Sorry this is probably a dumb question that has brought up before but it is a quick one. Is it better to have the front of the S2000 up (use ramps) or drain the oil when the car is as level as possible? Thanks for the help!

 

I've always done it with the front up, seems to drain faster.

 

Take a look at where the drain hole is. If you drain with the car's nose up, then you get a pool of oil gathering at the back of the pan that will not flow out of the hole. You won't get as much oil out as when the car is level. But if this small amount left in the engine doesn't bother you, then don't worry about it. Also, when you put the oil back in, you can't rely upon the dipstick reading when the car is not level.

 

 

The "best" practice is to drain the oil when the engine is hot and level. This will allow the most used oil to drain.

 

I always put the car on a lift, remove the oil pan, and give the inside of the block a good pressure washing with a strong mix of mineral spirits and kerosene.

Oh and I'd advise to not smoke while performing this task... That is how I lost my first two S2000s.... Along with most of my skin and hair.

 

Define "always".
You can run a car for 200,000 miles and NEVER have to do this. Why do you feel the need to "always" do this?

 

I though pressure "washing" the internals of the engine or using "flushing oils" was not particularly good for the engine...and you were better off with more regular oil changes?

 

I hope to God that you're joking.

Removing the oil pan is no trivial task, and doing so for every oil change is a big waste of time IMO.

I drain my oil when the car is level. With the Fumoto valve, it's very easy to do with the car sitting on the ground. Other owners have reported that they can reach the oil drain bolt from the top of the engine too, so there really isn't any need to lift the car for an oil change. It's easy to reach the oil filter from the top as well.