Blackwing: Fixes

Blackwing:
Fixes

Here is a list of repairs, fixes, and upgrades I've done to my Blackwing.

Fix Description

Lug Nuts Lug Nuts Upgrade

Magnetic Oil Drain Plug Magnetic Oil Drain Plug

US Flag Aluminum US Flag

Fix	Description
Lug Nuts	Lug Nuts Upgrade
Magnetic Oil Drain Plug	Magnetic Oil Drain Plug
US Flag	Aluminum US Flag

Lug Nut Upgrade

I've yet to meet anyone who likes the sheet metal wrapped OEM lug nuts. They are universally hated. It's just a matter of time until your tire technician spins the sheet metal with an impact gun. My Blackwing came with M12 X 1.5 stainless lug nuts (and lug nut locks). I decided to preemptively replace them and since my wheels are satin graphite I switched to black.

In the past I've used McGard but the RPO SPY black lug nuts (GM 85553525) are actually nice. Instead of ordering as a $275 option, I paid $100 less and installed them after I got the car.


Lug Nut Set	Lug Nuts Installed

Magnetic Oil Drain Plug

In early 2007, GM switched from using oil drain plugs with a magnetic tip to drain plugs without. The obsolete part number for the OEM version is 88891787. These pop up on ebay from time to time. The threads are M12 X 1.75. These are also available from the aftermarket, e.g. the Dorman 090-936CD.

A magnetic oil drain plug will pick up ferrous metal particles that are smaller than your filter can trap as well as those that it can trap. Since I don't always cut my filters open they give me a quick check for junk that might be in the oil.

Aluminum US Flag

I'm not really big on putting decals or bumper stickers on my vehicles but I like displaying the US flag. I got this aluminum flag from ebay.