Nice write up.

 

Even though this is an old thread - I just did this today (my first time changing the oil on a FWD vehicle). Our filter, you can get to it from under the car - it's centered just behind the radiator - HOWEVER, don't do as I did today, wait until the car is cooled down because you'll have to turn it a bit to fit it between a support brace and you'll dump hot a** oil on your hand like I did.

Other than that, the instructions are the same for our LA1 as they are for the L36.

 

Good tip for those changing the oil (i know..old thread. but this is useful!):

my 93 regal had the same thing, oil filter was easier to access with the passenger tire off. If your having trouble reaching the oil filter with a wrench or cap, take a sheet of medium to light grit sandpaper and grasp the filter with.

the position the filter was in was buried under the fender wall, just above the cv. Thing was horrific. When I looked under the monte it looks alot easier since it has a larger engine bay. aslong as the grit isn't too coarse you should be fine.

 

awesome write up i've changed the oil in all of my cars/trucks but when i first bought the car (3 days ago) i saw the filter location and right away . but saw this thread and now i feel cofortable enough to tackel it

 

One tidbit that I learned on my 05 SS is that if I turn the steering wheel all the way to the right, I can change oil without jacking it up... You can see the filter easily after doing this. As far as getting to the plug, well, it helps if you have long arms