As the title states. For those of you who have stripped threads on either the engine oil drain or the tranny drain (I care more about 5-speed than auto), was it the bolt threads or the hole threads that stripped? I have a feeling something is close to stripping on both my train plugs and I want to get an idea of what the most likely scenario is.

If you use the proper socket the bolt won't strip. Personally I haven't had either strip yet, but for added insurance I would suggest that you change the copper washer every 3 or 4 oil changes and the bolt too when it gets worn. You can get a pack of 5 washers for like $2 @ any parts store.

So the bolt is more likely to strip?

no the threads in the oil pan are more likely to strip, and that would be a pain to fix.

Yikes. Okay.

What about on the tranny (5-speed)?

It all depends on how careless you or your mechanic is in taking out the drain plug. Think about it, you change your engine oil anywhere from 3500 to 7000 miles, sometimes 10k if you're lazy. If you put in good manual fluid (I personally use Redline for the cold weather) you won't have to change it again for years or until the tranny starts acting up, whichever comes first. I like my car and treat it well but I haven't changed my fluid since May 2001 and I won't until there's a problem or it's low, indicating a leak somewhere.

The base metal is always softer than the bolt threads. So the pan and tranny housing are at risk of stripping, not the bolts.

Dave

i always had it understood, that the engine drain pan hole has stronger threads than the drain bolt. It makes sense also, its much easier to replace a drain bolt/plug than a oil pan.

i felt that my 3rd gen 5spd tranny drain hole (tranny threads, not bolt threads) stripped out WAY too easy, though i was stupid and didnt use a torque wrench. aluminum strips very easy

None of thoes should ever strip if you use the right tools and use common sense when tightening the bolts.

Dont worry about the engine oil drain bolt or pan. If so somehow find a way to strip the pan, its SUPER easy to replace and used lower oil pans are cheap. Plus, it will be a good chance to upgrade to a 5th gen lower oil pan, which is a good thing.

As for the tranny, again, common sense, it doesnt need to be super tight and Ive never heard of someone stripping the tranny plug...but, the tranny is aluminum so re-tapping it shouldnt be too hard...maybe, never tried that tho.