This is where mine is.....pretty ez! except when the dealer you buy it from didn't put any oil on the filter gasket and you can't get the damn thing off..you get a tear in filter and it starts leaking oil everywhere..that sucks if that happens but otherwise it's ez!

 

It's a pain to put the new filter on as well for me. My oil has about 5000-6000 miles on it, so it's time to change it, only problem I have now is, it's lowered so I can slide underneath it, and the only thing I have to lift is it the bottle jack which is a pain to use.

Cavalier was my first car, and we had to remove the passenger tire to change the oil filter, I hated it!

 

Even though mines easy to get under I decided to not do it anymore after my lift since I pay 15 bucks extra and my shop does it and greases and lubes the chassis for me. Plus my new rear crossmember is right under my drain plug which = big mess

 

If my filter was behind the bumper, I wouldn't mind. I have been changing my own oil since I was a kid. But this filter location is rediculous!

 

The additional expense to have it done saves a lot of time and hassle - these days, you also have disposal to be concerned about. Take it to a shop that you trust. I used to change my own for MANY years - no more.

I use Mobil 1 EP and a Mobil 1 filter. To do it myself with that, it would cost me $54. For $64, I have it done, and they lube it and check all fluids and give the underside a look-see and dispose of the old oil and filter - I'm in and out in 30 minutes. It's WELL worth the 10 bucks to me.

 

Takes me no more than 5-10 easy minutes to do my...and it's a 5.4 with the filter on the block....

 

I take about an hour. I like to let all the old oil drain out before I throw the new stuff in

 

I need to do an oil filter relocation kit on my truck because the OP is right, the location on the 01-03 5.4's is stupid.

 

You just need the right tool to remove the oil filter. I prefer the oil filter cap that goes on the end of a wrench.

 

I wouldn't mind relocating my oil filter, be easier to put on, just crawling under it now is going to be impossible.

 

It's a weird location, but not that hard to get to. Only takes like 5 min of work. Like Jbrew though, I sit inside, and let it drain. I use Motorcraft oil & filter, still cost me less then the local places, and I have the piece of mind knowing they didn't mess something up.

 

I have three vehicles right now a 1997 f150 4x4 (not on road due to being t-boned), 1998 F150 4x4, and a 1997 Cavalier (winter beater). Also had a 1993 S-10. Cavalier equals pita to change filter and oil, older s-10 not too bad but the f150's are the easiest vehicles i have ever done for doing oil changes.

 

That, and the big secret is to turn your tire to clear the steering components out of the way. I forget which way to turn (I think right), but this precludes the use of ramps if you can't get under the truck without raising it. My floor jack makes quick work, though.

I don't like to let anyone touch my truck - even just an oil change - without me watching. And I especially hate the high-pressure sales tactics at the dealers.

 

I just use my hand to remove, and replace the filter. Never had a problem. Only time I had a problem, was when I first got the truck, and the previous owner must of tightened it with something, b/c it wasn't budging. And, as you all know, there isn't much space to get anytype of removal tool up there.

 

Yep, i turn my wheels all the way to the right, makes it a little easier to get to. You just have to hold your mouth just right to manuever it out of the mess of linkage and bracing.

My easiest car to change oil on was my 79 Cutlass.. had a 305 V8.. the oil filter was right back near the flywheel.. just pop a filter wrench on the bottom and it came right off. Plus, i could fill teh filter full of fresh oil, so when i started it up, no waiting for a few seconds for oil to make the rounds and come up to pressure.