Sorry for the click bait title, I couldn’t resist. Having owned previous used 200s all of which where serviced either by dealers or quick lubes before my ownership and having to deal with missing and or rusted/cross threaded bolts I decided on something different for my new 2021.
After installing the Jowett Filter housing I wanted a way to keep the factory bash plate in place, yet still have access to quickly change the oil filter. So after much brain storming I decided a 6” Diamond Hole saw in the appropriate location was the best solution.
I triple marked where I was going to drill and used a Starrett Diamond Blade Hole Saw along with a Shaviv tool to completely debur the hole afterwords. And yes I do fully realize this defeats the purpose of the plate being fully intact. However my largest concern was protecting the radiator which the factory plate does well. I can tell you that from driving a Silverado thousands of miles in HARSH conditions for my job (FEMA) from Maine to Key West, out to Texas for storms and driving in water deeper than one should the number one use I have concluded that a factory plate protects against is sticks. Anything much heavier and you would need aftermarket plates.
After installing the Jowett Filter housing I wanted a way to keep the factory bash plate in place, yet still have access to quickly change the oil filter. So after much brain storming I decided a 6” Diamond Hole saw in the appropriate location was the best solution.
I triple marked where I was going to drill and used a Starrett Diamond Blade Hole Saw along with a Shaviv tool to completely debur the hole afterwords. And yes I do fully realize this defeats the purpose of the plate being fully intact. However my largest concern was protecting the radiator which the factory plate does well. I can tell you that from driving a Silverado thousands of miles in HARSH conditions for my job (FEMA) from Maine to Key West, out to Texas for storms and driving in water deeper than one should the number one use I have concluded that a factory plate protects against is sticks. Anything much heavier and you would need aftermarket plates.