I bought my 1996 Z28 with 130k on it a few months ago, and I have been going through it as I have time with maintenance (did plugs and wires last month, new tires a few weeks ago, ect), and I want to change the transmissin fluid. First of all, after doing a search, I know to check the fluid while the car is running (as on most vehicles), but do check it while it's in park or in neutral?

Also, when I go to change the fluid, is it as simple as dropping the pan, letting it drain, and then fill it back up? I know there are better ways, but for a simple driveway maintenance, I'd like to just do that. How much fluid does the transmission hold ('96 LT1 auto), like how much do I need to buy if I simply drop the pan? Any help is greatly appreciated!

 

Your owner's manual has a detailed explanation on how to check the fluid. It also states drain and refill should be 10 pints of fluid.

If you don't have an owners's manual, you can get a pdf version on my site:

http://shbox.com/pdf/manuals.html

You can loosen the pan bolts, removing the ones at the rear allowing it to drop down to regulate draining. Remove and clean the pan. Change the filter and put on a new gasket.