general cleaning – this garage gets filthy after a while!  Cleanign it up and sweeping up all the dust and dead bugs is a real pain but the work is so worth it.  The place “feels” so much better when it is uncluttered. 

We’re also installing a security system – it’s something I’ve wanted for a while but just never got to it. 

The Challenger is a lot of fun to own.  I’m still amazed by all the looks it gets – I’ve even noticed folks driving by and taking pictures of it while going down the highway.

I did my first oil change yesterday and I was a bit surprised to discover that the oil drain plug was only FINGER TIGHT!  I went to put the socket on there and saw the bolt turn as I touched the plug!  I was immediately consumed with dread as I removed the rest of the bolt from the oil pan, worried that no dirty oil would follow.  Fortunately that was not the case.  The dealer I bought the car from must not had torqued the plug adequately.  I was lucky that it didn’t drain out onto the highway – another reason why I don’t like trusting my car maintenance to others.

 

Up on the lift looking pretty.

  The last bit oil dripping out.

 

All done.

I used an Amsoil oil filter, 7 quarts of Mobile 1 0w-40 synthetic oil and torqued the oil plug to 25 ft lbs.  Note that Dodge has recently changed the recommended oil viscosity from 5w-40 to 0w-40.

While the car was on the lift, I also rotated the tires and took the opportunity to clean the wheel wells, shrouds, shocks, calipers, etc.  Justin worked hard at washing the inside of the wheels to get a clean dust free look.

The end result.

 

I’d like to also take this opportunity to plug the Green With Envy catch can offered for sale by SpeedLogix.  This thing is easy to install and looks great under the hood!

 

Catch Can by SpeedLogix in GWE.

Please Welcome a New Member of the Family to the Garage!

Well, I finally did it.  I’ve lost a lot of my hair and I just turned 41 so it seemed like a great time to go out and buy this:::

It’s a 2011 Challenger SRT8 with the 392 470HP HEMI motor.  I found it in Pennsylvania with only 3200 miles on it and painted in the coveted “Green with Envy” color.  I plan for this baby to be a beautiful garage ornament and hope to be able to resist the urge to put lots of miles on it.  I still have the G35 and will continue using it as my daily driver. 

I don’t really have a lot of mod plans at the moment.  The previous owner had installed a Corsa cat back exhaust on it already so that is obviously off of the list.  It sure sounds good, btw.  I may install a backup camera to help with all the blind spots and maybe a catch can and/or cold air intake.  We’ll see!

Anyway, I apologize for the lack of posts lately.  I’ll try to get back on track.  I have some work to do on the ‘01 2500 this coming weekend.  This includes a new power steering box and shaft to help get rid of all that steering slop (I hope).  I’m also changing out all of the factory lighting for new fixtures and will be replacing the shocks.  I’ll post an update when I can!